Buxton Field Club’s final two events of the Summer:
Waterswallows (with an optional Woo Dale extension).
Buxton Saturday 14th August 10.00am start.
Led by Simon Fussell
Bonsall Moor
slightly further afield but a guided, themed walk based on how lead mining has changed the landscape. Bonsall Sunday 22nd August 11.00am start.
Further Details:
Waterswallows
is a disused basalt quarry that has not been worked for over 40 years. It is an SSSI because of some of the rock formations and this has restricted the development of the site. The workings are now submerged under the lake, at its deepest 40m. Since it ceased to be a working quarry nature has taken over and gradually the site has wilded and now is home to a number of mammal species as well as birds, butterflies and wildflowers.
The ground is rocky and uneven in places, so care may need to be taken, but there are only fairly gentle inclines. The walk is expected to take an hour.
For those wanting more, there is an an option to also walk in Woo Dale – a typical small Derbyshire limestone Dale which would be an additional couple of hours.
Meeting place GR SK 0804475045
(Take Waterswallows Road off the A6/Dove Holes road, just across the road from St Peter’s Church. Follow Waterswallows Road with the golf course on your left, and take the first small road to the right after the houses run out. You can park on the left of this road and then walk up to where this road meets Daisymere Lane and there are a couple of cottages on the right and a wooden fence at the entrance to the quarry area.)
Bonsall Moor
We will climb up a delightful flag stone path out of Bonsall and explore the surrounding areas of Bonsall, upper town and Brightgate. Our walk takes in some interesting and fascinating lead mining sites, flowers, grasses and stunning views! Much of our walk is along the Limestone way, an official walking route from Rocester to Castleton. We return to Bonsall for welcome refreshment at the Fountain cafe if required! Approximate distance 4.5 miles, say 3 hours max and approximately 230 m of ascent.
This walk will be led by Rachel Bolton. Rachel is passionate about being in the outdoors and walking, has extensive local knowledge and is also a qualified mountain leader – so we will be in expert and safe hands!
Meeting Place The best place to park is a rough ground car park which is free by the playing field in Bonsall. It’s near Fountains cafe DE42AA
(If coming from Via Gellia road, from Cromford turn right on road to Bonsall. Pass Cascade gardens on left and car park is just after on the left, it’s free parking. If you get to the Fountain road junction you have passed the car park.)
