WEEK BEGINNING the 29th AUGUST 2016

Our Very Own Splinter Group Walk 4th September 2016
Book Inspiration: 9 Walks Around Matlock & Bakewell Area from 3.2 to 6.4 Mile (Sue's Book)
Walk Chosen by Susan: Walk Matlock (pages tba)

MapMyWalk App Stats: 3.73 miles for 2H:24M:34S, pace at 38:45 mins per mile
http://mapmywalk.com/workout/1724727905
Break: Twenty Two for Drinkies & Peli at Matlock for Coffee & Sandwiches DE4 3AT

Blimey oh riley, we were like a couple of teenagers that got lost in the woods! Where do I even start? I shall start by saying that our walk didn't start very well, hee hee ...

We tried to follow the book's instructions but Sue mentioned that something didn't feel right as we were supposed to see a stile in section one, but never did. So, as we were rather keen to try and follow the book, we decided to head back to Halls Leys Park and tried to find this so called "public footpath" that was supposed to be close to the Matlock Railway station, so much so we had to go into a shop to ask. Anyways, we finally got onto the river and we were consistently convincing ourselves that we were on the right track but once we got walking on the pathway, I wasn't convinced as something about it didn't feel right to me, and according to the book the river Derwent was on our right? Right?

After 30 mins into the walk, we started to climb and climb, we were hairingly close to the valley below so one silly slip, we could have gone tumbling down, never to be seen again and I jokingly said to Sue much later, that luckily we did not need the mountain rescue. It was really hard going at times as the pathway was wet and slippery so we had to thread very slowly and carefully. Sometimes, I had to squat and most of the time holding my dear life right into the hands of nature's trees around us that lined the pathway. Thank you trees and branches! The highlight of our little adventure was discovering a cave and seeing humans again on the other side. We both even contemplated turning back, but thanks to Sue we pushed on. We never saw the disused factory, stile nor barn!! But hey, check out the views ...

Then, we also got really thirsty half way through and wished one of us brought a bottle of water but didn't bother as it was only supposed to be a 1.5 hour walk, that taught us a little lesson for the future. We were also craving for walking sticks then too as it would have been really useful on this particular walk. However, both Sue and I like being hands free, another lesson in life?

I have never been so pleased to see a set of stairs leading to the road of freedom ...

Then, suddenly out of the blue we saw Height of Abraham's cable cars and I cannot tell you how relieved I was and suddenly I felt very confident as I knew we were not far from civilization. Plus, I also lived in Matlock Bath before and I knew it wouldn't take me long to worm our way back to the Matlock Railway Station Car Park.

Ah! Back to my own turf, alas out of the woods! Here's High Tor and it was here we soon saw a sign for a railway station but it was Matlock Bath and not Matlock's Railway Station. So, we are now not far, through the railway station and down towards the Midland Pub, chuck a right and straight run towards Matlock and I could kill for a pint of ice cold lemonade and orange juice which we both had at Twenty Two on Dale Road.

Then, a quick call to Charles, my best buddy to join us for a spot of well deserved lunch at Peli's. Charles had quiche and salad, Sue had Tuna sandwich on granary and I had Ham & Cheese Panini, so delicious. We then started getting comfortable and enjoyed people watching. All in all, a pulchritudinous morning of fun and adventure!

Tennis is next at at 10am in Bakewell Park grounds on Tuesday 6th September and I've got a cycle ride with the Derbyshire Park Rangers.

Do you want join us, just ping me a comment and we will include you in our emails?