Saturday 18th April
Walk Leader & Report: Mike B Photos: Mike B & Mel H
Walk Report
Route taken: Rumbling Street, Bradley Lane, Cartledge Hall, Millthorpe, Johnnygate, Moorhall and Oxton Rakes
A group of 10 walkers and 1 dog set off from the car park on Far Lane, Barlow. One of the group was a new local member, plus two members from Rotherham Metro and a guest walker trying a group walk for the first time. The weather at the start was mild, sunny periods and remained free of rain until the last 1/4 mile.
The group walked down the lane to take the footpath down through six fields to reach Bradley Lane. Overnight rain made the field footpaths and trails wet but generally the walk was free of large muddy sections. Crossing the road the group continued on the footpath to emerge on Highlightley Lane. From this lane the group started the steady climb through fields up to Peakley Hill. From here joining the bridleway up to Cartledge. At Cartledge the group had their coffee stop and admired the views over the Cordwell Valley.
After the break, the group continued passed the ‘Elizabethan’ Cartledge Hall and after a group photo, the group descended down through grassy fields and a bridleway to Millthorpe. The group crossed the ford and took the footpath to Johnnygate Lane. The group climbed steadily along this narrow track through the woodland up to Moorhall Farm.
The group crossed the lane and joined the footpath at Grangewood Farm and descended down to Grangewood. Climbing out of the wood the group took the footpath to Barlow Grange. A welcome lunch break was taken here. Good views looking towards Sheffield, Holmesfield and Totley Moor. After lunch, the group continued along the footpath to emerge on the road at Barlow Grange and continued to reach highest point of the walk above Cutthorpe at 950ft.
After a short distance the group took the bridleway down to Oxton Rakes. The original path was found at the recce walk to be blocked by a fallen tree, so a diversion around this obstruction was taken through adjacent fields to reach Oaks Lane and emerge eventually onto Grange Lane. A 1/2 mile section of road walking along Wilday Green Lane was needed to get back to the start.
Although this was one of the shortest walks in the Saturday Programme, it was varied enough and had a good amount of climb and enjoyed by all of the group.
For those on todays walk, here’s the answer to the riddle!
Oxton: In this context, refers to a specific location, likely “Oxton Rake Farm,” which was situated on a rough track or hillside.
Rakes: This term is derived from mining terminology, where a “rake” refers to a vertical vein of ore—usually lead—that was historically mined in the Peak.
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation: 1250 ft
