Park on the road near to the Longshaw estate.Walk to the top of the road and through the gate on... read more
Park on the road near to the Longshaw estate.Walk to the top of the road and through the gate on... read more
Lovely climb up to Carl Wark which we accessed from Higgor Tor. Great views and a lovely place to... read more
The Peak District National Park is full of spectacular landforms and, having had the opportunity to undertake a survey of the RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites), to assess their scientific and amenity value, I put the Burbage Valley at the top of the list, along with The Roaches.
20 years later, having successfully completed a wide variety of projects relating to geological conservation and education – as well as having learned some Italian and Spanish and developed an interest in Geotourism – I came back on a sunny Sunday morning to assess its potential for a guided tour.
The 272 bus journey from Sheffield Interchange to Castleton must be one the best that it is possible to take. This time, setting off promptly at 09:20, the bus was full of seasoned walkers, a couple of groups of Chinese students and some very friendly Italians with whom I had a very good conservation, until I had to say my farewells when I got off at Fox House - about half an hour later.
At about 14:10, I hailed the 272 on its return journey at the point on the A6187, which is the main entrance when coming from Fox House. This stretch of road is very narrow and very busy and the bus stop here - on the opposite side of the road -serves passengers in both directions.
I took more than 200 photographs whilst stopping to take a good look at the geology and geomorphology along the way; I also admit to having had to stop several times, to take my breath, whilst walking and sometimes scrambling up the path to Carl Wark during the first half hour of what must have been about a 5 mile walk.
A fell running event that was also taking place at the time, served to remind me that, although I am not as fit and healthy as I used to be, I am still sane! I really did wonder why on Earth these people want to do this – as they were overtaking me and trying to zoom up the steepest inclines - when you can just take your time and fully appreciate the atmosphere that exists in this wonderful place.
It's advisable to take some waterproof and warm clothes with you, as well as some food and drink and you definitely need to wear some good, stout walking boots if you plan to explore Carl Walk and Higger Tor; my Trezeta boots were emptied of spiders, and the cobwebs brushed away, before being put back to full use on a fantastic journey - highly recommended...