Sutton club plans circular ramble in Peak District

The 12-mile walk, on Sunday, September 17, is a circular ramble visiting Alstonefield and Hartington, with a lunchtime break in Biggin village – there “should” also be shorter routes available.

A club spokesman said: “It is very pleasing to welcome some new members recently.

“The ramble starts at the quiet village of Alstonefield within the Staffordshire Moorlands. Toilet facilities are available.

“The first section descends to Milldale, a delightfully located hamlet with a packhorse bridge crossing the River Dove into Derbyshire. This will be an attractive mid-morning break with the opportunity to sit by the river while enjoying a drink from the nearby picturesque shop.

“The old Methodist chapel is worth a look, and is a restful and reflective place.

“In the second half of the morning, we continue northwards by the River Dove and may be fortunate enough to see a heron or a trout.

“We then veer away from the river and explore Biggin Dale, a very steady climb up a limestone valley leading to Biggin village. This will be the location for our main lunch break with welcome liquid refreshment to hand at the quaint whitewashed Waterloo pub.

“In the afternoon, we carry on to the charming old limestone village of Hartington, with the chance of another brief stop at the specialty cheese shop. After the Hartington cheese factory was closed, production of the Stilton cheese switched to Pilkehall.

“Onwards, to the remote atmospheric village of Sheen and then returning to Hartington. We then rejoin the River Dove, following the spectacular upper reaches along Beresford Dale and Wolfscote Dale before climbing out of the dale and following footpaths back to Alstonefield for a 6.30pm coach departure home.”

In the morning, the coach leaves the Staff of Life pub in Sutton at 9.15am and the Bancroft Lane end of Stockwell Gate outside Asda, Mansfield, at 9.30am, with other pick-up points available. The coach fare is £12, or free for accompanied juniors.

For further information call Helen Woodruff on 07592 886381 or John Price on 07749 164455, or visit suttonramblingclub.com