W/C 6 July 2013 - (Almost) Circular Walk to Eyam

This week's walk was an almost circular walk in Derbyshire with the Sutton-in-Ashfield Ramblers. It was a very hot, humid day so the group found it quite a struggle. Nevertheless, we saw some very beautiful countryside, with more stunning views. Thanks again to the Sutton Ramblers for another wonderful day out.

A bus took us to the bottom of Eyam Edge, midway between Eyam and Foolow. We then took a path past the Blackhole Mine and up the side of Eyam Edge, heading north west. This is a view of Eyam Edge, looking west.

Here is a view looking south towards the village of Foolow.

We reached the ridge at the hamlet of Bretton. This was a view looking south west from the pub car park.

 We turned north past the pub and headed towards Abney. This was the steep descent down to Bretton Clough.

 After a steep climb the other side of the clough, we passed through fields to Abney. This is a view north over Abney Low.

 Beyond Abney, we turned east, descending into the steeply wooded valley along Abney Clough.

 This view is looking back north eastwards towards Oaks Farm, which is just visible at the top of the hill.

 This was the view in the other direction. Just before the far hills is the Derwent Valley and Hathersage, where we were heading.

 The valley eventually opened out. This is a view looking east. The cliffs in the right background are Millstone Edge.

 On the outskirts of Hathersage, we reached the banks of the River Derwent. This is the view looking downstream towards Millstone Edge.

 After luch, we climbed again steeply out of the valley towards Eyam Moor. This was a view looking back towards Hathersage.

 On the moor, the character of the land changed dramatically. This is a view looking east over the Derwent Valley.

 .. and looking south from a similar viewpoint.

 The sun was glinting off the white seeds of the plant life

 Beyond the moor, we walked west for a short distance along a moorland trackway, before crossing fields to the south, towards Eyam. The hills beyond the Derwent Valley was just about visible in the far distance. We could just make out Chatsworth House in the far distance.

 Finally, we climbed down through woodland to the village of Eyam for a well-earned rest. The edge of the village can just be seen on the right in this photo.

The heat and humidity were almost overpowering at times, particularly on the more exposed sections of the walk. The British are not used to good weather!