Monsal Head - Peak District Walk
Monday 2nd March 2009
It has been a somewhat disastrous start to the year walking-wise so it was nice to not only get back out but also to explore a new part of the Peak District. The creation of a new route linking some old favourites meant that we visited a part of Cressbrook Dale we'd not walked before and finally got to see Peter's Stone. The forecast was for a sunny start but clouding over in the afternoon and for once it turned out to be accurate.
Start: Lay-by on Longstone Edge (SK 1991 7295)
Route: Moor Lane - Longstone Moor - Housley - Wardlow Mires - Cressbrook Dale - Water-cum-Jolly - Upperdale - Monsal Head - Moor Lane
Distance: 9 miles Ascent: 409 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 55 mins
Terrain: Good tracks some across moorland.
Weather: A cold wind.
Pub Visited: The Stable Bar, Monsal Head Ale Drunk: Lloyds Brewery, Monsal Head Bitter
Looking back towards Longstone Edge just before entering Black Plantation.
Looking across towards Monsal Head on the short but steep climb to Longstone Moor.
Heading across Longstone Moor, which was surprisingly dry for this time of year.
The sun appeared briefly, lighting up Stanage Edge.
Stanage Edge.
Heading towards Housley with Eyam Edge dominating the view in front.
Wardlow Hay Cop is to the left.
As we head towards Wardlow Mires Cressbrook Dale comes into view.
There isn't much more than a pub and a few houses in Wardlow Mires but I was asked to take a picture of the pub as it was the first pub visited on John's Stag Night.
Entering Cressbrook Dale and Peter's Stone immediately comes into view.
Approaching Peter's Stone.
Peter's Stone.
Cressbrook Dale.
Looking back along Cressbrook Dale from our lunch spot. Although we're not far from it there is no sign of Peter's Stone or the river, which in previous years could only be crossed using the stepping stones.
Looking across to Ravencliffe as we leave Cressbrook Dale.
Climbers on the rock face at Water-cum-Jolly.
Upperdale.
Cressbrook Mill.
A deserted Monsal Trail.
Looking down on Monsal Dale (L) and Upperdale (R) from Monsal Head.
Having been delayed in the Stable Bar we head back to Longstone Edge.
Looking across towards Chatsworth and Rabbit Warren from Longstone Edge.
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