Well, here's the thing. I've never been to Dovedale, and I'd really really like to. But it's not feasible to get there by public transport, so if I try to set up a walk there, it's going to have to rely on the kindness (in return for petrol money, of course) of a pool of drivers. It would also mean tighter arranging than the usual walk where people do and don't turn up on the day, etc. So this is just to throw out the idea for the near future - any walking group vehicular operatives willing or able to do pick ups? The date of the walk would of course depend on whether the car drivers could commit to a certain day, but I think it's worth a try. What do you all think?

People who don't know about Dovedale, it's supposed to have some of the most stunning rock formations of all the White Peak gorges.

We would be happy to do this but it would have to be a Saturday

Good idea Purdy, I`ve never been either. I would prefer Sunday cos I work alternative Saturdays, so it`d be 50/50 whether I could make it on a Saturday. Maybe you could take a consensus, as before.
I could take 4 with me in my car, maybe North Sheffielders. Leave it with you.

I'm interested. I have a car with space for three passengers. It depends when - what day and what time you're going though. :)

Looking good so far. Glad you like the plan. Maybe, Scubz, if you could say which dates are your saturdays on and off, we could maximise possible seats. I'll leave it for a bit and let other people respond before setting anything in concrete. Thanks for the offers so far, though. :)

I'd be pleased to give three people a lift.

Well I'd love to go depending on the date, and I would need a lift

When are we going?

Yep, I'd be up for this (subject to my usual terms and conditions, of course!). And I've got a car, so there's 3 spaces, (well, four if you've all got small bottoms) ;)

... (subject to my usual terms and conditions, of course!). ...Which are...?

Which are...?

No bloody hills! :D Looks like there's lots of potential here. I'll set a date (I'm going for a Saturday) for about three weeks' time, so plenty of people can see the thread and save a window in their diary. :)


How about Saturday 11th November

Well I'd love to go depending on the date, and I would need a lift

We can give you a lift Taxman no worries

If its 11th, I can`t make it on 2 counts. I`m working, and my teams at home! As we`re not relying on public transport, which is obviously haphazard on Sundays, isn`t there a Sunday that Mr and Mrs Tess can make? I can do any Sunday for instance, and even tho I`m supposed to work alternate Saturdays it doesn`t always work out that way, i.e. 7 on the trot in summer, so I daren`t commit to Saturdays too readily.Sorry to be a pain, and if its got to be 11th, so be it!

Scubz you are a pain lol Could be a Sunday I suppose but can't manage too many as the rate of pay at Mr Tess's work is much higher on a Sunday than a Saturday and with Christmas (Aaahhhh dreaded C word) coming up we need all the money we can get

Oh god, sorry Scubz. Whatever date I suggest is going to pee someone off. I can't shift it around anymore unless we go this saturday, but that's not much time for people to see the thread and arrange their weekend. Tess, is there any way you would be able to do Sunday 12th? I know it's unfair really to ask you to make a financial sacrifice for it, but it will be such a nice walk I want as many people to be able to go as possible. If you really would rather not do a Sunday, that's fine though. :(

Sorry folks, feel guilty now about moaning about Saturdays, go ahead and arrange for 11th, I`ll see what I can do

Sorry folks, feel guilty now about moaning about Saturdays, go ahead and arrange for 11th, I`ll see what I can do


Don't feel guilty, Scubz. Everybody has commitments. I should have waited a bit longer before throwing dates around.

I've been reminded that we can always go again in the spring, if anyone can't make it this time.

Tess, is there any way you would be able to do Sunday 12th? I know it's unfair really to ask you to make a financial sacrifice for it, :(

We're already booked for something else Sunday 12th :( As Scubz said though, go ahead and arrange something if you wish, if we can't make it there is always next time!

I feel so guilty. At the moment I can actually make any day in November. I'm guilty of not having a life...

Any more news on this one Purdy?

Hi, yes, Tess, I'll definitely go with that date. If everyone who wants to go can post their intent then we can sort lifts etc. I'm not quite sure what to do about meeting - I hadn't thought about how long it takes to get there etc. The meeting place will be the car park at the start of the valley, near Thorpe. In the next few days I will post links to maps and sort out a meeting time, measure the walk, etc. I've been very unwell this week and am behind with my list of things to do. (I've got to sort out Castleton as well).

There haven't been many other takers for this walk so far, so please anybody, including newbies, if you would like to go on this walk please post and announce yourselves. :)

There haven't been many other takers for this walk so far, so please anybody, including newbies, if you would like to go on this walk please post and announce yourselves. :)
Me. Me. Me. :)

Not sure if I'll need a lift yet or if I'll be able to convince someone with a car to come along.

[QUOTE=purdyamos]The meeting place will be the car park at the start of the valley, near Thorpe.QUOTE]

Well think we're okay for that Purdy as Mr Tess used to drive a bus route that went that way so we are fairly familiar with the area

[QUOTE=purdyamos]The meeting place will be the car park at the start of the valley, near Thorpe.QUOTE]

Well think we're okay for that Purdy as Mr Tess used to drive a bus route that went that way so we are fairly familiar with the area


OK then we'll all follow you. :D

[QUOTE=purdyamos
OK then we'll all follow you. :D[/QUOTE]

Er dunno if we're that confident :P

I've no idea how long it would actually take to drive there. Does anyone have any idea?

Purdy, have we got any info on the walk route yet? How many miles, how long it'll take, terrain etc? I might have missed it, I've not read back. :blush:

Purdy, have we got any info on the walk route yet? How many miles, how long it'll take, terrain etc? I might have missed it, I've not read back. :blush:


The meeting place will be the car park at the start of the valley, near Thorpe. In the next few days I will post links to maps and sort out a meeting time, measure the walk, etc. I've been very unwell this week and am behind with my list of things to do. (I've got to sort out Castleton as well).

From above. I'll do that very soon. ;)

Some info on Dovedale. Includes directions on how to get there and where to park (the car park near the Isaac Walton Hotel at Thorpe Cloud).


A good description of the dale and features (http://www.derbyshireuk.net/dovedale.html)

Lots of geology and history here (http://www.peakdistrict-education.gov.uk/Fact%20Sheets/fz8dov.htm)

description of the walk (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1104418)

map of area (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=415000.408673847&Y=350000.64114524&width=700&height=400&gride=414687.408673847&gridn=353550.64114524&srec=0&coordsys=gb&db=freegaz&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&keepicon=true&zm=1&scale=100000)


I suggest a straightforward up and down the valley. The rock formations and twists and turns mean the views coming back should be as rewarding as on the way, and not a matter of simply retracing steps. It is one of the most heavily visited spots in the Peak District, so there will be lots of fellow walkers.

The walk is almost completely by the river side on a good newly resurfaced path. According to my Explorer map the path goes up and down a quite steep section called Lover's Leap. Counting the contours up and down I make it about 20 to 30 metres high. I have found it described a s a short sharp shock. I don't know if it is steps or a steep path, but that's the only bit Feargal has to fear. (And it's easier to climb on the way back.)

The standard walk would be three miles to Milldale where there is a shop, info, refreshments (no pub alas) and toilets. We could continue another mile or so round the next section of the river before returning, depending on how we feel. So the walk could be six or eight miles (or even more!?) but mostly level (though I don't know how much the river descends along the way.)

The Izaac Walton Hotel is our journey's end pub. It is apparently very welcoming to walkers and has great views from a big garden.

I hope that's enough to be going on with. All we need now are more people to put their hands up and say they want to come. There should be a good number of car spaces.

You're a star Purdy, I'll bring my four legged friend. We're both looking forward to it!

I'd love to come if there is space in a car ! Will of course contribute towards petrol and car park charge :)

Right, anybody and everybody who wants to come on this walk MUST confirm whether they are coming or not, if they will be driving or need a lift. I'll then shuffle people into lifts according to whereabouts they are in the city.

I'm going to say we will meet at the car park at THORPE CLOUD (please note - NOT in Thorpe village) between 10.30 and 11 am. Drivers please allow plenty of time to get there and look at my web links posted above for directions. If anyone does turn up late there's only one path to follow, so it'll be possible to find us if we've already started!

This should be a beautiful walk - hopefully with beautiful weather - and it would be nice to see plenty of people. Newbies are welcome to join in, as ever, just post your interest on this thread.

:)

Puts hand in the air!

Will need lift

Lives in Netherthorpe

We will be coming

We are driving and have room for 3 people

I propose we pick Taxman up as we know where he lives

Can somebody give us clear directions to Thorpe Cloud please

Am coming

need lift

live in sothall (near waterthorpe tram stop) but can travel to town or along tram route...

Grissom - If you could catch the blue tram route to Shalesmoor we could pick both you and Taxman up there

hello i'd like to join you,but i havent a car:-(

hello i'd like to join you,but i havent a car:-(

Where abouts do you live?

We can get 3 in our car but you'd have to squash up a bit

There will be our dog in the back, hope you don't mind dogs

i live at carterknowle road ,i dont mind dogs if he doesnt mind me.

i live at carterknowle road ,i dont mind dogs if he doesnt mind me.

Its a she and she loves people, just gets a little overenthusiastic though!

It is still a saturday gig this one, isn't it?

We'll have space for a comfortable 2 or a squashed 3 :)

It is still a saturday gig this one, isn't it?

We'll have space for a comfortable 2 or a squashed 3 :)

Well my three is a squashed one!

Come on everybody, its Tuesday now and no definate arrangements have been made!!!!!

I'm happy to pick Taxman and Grissom up and meet you all down there

Can I bag a lift off you Strix? :)

Dod rivers know where you're going? It's about twice as far as Bakewell. I had a look on the map, but not being a driver and not knowing the roads I'm not sure which route is best. Via Matlock or Bakewell? What do people think?

Hi everyone. I'm coming but will need a lift. I have a map and can give directions if anyone with a car is unsure of being able to find the place.

I'm in Nether Edge which is sort of on the way if you're heading down Abbeydale Road.

We have a reasonable idea of where to go Purdy, we are taking Taxman and Grissom

I was thinking Matlock and out that way

EDIT - I was wondering if mobile numbers should be exchanged? Anybody wanting mine, just PM me

Sorry can`t make this one guys, my Saturday to work :-(
Hope it stays fine for you and that you enjoy the area. As there`s nothing arranged for next weekend might I suggest a `bit of a mooch` again? Maybe at Langsett again, but a slightly longer single walk. Perhaps you`d like to discuss it on Saturday

Who is going?

So far there is

Me
Mr Tess
Taxman
Grissom
Purdyamos
Strix
Mr Strix

Who is going?

So far there is

Me
Mr Tess
Taxman
Grissom
Purdyamos
Strix
Mr Strix

Plus Altus and Philipz who both need lifts

Plus Altus and Philipz who both need lifts
Hey guys, slight chance I might be able to get, will know for definate by tomorrow lunch, and will post if I can go, and even if I can`t. Looks like I might be able to. Further to list of ppl definately going, I think Bambi and Kay will be there too, cos they`re staying in Paek District for the weekend.

Can now make it! Sorry for late change of mind, but only found out I`m not needed at work today.
So, if anyone`s still struggling for a lift, from North Sheffield in particular, I`ll have 3/4 places. Also, if it makes it easier for anyone who might be giving someone a lift, and going out of their way to do so, then I`ll be happy to take their duties over. Jus pm me anybody.
See you Saturday

Be great to see you Scubz!

Wont be able to make it Saturday unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances. Hope you have fab walk and see you on another one soon :)

Sorry to hear that Grissom, if anybody still needs a lift then we have a space

Taxman - you still okay to be picked up as arranged?

hi i want to go with all of you,and i need a lift,thank you:-)

hi i want to go with all of you,and i need a lift,thank you:-)

Are you able to catch the tram phillipz or do you want picking up nearer home?

i can catch the tram,but i need you give me more details,and i live on Carterknowle RD:-)

i can catch the tram,but i need you give me more details,and i live on Carterknowle RD:-)

If you could catch the blue route tram to Shalesmoor, we could pick you and Taxman up together

We could drop you off at Carter Knowle Road on the way back

Hows that?

no problem!
can i catch the blue tram in city center?and when should i get to there?
i really hope you can give me a phone number in case i get lost:-)
thank you

no problem!
can i catch the blue tram in city center?and when should i get to there?
i really hope you can give me a phone number in case i get lost:-)
thank you

You can catch the blue tram in the city centre, it will have Malin Bridge on the front

I'll PM you with my mobile number

If you can get there for 9am, we are picking Taxman up then

thank you :-P

No worries, look forward to meeting you, you know Taxman don't you?

Yes i think i can go with him together to catch the tram if he also need the blue one:-)

@scubz. Clear some space in your in box.

Scubz! Ditto about your pm inbox!

But yes, I'll meet you where and when you suggested. Cheers! :thumbsup:

sorry, cleared now, where do you want me to pick you up?

sorry, cleared now, where do you want me to pick you up?
Thanks. On Abbeydale Road - at the bus stop opposite the Broadfield pub. I'll be there from the time you're due to collect purdy.

Thanks. On Abbeydale Road - at the bus stop opposite the Broadfield pub. I'll be there from the time you're due to collect purdy.
ok, I know where you mean, should be 9.50 ish

So I make it

Me
Mr Tess
Taxman
Phillipz
Altus
Scubz
Purdyamos

Anybody I've forgotten?

If we're not there, don't wait for us - we're having a 'don't set the alarm' morning tomorrow - too little sleep for all of us this week :(

If we're not there, don't wait for us - we're having a 'don't set the alarm' morning tomorrow - too little sleep for all of us this week :(

Out nicking hub caps again into the wee small hours :hihi:

Well that was a wonderful walk:)

Thanks to Purdy for arranging it and thanks to those who turned

And special thanks to the drivers Tess and Scubz, without whom we wouldn't have been able to have such a nice day out.

On the catering front I must report a top little shop in Mill Dale which served piping hot pasties and cups of tea and really cheap prices and fantastic cakes:thumbsup:

There was only one man working in there as well catering for loads of walkers.

How different to the Contessa Tea Rooms at Wortley :hihi:

Phew! Went without a hitch! It was a long way to go, and no-one had been there before, but once again we were blessed with good weather. The crisp wintry sunshine set the dramatic slopes and rock formations off wonderfully. It really is an idyllic place and I've delighted that we had such a successful day. Milldale was a gem, a perfect little toy village with the best cafe service and fare served out of a tiny hatch. The Izaac Walton Hotel at the end was a little intimidating, but the beer and the cosy room were good. We will do it again in the spring, when the flowers are out.

Thank you very much to scubz and the Tesses for driving us. :thumbsup:

I couldn't really capture the full drama of the gorge, but there's still some goodies in here: Damn and blast it, two of the very best pictures of all have gone pixelated! :rant:

The photos (http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l115/purdyamos/Dovedale/?action=view&current=DSCN0656.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1)

I second the comments of the quality of walk, nice to see Purdyamos, Taxman and Scubz again and to meet Phillipz and Altus

Ditto about the cafe comments, Wortley's tearooms could learn a few things from that chap

Roll on the spring :thumbsup:

Your photos of the day out are great purdyamos. It's hard to realise it's nearly mid-November. :thumbsup:

Thank you.

Your photos of the day out are great purdyamos. It's hard to realise it's nearly mid-November. :thumbsup:

Thank you.

Did you manage to put names to faces Shoey? :hihi:

Did you manage to put names to faces Shoey? :hihi:

Nope....I did try though! :)

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...3612720914.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...baba/MONEY.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...baba/LIGHT.jpg

some pictures in Elsecar and Dovedale

Looks like you guys had a great day :)

We have been there before!

We'll be with you on the next trip out there :thumbsup:

Psst - Philipz, you can't copy links off another thread unless you get them by hitting 'quote' or 'reply', as you copy the abbreviation dots across - and your link doesn't work ;)

oh yes ,but you can try" Photographs Of Our Walks " this post,it might work
:-)

they do, I checked ;)

cool pics - great composition :thumbsup:

What a lovely walk - even if it got a bit windy at times. It was nice to see everyone again and meet the Tesses for the first time. What a well behaved dog - well better than a certain beagle anyway. :)

Milldale is just too pretty to be true.

Thanks to purdy for organising it and to scubz for the lift.

What a well behaved dog - well better than a certain beagle anyway. :)
That's not that difficult ;)

What a well behaved dog

Awwww thanks Altus, it was nice to meet you too :thumbsup:

I'm already daydreaming about seeing it in Spring.