Ashford in the Water

Summoned by church bells, 14 ramblers set out from Ashford. The first of five climbs saw them up Pennyunk Lane to Monsal Head. A descent to the viaduct followed and then along the trail to the mouth of Cressbrook Tunnel. We then took a narrow path up to our morning break stop where Easter biscuits were enjoyed. A sharp ascent followed accompanied by gales and stinging hail, but we were rewarded with fantastic views of the limestone valley below and able to pick out landmarks like the cement works at Hope, Wardlow Hay Cop and Sir William Hill. Lunch was taken in the churchyard in Taddington, before climbing out of the village up to High Mere and on towards Deep Dale, with Magpie Mine visible in the distance. One last pull up out of the Dale to Sheldon followed before taking the grassy path adjacent to Shacklow Wood and down to the Wye.

12.4 miles, 2100ft ascent