Ashford-in-the-Water

 Ashford-in-the-Water

ROUTE: ASHFORD-IN-THE-WATER, PENNYCLUNK LANE, MONSAL HEAD, LITTLE LONGSTONE, GREAT LONGSTONE, HARDRAKE LANE, LONGSTONE EDGE, BLACK PLANTAION, MOOR LANE, DALE FARM, THE PACKHORSE AT LITTLE LONGSTON, MONSAL TRAIL, THE BULL'S HEAD ASHFORD IN THE WATER.

September 1st, 2021

DISTANCE: 9.5 miles.

DIFFICULTY: Easy

WEATHER: Cloudy with occasional light drizzle.

WANDERERS: Jock, Tom Cunliffe with Daisy, John Jones and Alastair Cairns

APOLOGIES: Julian Ross (Spain) Mike Barrett (Silverdale) Alan Hart (taxi duties) George Dearsley (Turkey) Andy Blease (parental duties) Dean Taylor (Llandudno) Dave Willets (work commitments) Peter Beale (Pembrokeshire) Mark Gibby (hospital appointment) Hughie Hardiman (holidays)

LEADER Jock DIARIST: Cairns

START TIME: 10:00 FINISH TIME: 14:30

Having found Jock and John wandering the village our intrepid quartet set off up Vicarage lane turning left up the short steep footpath leading up to then over the fields to Pennyclunk Lane which eventually brought us to Monsal Head.

During this opening stage of the walk JJ took a keen interest in a local stone known as Ashford Black Marble which used to be extracted from the Arrock Mine and the Rookery Plantation near Ashford-in-the-Water. Although referred to as marble it was found to be a rock of purely sedimentary origin, it is a dark fine-grained muddy carboniferous limestone-rich in bitumen which makes it dark grey colour.

There was a thriving trade in the manufacture of urns, obelisks and other decorative items made from Ashford Black Marble during the late 18th and 19th century although its use as a decorative mineral can be traced back to prehistoric times.

Following the minor road to Little Longstone we passed the Packhorse (11:35). On reaching the gate after the last house on the right past the pub we took the left of the two footpaths. The path took us to the metropolis of Great Longstone, where Jock led us through the children’s playground and on to the Church where we followed the road sharp right to a walled lane.

Ignoring a multi pointing signpost we kept on the lane to its end where we crossed a field heading up to Longstone edge where pie time was called at Wendy’s Bench. From Longstone Edge it was an easy downhill stroll down Moor Lane, however, seeking better views Jock decided to put in an extra loop which eventually took us back to and across Longstone Moor after which we turned right for Dale Farm crossing the fields to Little Longstone reaching The Packhorse at 1330. To our horror this favourite WW’s pub is no longer open for lunch service Monday to Thursday, it was not clear if this is to be a permanent arrangement or a temporary measure. 

After a brief discussion, it was decided to push on to the Bulls Head in Ashford-in-the water, so from the Packhorse we returned to the gate with the two stiles taking the right-hand gate and track to the Monsal Trail where we crossed the disused railway and descended the steps to the field below. From then on it was an easy stroll over the fields crossing Longstone Lane and Ashford Lane to emerge onto Vicarage Lane and back to the cars to de-boot. Refreshment was taken in the Bulls Head before heading for home.

Next week’s walk will start at 09.40 from top of Laneside Road in New Mills SK22 4LU. The walk will be led by JJ breaking for lunch at the Sportsman on Kinder Road, Hayfield. 

map of the Wander by Tom