Introduction
I was last in Gratton Dale on 27th May2021 when I took in areas to the south and west of the dale –
Today, I took in areas to the the north, east and south of Gratton Dale.
The weather started sunny but slowly clouded over, and there were a couple of short, light showers.
The drive to Elton takes an hour, and my 7.5 mile walk took 3 hours 30 minutes including lunch.
For dog walkers, this is a decent walk. There were two fields of cattle, but otherwise it was fine for dogs to be off the lead.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24. I walked anti-clockwise on this circular route.
There is free on street parking in Elton village.
Elton To Anthony Hill
I set off past the church.
Then, took the path left and then right to enter open country.
At a wall I turned left, heading downhill through an open copse towards a small stream.
I’ve used the buttercup as my featured image, as they were stunning in numerous fields today, starting here.
At Dudwood Farm, a familiar warbler was chiff-chaffing away. here he is.
The views back across the valley to Elton are beautiful.
At Harthill Moor Farm the map shows an ancient monument, Castle Ring. Historic England describes Castle Ring as a defended settlement from between 7th and 5th century BC – ie. very very old!
It continues:
An exceptionally well preserved example of a defended settlement. It lies within an area rich in prehistoric monuments, including a second defended settlement, and will contribute to the study of settlement and land-use in this area at this time. Castle Ring is situated on Harthill Moor in the eastern gritstone moorlands of Derbyshire. The monument is a sub-circular enclosure comprising a bank, external ditch and counterscarp bank surrounding an area of c.0.5 hectares. The internal bank or rampart appears to be of simple dump construction and varies between 1m and 2m high while the counterscarp bank is between 0.5m and 1m high. The ditch is c.5m wide and is less distinct on the south side where there is no rampart visible. This is an indication that the original entrance lay in this region. The monument has not been excavated but it forms part of a rich Bronze Age landscape on Harthill Moor.
And this is what you see, if you walk up to the top of the hill. The dry stone wall is, of course, of a much later time!
The next section of walk criss-crosses several farm fields with spectacular views, and skies!
I sat for a while opposite this copse of pines. There were a few birds to see, and also a brown hare hopping into the trees!
Soon, I could see the scarp slope of Anthony Hill.
The path runs along the bottom of the slope, and the views are wonderful.
And soon, I get my first view of the narrow wooded gorge that is Gratton Dale.
And there are more buttercups here too……… along with a rather menacing looking cow!
Gratton Dale
Arriving in Gratton, I loved this weather vane. But why is there an “O”, not a “W” pointing west?
As I enter the dale, I am struck by bird song, led by a song thrush. Take a moment and enjoy this!
And here is a gallery of photos from this gorgeous place.
Back To Elton
Emerging onto the main road, I’m soon crossing farm fields again.
I was delighted that the farmer had cut the path out as I made my way over this wheat field. However, rain had made the crop wet, and the track wasn’t wide enough to stop my trousers getting pretty wet!
However, it was worth it, to see the view.
I reached the track, which I’d walked up in 2021, about 2 weeks earlier. Today, it was much more overgrown!
Almost in the village, and there’s another wonderful display of buttercups.
A great walk. This is just such a magical place. I’m sure I’ll keep returning as long as I’m able!
And Finally…..
On Saturday I’m off to see The Killers at Old Trafford, so have been listening to their back catalogue this week.
This is “Smile Like You Mean It”.