A recent outing by East Cheshire Ramblers began at Bamford station in Derbyshire when they caught the 09.30hr train to Dore & Totley on the south western outskirts of Sheffield for a 14-mile linear return walk led by Colin Park. [caption id="attachment_45" align="aligncenter" width="526"] Waiting for the train at Bamford[/caption] Climbing steadily on steep, wooded slopes to enter Beauchief Park, the route then skirted around New Totley before ascending onto Totley Moor where the carpet of purple heather was at its best. On the far eastern horizon, Lincoln Cathedral could be clearly picked out in the fine, morning sun. Not that the fine weather was to last, unfortunately.

After a picnic lunch by Longshaw Lodge, the walk continued north below Burbage Rocks and up onto Stanage Edge where the group was obliged to quickly don waterproofs as the skies began to darken and showers swept in. [caption id="attachment_44" align="aligncenter" width="604"] The party on Stanage Edge as storm clouds gather[/caption] Fortunately, the sun returned later in time for an afternoon break below North Lees Hall, a sixteenth century tower house which is believed to have been the inspiration for Thornfield Hall, Mr Rochester's house in Charlotte Brontë's famous novel, Jane Eyre.

The final part of the walk was along lanes and field paths, finally crossing Sicklehome Golf Course to arrive back at Bamford.