Peak District Walk - Monsal Trail

A few pictures from following the Monsal Trail. It is a 10km circular walk (you finish where you start), with the starting point of Ashford-on-the-Water.

Monsal Viaduct

Exploring The Snake Path

Hayfield to Hathersage (almost)

Having explored Mam Tor (Castleton), various towns and villages and going for a long walk from Edale, it was time to take the next step toward becoming Bear Grylls / exploring the Peak District. This was a 13km walk into the unknown starting from Hayfield.

I found "The Inn Way to the Peak District" on amazon by Mark Reid, it is proving to be an excellent purchase. It acts as a well written guide to exploring 84 miles (135km) over 6 days. It also features maps, points of interest, tips on places to stay and a guide to the 51 pubs along the way. For this walk we followed the books route for Hayfield to Hathersage - but we only ventured half way before returning to Hayfield.

This is an activity you really need to be prepared for - Mark's book highlights safety measures and tips. Waterproof boots were essential - the route included crossing streams and muddy bogs, having warm clothes and waterproof clothing, have a planned route - if you get lost - head back the way you came. Pay attention to the weather - before and forecast during the walk. If the area has been subject to heavy rainfall for the past few days - river levels will be high and the ground boggy, if not dangerous in places. Keep your eye on the time and know how much daylight you have left. You shouldn't rely on smartphones or GPS. You should also let someone know where you are going and what time you should return.

Looking back towards Hayfield

The Snake Path

Surprise View, Peak District

Sorry to ruin the surprise, but heading back to Sheffield we stopped off at a car park which was signposted for surprise view. This is the view!

The view overlooks Hope Valley. The car park is on the Castleton to Sheffield road (A625) - it is a pay and display (card only!) No toilets, but a great view!

Hope Valley, Peak District

Exploring the Peak District - Baslow

Baslow, Derbyshire

A few tweets from the Sheffield Telegraph @shftelegraph and +Lesley Draper inspired me to use the local bus services to further explore the beautiful Peak District.

We decided to catch the bus to Baslow (either the 215 or the 218) from the Sheffield bus interchange. I was expecting an old run down TM Travel bus to pick us up and maybe a few other passengers and slowly make its way out to the Peak District.

I was quite impressed when a modern bus arrived, not only does it include usb ports to charge phones, but the the bus journey is well illustrated down the length of the bus. I couldn't help myself walking down the bus to read about the different stops, maybe spotting ideas for another day out. The bus interchange is quite modern with plenty of reminders that apps are available to help plan your journeys. (The journey itself took around 40 minutes and cost less than £5 return)

The route of the bus journey also provided a chance to see parts of Sheffield I am less familiar with and to relax, with the added benefit of not having to worry about driving should we find a nice pub later on.

So, we hopped of the bus in the middle of Baslow. There is a notice board with a nice looking map, to help you find your bearings. I'd recommend heading to Baslow Edge (pictures below), but it was also quite nice not having a plan and just wondering around the village.

After admiring the weir (should have taken a photo...) we enjoyed some of these sights:

and relax...

crossing the bridge

Derbyshire / Peak District - walking towards Baslow Edge

Derbyshire / Peak District - Walking to Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge - shame about the fog

Having found some directions on Google to Baslow Edge, we enjoyed a slow walk up a steady incline. With nice views on the way and plenty of fresh air, the only downside was the fog - hiding the full scale of the views. There is a well positioned bench at the top - for those who like to sit and take in the view, or catch their breath....

Having been recommended:

• The Devonshire Arms, Baslow
• Rowleys, Baslow
• White Lion, Great Longstone

 After walking back down from Baslow Edge and into the centre of the village, we decided to try the Devonshire Arms. (You can see it from where the bus drops you off)

The Devonshire Arms is quite a large venue and seemed very busy on a Sunday. We tried our luck and managed to get a table for two with no trouble at all. The pub looks to be a successful business, with a busy bar, a stylish dining area and even its own coffee and cake shop.

I went for the 12 hour roast sirloin of beef (see below), it was also served with a selection of vegetables (red cabbage, peas and green beans.) The meals are well presented and I would class this as my first fine dining Sunday lunch. It was a delicious meal, served with a monstrous Yorkshire pudding (see photographic evidence below), the meal was perfectly accompanied with a pint of Chatsworth blonde (an award winner, don't you know.)

The Devonshire Arms - Sunday Lunch - 12 hour roast sirloin of beef

Cappuccuino

Chocolate brownie with chocolate ice cream

After such a nice lunch, we decided to fit in dessert as well. I went for the chocolate brownie and chocolate ice cream, delicious. But my partner found the real treasure - a peanut butter ice cream, which is actually made by the pub. Hands down, some of the best ice cream we have ever tasted. Compliments to the chef!

We had some hot drinks before leaving (around 0 - 4 degrees at the moment, feels like winter!)

So after a fun day out, some fresh air, great views (nevermind the fog) and enjoying some great food and drink - it was time to hop back on the bus and return to the City. The bus services run every hour and there are plenty of other destinations to explore, including Bakewell and Chatsworth House. We are looking forward to further exploring the Peak District, considering possible places to live and enjoying any pubs en route. Hopefully this blog post will encourage others to use the bus services on our doorstep, but ultimately to enjoy the adventures and delights of the Peak District.

If you have any favourites, recommendations or comments, please share them below. 

The Devonshire Arms

Chatsworth House

An autumn visit to Chatsworth House, England

A few photos for now....comment below, what do you think?

More photos can be seen at www.instagram.com/theitguydoes

Chatsworth House Stables