SUTTON RAMBLING CLUB WALK - STANTON MOOR
Sunday, 2 October 2011

On Sunday (2nd) the Sutton Rambling Club continue their wide-ranging rambles programme with an 11 mile linear walk in the centre of the White Peak area. The route will encompass archaeological sites, pretty dales, the Limestone Way, moorland and the villages of Birchover and Rowsley.

The walk will start at the Arbor Low site, standing 1200 ft above sea level and it has been called the "Stonehenge of the Midlands"(grid ref 159640). Wonderful views of the uplands between the Dove and the Wye can be enjoyed from this site. The route then heads east along the road for a short distance before taking a path north to Cales Farm and then descending through Cales Dale. After making the short climb out of the dale there will be a mid-morning refreshment break. We then join the Limestone Way moving east and eventually descending into the picturesque Bradford Dale, just north of Middleton. The final part of the morning section continues eastwards along the dale until we stop for a 40 minute lunch break on a grassy area beside the river.

Duly refreshed we then head away from the dale and follow the Limestone Way south-east climbing up towards Harthill Moor. Continuing in the same direction we pass Robin Hood"s Stride, two towering pillars called Inaccesible and Weasel, natural features formed as a result of weathering upon bare outcrops of gritstone. The next target is the village of Birchover to the east where there will be welcome refreshment at the Red Lion pub in the village. The final part of this delightful walk takes us north east on to Stanton Moor and on to the showpiece of the day,the well known ancient Nine Ladies Stone circle. After exploring this site we descend through the woods towards Eastcliffe Quarry and finish by dropping down by Stanton Woodhouse farm and then along the lane to Rowsley villsge(grid ref 257660). It is planned to board the coach for an approximate departure time of 6.20pm.

We continue to welcome new members throughout the year who can be guaranteed a day of healthy exercise, attractive scenery and friendly company. The McEwens coach leaves the "Staff of Life" pub on Hack Lane at 9.15am and and the Bancroft Lane End, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield at 9.30am (outside the new Asda supernmarket. There are other pick up points en route. The coach fare is £9, accompanied juniors free. Although the walks are popular there is no need to prebook your seat on the coach.

If you would like further information please ring John on 01623 796396 or Bernard on 01623 648879.

Alternatively you could visit our regularly updated website www.suttonramblingclub.com.