On Sunday (9th) the Sutton Rambling Club launch their 2011 rambles programme in spectacular fashion with an 11 mile ramble spanning the borders of the Dark Peak/White Peak areas around Hathersage/Longshaw.

The route will start from the quaint village of Hathersage (grid ref 233815) and head north-east through the hamlet of North Lees and past North Lees Hall, an Elizabethan mansion, once the residence of the Eyre family and about a mile north of Hathersage church. This is thought to have been the inspiration for Thornfield Hall, one of the dramatic settings in Charlotte Brontes wonderful book Jane Eyre. Having soaked up the atmosphere of this intriguing place we move on through Stanage Plantation.and onto the very fine gritstone Stanage Edge. Given favourable weather conditions great views over the Dark Peak towards Kinder and Mam Tor will be enjoyed.

After walking east along the Edge for about mile we divert to the prominent Higger Tor summit and continue south-east across the Carl Wark the site of an Iron Age fort. We finish the morning with a lunch break in the Longshaw Estate with the choice of the National Trust cafe or nearby pub for refreshments.

The afternoon takes us back into the White Peak as we move east along the well known chain of gritstone edges-Froggatt, Curbar and Baslow. More expansive views to appreciate throughout this section. The walk finishes with a descent into Baslow village (grid ref 257721). The coach will leave for home at approximately 4.30pm.

New members are always most welcome and can look forward to a day of healthy exercise, impressive scenery and friendly company.

The McEwens coach leaves the "Staff Of Life " pub on Hack Lane in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 9.15am and the Bancroft Lane end, Stockwell Gate (near the Netto supermarket) in Mansfield at 9.30am. There are other pick up points en route.

If you would like further information please ring John on 01623 796396 or Diane on 01623 408704. Alternatively please refer to our website www.suttonramblingclub.com.

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 2011 programme of walks and previous walks.