Watbig two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Watbig here.

I do feel Hartington would be a better hub but here we are. I walked from Biggin which can be accessed by buses between Buxton and Ashbourne. There will be cattle but no issues on the day of my walk. There are services at two midpoints. The paths are well walked and vary from pasture grass, stoney sections and lots of smooth lane style tarmac of the Manifold valley where the only traffic is cycles. Some great views along this first class walk.

The short road walk from the meeting point soon gets us to Dalehead. It's downhill from here so a gentle climb in reverse. It starts with an evident path across grass but as the dale narrows the path is distinct but less even over lumps of limestone.

The dale sides are quite steep with the steep slopes made into terraces created by grazing sheep. Being limestone the dale is dry and looks like this is standard all year round.

We meet the flowing River Dove briefly at Wolfscote Dale but soon leave via a bridge, not stepping stones as shown on the map. It's a steep climb so care is needed if descending, time for a breather and to take in the view when ascending. At the top the path is provided with gates and there is adequate use to mark a route across the fields.

I felt that the route would be improved by turning left along the green lane adding a small bit of road walking because the paths around the farm in Watbig were rather confusing. The loo block which has an old fashioned tap that will replenish water bottles is just off route. I say this because the website for The George makes clear it is a restaurant and does not serve drinks.

The village has a number of benches and the exit through the sports field offers more. Easy field paths takes us to Wetton where another loo block off route and the inn here might offer drinks as well as food.

Dropping down another dale into the Manifold Valley along a path with more limestone which can be slippery, polished by the feet of visitors. Meeting the dry River Manifold look up to see Thor's Cave which can be visited with a detour. The path along the course of what was the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway is like walking a country lane to Waterhouses with the only passing traffic, bicycles.

There was a suggestion of a cafe along here but I saw no evidence of it and sadly no seats so the four plus miles while very easy walking does become a little monotonous. Meeting the road at Waterhouses stay with the cycle path which passes through the old station where more loos and benches are provided before a short walk to the meeting place which has seats but alongside the busy main road.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.