Ilam Walk

The final walk of our Winter programme covers yet another rarely-visited corner of the Peak District. This time we shall be exploring the remote upland area west of Ilam. Our walk commences at Ilam Hall and continues via Throwley Moor, Calton, Blore and Mappleton to Thorpe, a distance of approximately 12 miles. Please bring adequate food and drink, as no facilities will be available en-route. The clocks change to BST the weekend before this walk, so we have more daylight to enjoy.

     From Ilan Hall (toilets available) we cross the River Manifold, climbing gradually to Throwley Old Hall, where a stop will be made to admire the spectacular surroundings. 

     Beyond Throwley, we climb a little further to the top of the moors before turning south across remote farmland, past Mere Hill and towards Throwley Cottage. There should be long views across the countryside on this section of the walk. Looking back to our right, we should see Grindon church far away across the Hamps Valley. Beyond Throwley Cottage our route takes us to Slade House and the secluded village of Calton, where we shall have our second break of the day. There are picnic tables outside the community hall here and a small churchyard. From Calton, we head east past Musden Low and Hazleton Clump and briefly onto a minor road, before taking another picturesque footpath to the remote and tiny village of Blore. We shall make a brief stop by the interesting old church, which is well worth exploring. 

Beyond Blore, we follow a very minor road southwards to Woodhouses before turning onto a path to Martin Hill. Turning east again, we descend past the spectacular Okeover Hall. Then, it’s over the River Dove to the pretty village of Mappleton (otherwise known as Mapleton). We turn north to Hinchley Wood and join the Tissington Trail for the final section of the walk towards Thorpe. 

     Good news is that the Old Dog pub there is open again, after its recent closure. Tree felling was taking place along the Tissington Trail recently. If our section of the Trail is still closed, we shall take a slightly different route from Mappleton. The coach will be waiting for us at the main Thorpe car park, adjacent to the Old Dog pub, for a 6pm departure.

     Coach Pick-up Information. In the morning the coach departs from the “Staff of Life “pub in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 9.15 am and from the Bancroft Lane end of Stockwell Gate outside Asda in Mansfield at 9.30 am. Other pick up points en route. (see below).  Timings are approximate, please arrive a few minutes before the scheduled times. The coach fare is £12 and for accompanied juniors free. No need to book, just turn up at your most convenient stop. New members are always most welcome. You can attend two walks before you need to join the club. The £12 coach fare is payable on every walk.

For further information please ring Helen on 07592 886 381 or John on 0774 9164 455

“Staff of Life” pub, Hack Lane. Sutton-in-Ashfield 9.15am

Priestic Road, opp McDonald’s. Sutton-in-Ashfield 9.20am

Eastfield Side, (Blue Bell). Sutton-in-Ashfield 9.22am

Hermitage Lane stop, Sutton Road. Mansfield 9.25am

ASDA bus stop. Stockwell Gate. Mansfield 9.30am