Saturday 18 February 2017

18/02/17 - Curbar and Baslow Edge

Distance - 7.5 Miles
Geocaches - 10
Walk Inspiration - Our 2017 Calendar


Only 7 weeks into the new year and we already have a strong contender for "Walk of the Year".

This varied walk has it all.  River, geocaches, endless views and a rather convenient pub at the half way stage.

We start in the pretty village of Baslow.  Nicely geared up for walkers with a long stay car park offering more than the usual facilities that you can expect.

Within moments, we are out of the Village on Gorsebank Lane, finding the geocaches and enjoying the classic Peak District views as much as we can in the gloomy mist.  We are optimistic that by the time we reach the heights, the sun will have burned the worst of it away.

Gorsebank Lane
Gorsebank Lane
A fine geocache trail keeps us entertained, showing us some sneaky hides and how telephone boxes have been re-used as map laden information points.

The River Derwent is picked up at the impressive Calver mill, which we follow northwards to Frogatt Bridge, always in the shadow of the Edge.

River Derwent
Easy Walking along the Derwent
There's a pub at Froggatt.  Its more or less the exact half way stop and we want to ensure we have the best of the weather for the hard fought views.  It would be rude not to.  We share the Chequers Inn with a couple who are celebrating exactly 51 years since they met on a date there.

Maybe Mrs Mappiman and myself will come back in 2068 and reminisce on the time I had £1.75p change from a tenner for two pints.

Chequers Inn
Chequers Inn - Frogatt.
Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter
As LocALE as it gets

Fortified for the climb, we head up on a fantastic wooded path, gaining height quickly and delivered straight into the heart of the action.

Climbing to the Edge
Close to the Edge
Curbar Edge
Where there's lots of this going on

Fortunately, there is an easy way to get onto the Edge that doesn't involve ropes.

The next two miles are simply awesome.  You can walk right on the rock edge and are rewarded with constantly superb views.  Many great spots for lunch, a couple of geocaches and endless photo opportunities.

Views
Curbar Edge
Lunch Stop
A fine spot for Lunch
Views
More views

Views
Worth the wait for the Blue Skies
Eagle Stone and the Wellington monument mark the end of the Edge walking and we have a fine descent along Bar road to take us into Baslow.
Bar Road to take us home
Bar Road to Baslow
There's some debate as to whether to celebrate the success of the walk with Bakewell Tart in the Cafe or a pint at the Devonshire Arms.

It's been the type of day where both are justified.

Devonshire Arms
Inn, Kitchen and.....
Black Sheep
... purveyor of Black Sheep


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