Narlows Lane, Thorpe

Wednesday 4 May 2022

7 miles Leader: James W.

Weather 12°C. Showers at times

No. on walk 19

A super walk, with many undulations in some lovely picturesque countryside, mainly given over to Sheep farming. Almost every field we walked through, we were accompanied by the sound of lambs, frightened by our approach, running to their mums for protection, or was it just an excuse to raid the milk bank?

From the car park in Narlows Lane, we walked along the road to pick up the Limestone Way, taking some short paths to bring us to the eastern end of St. Leonard’s church, where we gathered for a while to get everyone together again, after the climb up from Broadlowash. We then continued on along the ‘Way’ to Coldwall Bridge and then on and up to cross over the road near to Coldwall Farm. We followed the path through yet more sheep pastures, taking the first turn right and then joined a small road to get us to St. Bartholomew’s church Blore Rae, for our coffee-break, at the end of which a heavy shower encouraged us to don the wets!

We left the church and headed along the road towards Ilam, taking the footpath across the fields to enter the park and cross over St. Bertram’s Bridge.

With the National Trust site to our right, we made our way, passing by Hamps Spring, then to turn sharply uphill and so back to the hall, where we took our lunch break on the deserted picnic tables. The sun actually shone for the first few minutes, but by the time we had just about finished our repast, the heavens opened once more. After using the fine facilities of the hall, we walk down to the road, passing the famed memorial to take to path to the back of Izaack Walton Hotel. On now to the stepping stones, some of us on one side of the River Dove as some choose the bridge rather than the stones. We re-assembled to begin our climb up Lin Dale, to pass both the hotel and the firing range. We didn’t need the ‘red flags’ to tell us the rifle range was in use, as we could see and certainly hear the shooters in action, aiming at a target that must have been at least two hundred yards away. We now re-joined the Limestone way for a short way, then to walk down Hagg Lane to the car park.

Another good walk from this popular venue. Thanks James.

   First seven pictures by John H-T

Last six pictures by James W.