Ashover / Lumsdale Valley

The club continue their increasingly popular fortnightly winter rambles programme with an attractive 11 mile linear walk between Higham and Matlock in the south eastern margins of the White Peak. The highlight of the walk will be the stunning Lumsdale Valley in the afternoon. There will be a shorter walk option. It is gratifying to continue to welcome new members to our friendly club.
The ramble starts from the village of Higham and initially heads across to Woolley and Dalebank. During this morning section we hope to see a disused quarry and view Ashover Rocks.
Our lunchtime destination will be Ashover,one of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire. It contains a 15th century church and a number of historic buildings and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. There is a choice of pubs for refreshments including the historic Crispin Inn Other amenities include a small village shop and public toilets.
In the afternoon we will continue on towards Cocking Tor and over Tansley Moor.. .enjoying views of Riber Castle. We then reach the dramatic Lumsdale Valley, a steep sided wooded gorge. It is a memorable experience to walk through this site of archaeological and historic importance. There are spectacular waterfalls and a number of derelict mill buildings to explore as we descend down the valley. Two schools of thought regarding the origin of the name Lumsdale either the valley of chimneys or the valley of water pools, take your pick!

This lovely ramble finishes in Matlock for a 5.00 pm coach departure home.

In the morning the coach departs from the “Staff of Life “pub in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 9.17am and from the Bancroft Lane end of Stockwell Gate outside Asda in Mansfield at 9.30 am. Other pick up points en route. The coach fare is £12, accompanied juniors free. For further information please ring Helen on 07592886381 or John on 07749164455