Wednesday 27 April 2022

Darley Dale in search of Bluebells

6 ½ miles Leader: Gerry W.

Weather, Fine, Chilly to start, 10°C.

No. on walk 34

A great gathering of members and guests in the car park of Whitworth Park, was great to see, a lot of chatter and introductions as we milled around waiting for the ten o’clock bell. It never sounded; we all had an eye on the leader as he made for the first path across the park. We walked by the volunteers tending the wonderful displays in the flower beds and hangings, as you will see from some of the pictures below. We were in search of Bluebells, an annual event for us, at least before covid! We found them in much profusion to sate everyone’s appetite for these irresistible wild flowers.

We made our way, north, via The Derwent Valley Heritage Way, until reaching the outskirts of Rowsley where we stopped for and early coffee break. We crossed over the busy A6 and on along the Chatsworth Road, passing by the Shopping Centre entrance, politely acknowledging the patience of the waiting cars as our long column of ramblers passed by in front of them. We took the first path east and climbed steadily up into Rowsley Wood and into Copy Wood, on then to take our lunch break on a grassy bank above Tinkersley Farm, with great views of Stanton Moor and the A6 corridor below us.

Now for the highlight of the day, the Bluebells of Northwood Carr and they didn’t disappoint. We spent some time, with many cameras and other devices snapping away, trying to get the best angles to make a memorable picture.

We were now well stretched out as we made our way to Northwood, to walk past Stancliffe Hall, carefully crossing over the A6 once more to join the path beside the Peak Railway line and so back to the car park, where many gathered to have a drink on the patio outside the Whitworth Café, where the sun suddenly appeared as if on order. Great day, great memories.