Shatton, a byway and Hope

Still, 14 months after moving here, weekends largely involve sticking the pin in Peak District walking books/websites. Roughly within a 10 mile radius, no mountaineering or ‘scrambling’ (vivid childhood memories) and a circular gig. Today, the pin fell on Shatton. In a week in which I, and others at work, felt pretty shat on, that’ll do.

A cheerful Sheffield resident pointed out myriad directions to take with brief commentary on each, before striding off, tinny radio in hand, towards Hope.

A walk through the village, turn left up the lane with a ford that demands a miniature wooden bridge, steady climb up the narrow road until you reach a byway (became a bit obsessed with byways).

The byway, a wide track between dry stone wallage slowly turned around the top in a glorious sweep offering giant puddles and panoramic views of the Hope Valley, distant peaks, Abney and more. A cheeky glimpse of the Derwent valley reservoir where Dambusters was filmed in the distance. Passed a small group of people learning orienteering skills, carefully studying laminated maps with keen interest and windswept chops.

Sid and more animal joyousness. A pint and nosh at the community owned pub and post office at Bamford.

Gotta love a byway.

And not a bad way to walk off frustration and disappointment.

[Practicalities: can start from Bamford Station and walk 500 metres to Shatton, if driving, there’s parking just off the narrow bridge into the village. This walk was about 10 km with a gradual climb up and back down.

Sheep lower down, dog off the lead once you reach the byway (with a bit of attention around dry stone wall gaps in places)]

Lose Hill and Windy Wappins

New Years Day, woke with a rainbow over Lightwood. Late morning was a walk up to Lose Hill and part way along the Great Ridge from Castleton.

It was a muddy kind of day with a fair bit of slip sliding away on the way up. Proper windy too with mild peril to Sid’s chest fur and left ear.

Worth it mind. The ridge separates Hope and Edale valleys and the views are spectacular. More handy flagstones lead to Mam Tor at the far end and the sun pitched up to shine the way.

First bit of 2023 learning was about Windy Wappins, Breedy Butts and medieval topography remnants. Who knew?

Back in town, Castleton was winning Christmas style.

And it was fall back in time time at Castleton Garage where the owner was having a cheeky read of ‘Light Car’.

“Do you mind if I take your photo?”

“Er, no.” [Chuckles]

“You just look so at home in here.”

“That’s because I’ve been here forever.”

POSTSCRIPT PRACTICALITIES: Sheep every which way on this walk so dog on a lead.