A Stormy Day On Taxal Edge, Whaley Bridge

Introduction

Today’s forecast could best be described as iffy!

It turned out that there was one serious storm, lots of dark clouds, but also plenty of sunshine.

The drive to Whaley Bridge is 30 minutes.

This is an 8.5 mile walk, with 1680 feet of ascent, so can be quite challenging. It took 3 hours 45 minutes, plus a 15 minute lunch break.

It covers a mix of paths, tracks, fields and minor roads, so perhaps not the best for dogs who like to be off the lead.

I parked on Reservoir Road, beyond the site of the dam repair contractors. Use postcode SK23 7BL.

The walk requires both OS Explorer Maps OL1 and OL24.

Toddbrook Reservoir To Dunge Farm

It’s now 4 years since Whaley Bridge was evacuated under threat of the Toddbrook Reservoir dam collapsing. There still seems much work to do, and the vegetation has now taken hold above the current very low water line.

My route soon led away, and up through a sunny copse.

A nuthatch was calling loudly. Can you spot it?

I joined a minor road with spectacular views across the Todd Brook valley.

At the bottom of the cobbled road I crossed Todd Brook, leaving Derbyshire High Peak for East Cheshire.

Rising again, and taking care to be on the correct path, there were more views to the reservoir from Gap House.

Crossing the B5470, I encountered some inquisitive sheep.

And it seems they are already planning for next Christmas here!

The skies were darker now, and soon it was raining, and the views were disappearing.

There were still some hardy folk up on Windgather Rocks, where I would find myself a little later.

I was walking straight into the teeth of a strong wind with driving rain. A great test for my wet weather clothing. It was beginning to fail when I reached Dunge Farm, whose garage was, thankfully open. Out of view of the house, I took refuge for 20 minutes.

Dunge Farm To Windgather Rocks

Thirty years ago Dunge Farm’s estate was open to the public as a visitor attraction, Dunge Valley Gardens. It was lovely, but I imagine it didn’t meet all the access and safety regulations that came into force. There are a few pretty remnants to be seen from the public footpath.

The storm had passed, but looking back from the fields, the amazing rainbow in my header picture shone brightly, and then cleared to leave sharp landscapes in the clean air.

I passed the farm at Green Stack, and continued up the fields, and over the stiles. Looking back over the farm, thehills between Lyme Park and Kettleshulme are in the distance.

I reached the road, near to the tiny Jenkin Chapel, but my route was left, up the steep slope to the viewpoint and completely empty car park at Pym Chair.

The picture on the right shows Windgather Rocks, and I followed the road down there. The path leaves the road at a small quarry by the rocky outcrop, and I was now back in Derbyshire.

Windgather Rocks To Whaley Bridge

Windgather Rocks are aptly named. The strong wind had dried the rocks, so I stopped here for lunch, keeping an eye on the encircling clouds.

As I left I was glad that the wind was blowing me away from the edge!

Looking back, I realised I was lucky that the next storm slipped past to the east.

As I dropped down the hill, the wind disappeared. The open woodland of Goyt Forest is lovely, made more so by the bright sun.

Leaving the forest, I could see my return route to Whaley Bridge.

The sunny views to the east were spectacular too.

Below the moorland heather, cultivated farmland returns, above the treelined valley of the River Goyt.

Inevitably, I’m soon back in civilisation, marked by Fernilee Church.

This is followed by the path running through a large new greenfield housing development under construction, as Whaley Bridge extends into the adjacent countryside.

The route back to the car is longer than my planned route as the path across the dam is some way off reopening. So, I head down into Whaley Bridge Memorial Park, where Todd Brook enters the River Goyt.

The path and road take me round the civil engineering site and back to my car.

It was quite a wild day on the hills, and I found it absolutely exhilarating!

Highly recommended for those who enjoy a few hours of a challenge.

And Finally….

We saw Father John Misty at The Apollo last Friday. Easy listening music. This is “Goodbye Mr Blue”.