Dove Dale 14th September 2019

On top of the world - no just Thorpe Cloud.

The stepping stones across the River Dove.

A fossil in the limestone step to Lover's Leap.

Tissington Spires above Dove Dale.

One of several fish seen in the river.

Ilam Rock.

The tantalising sound of tumbling river over a weir south of Milldale.

Arriving at the bridge at Milldale.

Looking back towards Coldeaton Bridge.

The view from our lunch spot high above Coldeaton Bridge on the Alstonfield path.

Brewster Hill ahead.

The narrow path across the flank of Brewster Hill.

Thorpe Cloud from the path crossing the field towards the Isaac Walton Hotel.

Walk Stats: Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1401'.

Time: 5 hours 45 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

This was almost a perfect day for walking, largely sunny with the occasional cooling breeze.

we decided to climb Thorpe Cloud before experiencing the delights if the riverside path along Dove Dale. This proved a little more difficult than we expected, particularly as we went up a rather steep grassy path, but thankfully we were able to take a gentler path on the descent.

 As ever Dove Dale was very popular and throughout the walk we were always in sight of other walkers.

 After lunch, we headed towards Alstonfield and on to Stanhope. The descent into Milldale down to Dale Bottom and the climb out tested our legs, but not as much as the traverse along the upper path around Brewster Hill (next time I will opt for the easier lower path!).

The views all day were good, especially from any point where we had gained some height, but walking along side a babbling river catching the sight of fish takes some beating.

  We arrived back at the car to find cars still queueing to get in to the car park.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Meadow pipit, Goldfinch, Blue tit, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Wood nuthatch Winter wren, Mallard, Common buzzard and Raven.

 Al that was left to celebrate a great day out was to head for the Wilkes Head in Leek for a pint of Whim Ales Hartington Bitter - it didn't disappoint.