XMAS SQWALK 28TH DEC 2016 BAKEWELL TO MONSAL HEAD (8-9 miles) (Route Map at end)
Up for it were:
Yupmeister, Zolette, Anytime Tone, Sometime soon Chris, Helen, Ann Marie, Barry's daughter Katie & husband Stuart, Stuart's brother Ian, Malc Jay, Lyn Jay, GPS-cott, Baz, WillnAnnnHelen, 2 Pie Hard Dave Semi-Colon, Tim Mothy, Dceen his wallet (Dave), Mceen his dad's wallet (Michael), BrollyWolly Bagman of Talke Talke (Mark), BrollyWolly Bagwoman of Talke Talke (Janet), Heavy Steve Machine, Light Steve Machine (Trish), Lighter Steve Machine (Jenny), 'Al Dente' Rose and Ninety Nine Nige, Rob Sparky and son Tom, Mark Stefan and son Ben.
Last minute drop outs were Yupmistress, DT and Jacko,
It was a slightly frosty morning as expected but it soon gave way to a a bright and sunny day with clear blue skies in Bakewell. The Scraggy coach, driven by Ian, picked 20 of us up for the hour and a half's trip to Bakewell, where we arrived at 9.15. Helen and co went off in search of toilets and much to their relief found one in the town centre. As the rest of the clan turned up in separate cars we were ready for the group photo at half past with the exception of Rose and Nige who were waiting on the pedestrian bridge further down river. A quick call saw them running up to the main road bridge to join us as we set off around ten to fifteen minutes behind schedule.
Instead of the usual direct route to the Monsal trail we followed the river upstream to Holme Hall and then climbed directly north along a bridleway until we hit the trail turning east towards the Hassop Station Café for a cuppa. Their renowned almond slices didn't appear to be on offer but Bakewell tarts were the next best option which Stewart and Ian tucked into.
Sparky, son Tom, Mark Stefan and his son, Ben, finally joined us, after turning up late at Bakewell, and had just enough time to pick up a brew.
The next stretch along the trail in a westerly direction to the tunnel at Monsal Head was flat and easy. A steep climb from there to the Stable bar above was avoided by Barry and Katie, who took an alternative route suggested by Yup. Unfortunately, the short cut was the wrong one and it proved to be a slightly longer short cut. Still, Katie had to admit that it had been worth it. Their walk had included fighting their way through bushes, climbing in and out of a quarry, and fighting off a bull in a field. The vicar they had met was very helpful though and guided them back on to the straight and narrow.
A refreshing pint was enjoyed at the Stable Bar, whilst Rose and Nige tucked in to (what must be a first on a xmas sqwalk) an ice cream, just one, overlooking the delightful scenery around Monsal Head.
Liking the views and licking the ice-cream, they somehow missed everyone who had left the bar and slipped down to the Packhorse Inn a couple of hundred yards away.
The historic Packhorse soon filled up when we arrived, as it only has a couple of small rooms. There was an open fire in the main room with a couple of large tables which we were later informed were reserved. Options were to go in to the rear beer garden in the shade or move to the front of the pub and enjoy the sun. Muddy boots, kids and dogs are all welcome, according to their website. Sadly, it appeared that customers weren't. Having been provided with an extra pint, due to a misunderstanding, the landlord was 'too busy to work it out and accept a refund' !!!!!!!!!!! Jaipur had never tasted so good.
The Crispin Inn, with Robinson's ale, was our next stop, where we would be having lunch. A couple of extra gammons ordered on the day seemingly created confusion in the kitchen and sadly Bazzer's pre-ordered meal of a 'well done' gammon didn't materialise. Sprouts were in abundance though and it seemed every meal was served with a portion, obviously left overs from the Xmas day celebrations. Rose pointed out that there were several ways to cook sprouts, and that she preferred them Al Dente. Yup's sprouts were slightly overcooked. How were yours??
The walk was intended to be an 8 mile walk although several GPS apps showed it to be nearer 9. The extra mile was probably due to the staggering between pubs and visiting Bakewell pudding shops.
The bus arrived at 5 and returned us home just as the mist began to drop. The sounds of Christmas music soon sent one or two off to the land of nod.
Thanks everyone for coming and making it a great day. Just 5 more walks to meet the 100 target!!
Cheers
Yup
(enjoy yer sprouts)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
It was a couple or three miles back to Bakewell, across a couple of fields and returning via the Monsal Trail passing the Hassop Station café we'd visited earlier. The individual travellers left the group to retrieve their cars as the rest meandered into town and into the Red Lion. The pudding shop proved irresistible for some and gratefully some of the produce was shared in the pub with a pint of Chatsworth Gold.
