Sutton in Ashfield Rambling Club
Dove Dale Ramble

This is a previous walk by the Sutton in Ashfield Rambling Club in South Derbyshire. Please click for details of the next walk or a walking calendar.

On Sunday 1st June 2008 the members of the Sutton Rambling Club explored the fine walking country in the popular Dove Dale, Milldale and Hartington area.

The walk will commence at the village of Thorpe (grid ref 156501) and head for the Dovedale car park (toilets and cafe available) via either Lin Dale or over Thorpe Cloud for the energetic ones! We then continue across the meadows to the estate village of Ilam and follow by the river Manifold for a short way into the Ilam Country Park. Lunch will be enjoyed at the National Trust tearooms or alternatively have your own picnic lunch in the grounds. The morning walk is 3 miles.

After lunch at approx 1 pm we contour along the side of Bunster Hill and pause at Air Cottage to admire the excellent views overlooking Dove Dale. The very fit members of the party can "conquer" Bunster Hill if they so wish. The next stage is through Dovedale Wood to the river and then over The Nabs to Milldale.This section is quite steep and there is the alternative route along the river path to meet up at Milldale for a mid-afternoon stop at the cafe.

The final section follows the river along through Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale before taking the short path across to Hartington (grid ref 132603). There will be time for a paddle in the river if the weather is suitable. The coach will leave from the centre of the village at 6.30 pm.

The overall distance of the walk is between 11 and 12 miles with options en route to accommodate different fitness levels.

New members are most welcome and will find this a popular multi-choice walk to ease into the club. There is no requirement to pre-book your seat on the coach.

The leader of the ramble is Alan who can be contacted on 01773 710242.

The McEwens coach leaves Langford Street end,opposite Asda in Sutton at 9.20 am and Bancroft Lane end, Stockwell Gate (near Netto supermarket in Mansfield at 9.30 am.

Please click to see other pick-up points available.

If you would like further information about the club please phone John on 01623 796396 or Diane on 01623 408704 or click for the 2008 programme of walks and previous walks.