Monsal Dale 31st January

Eleven walkers, including William and Sean’s two dogs (the most diverse gathering on any parish walk so far) set out for Monsal Head in the White Peak. I would say intrepid but, given the torrential rain, other adjectives may be more appropriate: mad, deranged, fool hardy, coerced, insoluble…! This was clearly pay back time for the glorious sunshine we enjoyed at Grassington in the summer.

The rain eased off as we arrived. We set off in hopeful spirits. It started again as soon as we had crossed the viaduct. The River Wye had broken its banks so we enquired of a couple coming the opposite way if the path was passable at Water cum Jolly. ‘Oh yes,’ they replied through the downpour. More of this later.

Intrepid or fool hardy?
Definitely insoluble!

The disused railway line stopped at Cressbrook Mill, a Victorian sweatshop in its industrial past, now converted into apartments. We noticed a hydro electric plant; a modern alternative to the water wheel which originally gave power to the mill. A slight descent leads to Cressbrook itself and Water cum Jolly. This place is beautiful in normal weather. The path runs by the mill ponds and is bordered by overhanging limestone walls.

It was at this point any final vestiges of common sense were washed out of our heads. We took a small path on a slope which got steeper and higher above the mill ponds. After ½ mile, rational thought returned and we boldly turned around and headed for the Stable Pub at Monsal Head.

Some of us like walking in the wet (so long as you keep moving you can keep warm). But one of the joys of such days is the warmth of a cosy pub, preferably with an open fire. Steaming, we tucked into excellent beer and very good food.

David Kaye

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