Minninglow: 6000 Years of History, Stunning Scenery and an Ethel! - Saturday 24 May

 

5 miles - Great for families.  Minimum age 8 years.

 

This walk takes you on a journey starting 6000 years ago when our neolithic ancestors buried their important dead on the top of Minninglow hill, through to the Victorian era and the effects of taxation on the development of industry. 

 

The route starts on the High Peak Trail, once the track of the Cromford and High Peak Railway or should that be canal? (Join the walk to find out more). This was one of the first modern railways and an 'Engineering Masterpiece'. Quoting a 19c writer: 'The skyscraping High Peak Railway with its corkscrew curves that seem to have been laid out by a mad Archimedes endeavouring to square the circle'.

 

The flowers along the walk are typical of the limestone regions which in May should include early purple orchids.   

 

Along the way we will learn about the Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows on Minninglow hill, Romano British settlements, field systems and a 12th century Monastic Grange.

The more recent history includes the building of the early railways and the development of industries like lime burning, brick making and quarrying which are still active in the local area. We will see how this history has contributed to the appearance of the scenery which we often take for granted as the natural environment.

Join us for a great walk, with beautiful scenery, interesting history and bag an Ethel.

 

Event Grade: Moderate - moderate walks on ground with sometimes rough and uneven terrain and gradients. 

 

Event Terrain: The walk is mostly along gravel tracks and pasture land with a couple of small climbs and rock outcrops. The pasture land can be muddy after rain.

 

Extra Items: Bring food and drink for a day out and wear clothing and light weight boots or sturdy shoes suitable for the weather conditions on the day.  Minimum age 8yrs.

 

Start: 10:00am  Finish: 4:00pm

 

Meeting Point: Minninglow Car Park, Mouldridge Lane, Pikehall. Best route is to take a small road from the A5012 signposted to Parwich which passes directly by the car park.

 

Parking: Pay and Display by card or Ringo app. No toilet facilities.

 

Grid Reference: SK1946 5815  Post Code: DE4 2PN  What3Words: storyline.establish.spit  

 

Near Bus Route: No    Near Rail Station: No

 

Dogs: Dogs on leads allowed.

 

Cost: £10 per person aged 18 and above. Children aged 17 and below go free on any suitable event.

 

Click the date in the calendar to see how many places are available and to book on.