Though still officially winter it was like a perfect summer’s day as we set off from Grindleford. It was nice to have the company of some younger people too. We pooled our knowledge of the history of Padley Chapel, discovering that one of the martyrs had been a teacher in Tideswell. Coppice Woods beckoned, then the riverside path to Hathersage. A steady climb took us close to the hill fort of Carl Wark from where the views were panoramic.
Families were relaxing and children paddling in the sunshine at Padley Gorge. This was voted the best picnic spot in England with places like Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace lower down the list. Perhaps their ice-cream vans are further away.
The walk had been good but the weather simply exceptional for early March
Helen Royle – 872507