Introduction
On a bright, dry day, Cal and I headed off to The Peak District. Bakewel is heaving in the summer, but just busy enough for the shops and eateries to be fully open now.
It’s a 1 hour drive from Cheadle Hulme. We parked in the Market Place and strolled round the town, and up to the church, and took in a light lunch at one of the small cafes.
We fed the meter in the car park before setting off for our 3.6 mile walk.
It’s a great walk for dogs, mostly on a disused rail line, The Monsal Trail, and a walled bridleway.
We walked in an anticlockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.
Bakewell To Hassop Station
We used the road bridge to cross the River Wye, pausing to enjoy the river, and the ducks.
We took the B6048 up to Castle Hill, quite a steep climb and arrived at some railway buildings.
Behind the former station, we joined the Monsal Trail. As expected it’s fairly flat, and the cyclists have to be looked out for, though it’s plenty wide enough for everyone. The views all around are memorable.
Before long we were at Hassop Station where the old buildings are now a busy cafe, car park and cycle hire centre.
Hassop Station To Holme Hall
Shortly after the station we came to cross paths where we turned left.
Cal is a big fan of moss, and there’s plenty of it round these parts!
The bridleway cuts through open farmland, and affords grand views to distant hills.
Soon enough, we are heading back down towards Bakewell.
We spotted what we think is a concrete drinking trough at the side of the path.
As we descended we reached a small wood.
Here, there was evidence of quarrying, and ancient industrial machinery.
Near Holme Hall, a blue plaque was further evidence that industry was transformed in this area 250 years ago.
Holme Hall To Bakewell
At the bottom of the valley is a beautiful bridge over the river.
We didn’t cross, but took our route, first on the road, then over the fields, right by the river.
We saw a pair of goosanders, a kingfisher, and then this lovely dipper. It was hunting insect larvae in the fast flowing water, then returning to this rock to perch.
Finally, we arrived back at the road bridge where we’d set off from an hour and three quarters earlier.
Slightly weary, we took in some refreshment before heading home.
All in all, a very pleasant half day out!
And Finally….
This is Right Back To It, a song from the delightful Waxahatchee’s new album Tiger Blood.