I have always wanted to do a walk around Flash, at 1518 ft above sea level the highest village in England which also boasts the highest village pub - the New Inn - alas not open on Wednesday lunch time.
I have looked for suitable places to park and pubs but with little luck so far. Hence when Colin rang me to say he was planning such a walk and had found a suitable parking spot and pub I offered to lead the expedition.
Remember when you read this we were in Staffordshire with a myriad of footpaths mostly unmarked. So gentle reader be kind to the leader who only once got lost (2 barbed wire fences to climb) and only once did the Grand old Duke of York.
Little did I realise we were starting from the highest, windiest, the most unpleasant lay by in the Peak District - Colin who found it on Google earth assured us that it was sunny when he saw it!
We managed to get away from the accursed lay by shortly before 10 am, walked North a short distance up the Leek - Buxton road A53 and turned left down a narrow lane at Morridge Top. The wind was howling, at least 50mph and we were glad of some shelter from the woods at Brund Hill. The weather did not put off the wild life as here Ravens were flying in the treetops and Buzzards over the marshes.
The lane was a pleasant route firm underfoot Colin did not moan that we were wearing out his boots - we passed Roundhill farm, Adders Green farm and took the right fork at Gib Tor.
This led us to Moss Top from which we could view the Roaches that is if they were n't covered in cloud and blowing a gale. We shortly turned right for Little Hillend (25 mins) following a long straight lane to Flash Bottom(40mins).
This where we met the “Staffordshire confusion” 3 footpaths on the map no signs- probably taken down by the cottagers at Wildstone Rock not wanting hairy legged wanderers in their backyard.
Not being down hearted we went a little further down the road an found a reasonable footpath direct up a muddy hill, soon we met the footpath I had been looking for turned left and followed it to Springhead Farm.
Over the stile the yard was packed with cattle, having carefully checked that none of them had bollocks your leader led the way down the side of the farmhouse. Here we met the farmer’s wife who was busy shifting the herd and she offered us the dairy for our break.
Politely refusing we settled down as best we could in the car parking to enjoy a portless break . Jock had a small moan about the mud in the place we picked but after all considering the rain of the previous weeks we were lucky to be out of the wind.(65 mins)
There was a rather interesting barn opposite. The keystone recorded it was built in 1821 but the stones had been re-arranged to fill in what had been a big barn entrance to the that of a small house doorway. Later someone had fitted modern door and windows but it looked totally derelict inside.
Now came the tricky bit, we crossed the road took a footpath directly down hill to cross the stream and much to the leaders relief there was an intact bridge over the swollen brook.
As we gamely climbed away from the bridge the leader could not find the path to the right and at the brow of the hill was a large foot path sign (large green footpath soc). However useful though it was it did not go the way we wanted. So the unabashed leader led his troops back down the hill to find the footpath (of course Colin singingto the tune of T.G.O.D.O.Y). However this got us back on track to Wicken Walls(95mins)
At the end of the field was a lovely wooded valley complete with bridge and waterfall, and of all things at long last a sign for Flash our destination. Passing Green Farm we came to the back road to Flash where there was an Alpaca farm with a large sign inviting you and your family to visit and set up your own Alpaca business.(110mins)
The farmer grimaced when we told him our walk was to Flash and we soon found out why; it was a solid 600ft slog up very steep hills.
Finally reached the pub at 12.30(150 mins) Knights Table aka Travellers Rest - nice room, good beer Black Sheep @£3.05 a pint - unfortunately no dogs so Jock took tips for a walk meeting us at 1.20pm
Return to the cars was 2.6 miles along an incredibly fast road so we went across the fields. Initially down the road on the Manifold Trail and turned left just past Summerhill Farm. This took us across wild grassland above Nield Bank farm where lunch was taken(170mins). The path took us back to the A53 where we immediately turned left to Blackbank and here was the 2nd mistake.
A long hard walk with great views of Roaches, Croker Hill, Shutlingsloe on the west, Chrome Hill and the Dales to the east- if it's done again keep it for the summer!!!!
SOB Walk Report November 25, 2015.
Disley, Lyme Park, Canal, Hazel Grove.
Distance: 5.94 miles (1 bus ride), 6.25miles (2 bus rides), 6.5 miles (2 bus rides)
Difficulty: Gentle stroll, bit of a slope, with the odd bus ride.
Weather: Mainly cloudy improving through the day.
Walkers: Geoff Spurrell, Ken Sparrow, Malcolm Smith, Tony Job, Terry Jowett.
Apologies: Mike Walton, George Fraser
Leader: Spurrell. Diarist: Laverick.
Starting point: Torkington Car Park.
Starting time: 10:00am. Finishing time: 2.30pm.
The SOB group numbered 6 walkers and bus passengers, one of whom was keen to try out his virginal shiny new bus pass.
The walk leader, it has to be said, tried his best to beat a certain A Team leaders claim to fame (A. Hart) by losing two thirds of his flock during the walk only to find them in a pub. However in his defence there was the smell of beer in the air and a large group of ramblers involved. More of this topic later.
The observant amongst you will also note the SOBs managed 3 different distances and number of buses taken.
The SOBs met at Torkington Park car park to catch a bus to the Rams Head.
Crossing over the A6 road made their way up Buxton Road turning right up Red Lane. At the point where Green Lane turns sharp right the SOBs turned left then right onto Green Lane. The group followed Green lane all the way to the end, passing the telephone kiosk where Superman changes so he can save the world.
Onward the group pressed as Green Lane narrowed into a watery footpath leading towards Lyme Park East Gate. Through a couple of gates the path turned muddy, onward the group continued down the track that at one time would have been cobbled but time and wear had reduced it to a jumbled mass of rocks that slowed the pace to ensure no broken ankles.
Passing through the East Gate into Lyme Park, with The Cage on our right, the group proceed to the main car park where Lunch was taken in preparation for the next stage.
From the car park the road to Windchasers was followed, it was at this point it all went a bit wrong and the group split. One group of 4 continued at a pace down past Windchasers and onward to the first watering hole of the Boars Head. The Leader and his trusty supporter turned left along the path to West Gate, down to the canal and back along to the Boars Head, where they arrived about 2 pints behind the deserting group of 4.
It has to be said that the confusion was not caused by the Leader but by the well meaning Diarist who spotting a large group of mixed sex ramblers in front thought only of his chums standing in a very long queue waiting to be served the golden elixor best known as Black Sheep. The Diarist took the relevant orders and forged ahead catching and overtaking the ramblers to ensure beer in a timely manner. It appears because our leader was leading from the rear that 3 of the walkers followed the Diarist to the Boars Head.
After a suitable rest period 5 of the group decided to catch the P1 bus to Weatherspoons in Hazel Grove, where after a further pint, walked up the A6 to Torkington car park to collect their transport home. The 6th member of the group walked from the Boars Head back into Poynton via Weatherspoons.
The above explanation I hope explains the different mileages and number of buses taken by this normally cohesive group.
Next week....... a walk around the Bollington country side.
Laurie
