A very good turn-out, for an advertised, strenuous walk. A quarry walk, in and around the Wirksworth to Middleton area. My handheld thingy informs me that we achieved around eight hundred feet of ascent, that included a couple of stiff climbs. Not bad for a Friday Walk.

Firstly, after leaving the car park, we wandered around the Stone Centre area, viewing the many aspects of the history of stone in this area. Indeed, not just local, but we viewed many dry stone wall structures, from other places around the country, including Scotland. The rock/stone had been brought from other places, together with Craftsmen, to build sample walls of their local area. Worth a look, when visiting the National Stone Centre. All the sample walls have information plaques attached.

We then left the centre’s grounds and headed down towards Wirksworth, entering a former quarry, now called Stoney Wood, a memorial and recreational area given to Wirksworth Town Council by Tarmac Ltd in 2000. After a very steep climb, from the southeast to the northwest corner of the park, we paused for a breather and a chance to see The Star Circle. We then made our way through Dale Quarry and then alongside the southern end of Middle Peak Quarry, at the top, stopping for our morning break.

With the break over, we headed north, to cross over the busy B5035 and on to the High Peak Trail, making our way to Moor Farm. We now turned to walk above intake Quarry, to begin our journey across Middleton Moor. Stopping at the highest point of the walk, eleven hundred feet above sea level, for some good views, over Wirksworth and the whole quarry area. We crossed the moor on a good path, heading for Middleton Top visitor centre, some making use of the facilities there. Here we joined the High Peak Trail, descending the incline and so back to the car park. It had remained reasonably dry for most of the walk, just the last ten minutes, with a strong wind behind us, making the passing shower feel more like a storm. We quickly covered up, with just a few hundred yards to the finish of the walk, there by twelve thirty-five. Thanks to all for your very pleasant comments. d.