Bigbak one

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Really nice stretch through the Peak District. Nice starting place in Bakewell with plenty of nice eateries. Strong climb out to walk briefly on a road before crossing fields to reach stunning Lathkill Dale. Steep descent followed by a steep climb but really scenic. Cross more fields to once again drop down, this time into Middleton Dale. Another gorgeous bit of Peak District scenery alongside the River Bradford (lots of wildlife). Steep climb with a lot of road and track walking to reach the less attractive Friden Brick Works. Bit more road walking before a short section of fields to reach the Tissington Trail and Biggin.

This is well plotted and direct but there are downs and ups. A great limestone walk with good views. Not much in the way of services so take essentials and rest at a good view point. Cattle, stiles etc along the way. More of a tour at Middleton Dale which can be shortened.

The route leaves Biggin between houses but quickly enter fields used perhaps by the village dog owners. A crossing of the Tissington Trail involves a climb to the trail, not as shown on OS then more pleasant fields with cattle or sheep before a crossing of roads at Newhaven. The impressive Newhaven House is shown on old maps as (P.H.) but now the modern Carriages Bar and Restaurant could offer refreshment and a campsite provides accommodation.

A stretch of road walking from here passing the Silica Fire Brick Works, DSF Refractories & Minerals Ltd the UK’s largest manufacturer of shaped refractories, so the website says. Passing the High Peak Trail the former station, now a car park may offer an ice cream van in summer. Continue along the road which has signs of early improvements with a raised section over what could be boggy ground and the crossing point of a lost Roman Road. After passing the entrance to Kenslow pop up campsite we take to the fields again before joining the very quiet Whitfield Lane into Middleton.

This small settlement offers the traveller a toilet block where the supply of refreshing cold water may be appreciated before resting on a nearby bench, don't knock it, it's the best offer. Having following the plotted route into the dale I suggest this is very nice but it's a tour not the direct route and it involves a good climb out in whichever direction you travel. The direct quiet road has a pavement, narrow in places but it stays on the higher ground. A full redesign using the dale might extend to Youlgrave where there is a shop and inn.

The route heads north to Meadow Place Grange an impressive collection of old farm buildings between which the route passes before dropping down into Lathkill Dale then a climb up the other site. Seats offer a quiet resting place in the churchyard but for water visit the toilet block a little higher up at the car park. The Lathkill Hotel is just off route.

More quiet road walking although I did see a bus go past displaying a 'Not in Service' destination. The approach to Bakewell offers a good aerial view of the town before an enclosed path alongside the huge school complex which must serve villages for miles around. Closer still and the footpath follows narrow unadopted roads between houses at The Yeld.

Arriving at the, by now, well acquainted meeting place, I'm pleased with my progress having achieved an average of three miles per hour. Earlier than expected I spot buses so no time to tour the town on this visit, I'm off to Chesterfield via Baslow a great ride at the end of an equally great walk.

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