Bigdar one

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I walked Darley Dale to Biggin. Can't understand why Biggin rather than Hartington but it is what it is. A very good walk, well plotted and easy to follow. Cattle, stiles, steps and some climbs but great views. Some road walking that needs care. Shop and inn at Winster. Bus links at Winster and Biggin.

Starting from the Co-op at Darley Dale, stock up because there is not a lot on route. The exit is direct but a bit grotty unless you are a railway fan. Limited opportunities to cross the river so here we use the ancient Darley Bridge before heading off along Oldfield Lane.

The factory is HJ Enthoven & Sons the largest single site producer of recycled lead in Europe they produce 75,000 tonnes each year including some from old batteries. There may be lorries on this first part of the road. The track eventually follows a stream, occasionally too close, yes it can be muddy, then across open fields to the road.

A short section of approach road has no pavement so care is needed. A well stocked shop in Winster is one of many attactions in the pretty and popular village, buses except Sunday, to Bakewell and Matlock. It's been climbing all the way and it continues passing the Miners Standard Inn, plus camping and the Lead Ore House.

The path drops to cross the Newhaven road, then climbs again. It's well worth having a breather, turning round to take in the views. An annoying spike in the route takes us to Rockhurst Farm from where its along an 'Other route with public access' ORPA. It's treated by some as a road so there may be motor vehicles. The long straight track offers no navigation challenge so there's time to admire the stunning view north and listen to the call of the Skylarks and Lapwing.

Pikehall has a very short section of busy road with a narrow and eroding verge. Eggs are on sale here alongside cakes, which may be a better option for the traveller. Another section of track leads to a short walk along the High Peak Trail. The next used path follows a farm track just north of the proper cross field footpath. Here we meet a crop other than grass and the path may not be apparent so keep a close eye on the plot which will take you to the stiles.

The tree capped Aleck Low may have access but I didn't detour to find out, the trig pillar could be another reason to visit. The final approach to Biggin is along a roadside pavement. No services in the village except an inn not on route, a bus Buxton to Ashbourne serves the meeting place every two hours, except Sunday. There is a seat in the churchyard.

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