Map: OS 1:25,000 Peak District – Dark Peak
Start: Ashopton - 196865
Distance: 9 miles
Weather: Windy, wet, foggy and glutenous!
Persons: Chris and Martin
Description:
We parked just below Ashopton, immediately prior to the bridge over the reservoir. Crossing the road we took the track north along the eastern side of Derwent Reservoir. The track could be followed all the way to Walkers Clough where the ascent to Derwent Edge begins. (Along the reservoir the track was easily followed and a stop at Derwent Dam is most rewarding.) The ascent was steep but short, gaining ground above Shirehowlers South Plantation. Once on the moor care had to be taken to head NE in order to pick up a moorland track that eventually curved around ESE and up again to Back Tor, via Lost Lad. Back Tor is the start of the Derwent Edge from this direction. A flagged stone path led along the Edge to its end at Whinestone Lee Tor. From here a path dropped steeply to descend the moor and brought us back at Ashopton, and the car.
This was an excellent walk on a miserable day! The fog concealed all views from the Edge and ensured a soaking for us. The wind was blinding in parts but generally bearable. Gloves and hats were the order of the day. It must have been cold because we only had one coffee stop!
The views would have been spectacular and we agreed to revisit the Edge in better weather, possibly in early autumn.
The view of Derwent Dam in full spate was terrific. The force behind the water was deafening. This provided a fabulous stop for a coffee, and in Chris’s case a gammon sandwich!
Thank goodness for the flagged path over the Edge, without it the peat would have taken us! It will be great when they’ve finished the whole section and I won’t hear a word against it – if you want natural you can bury yourself at home!
A great day out despite the weather!!
MD.
(Map image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland)