5 miles - booking essential, T&Cs apply
Great for families, minimum age 8 years
This walk takes you on a journey starting 6000 years ago when our neolithic ancestors buried their important dead on Minninglow hill, then through to the Victorian era and the arrival of industry. The route starts on the High Peak Trail, once the track of the Cromford and High Peak Railway or should that be canal? (Join the walk to find out more). This was one of the first modern railways and an 'Engineering Masterpiece'. Quoting a 19c writer: 'The skyscraping High Peak Railway with its corkscrew curves that seem to have been laid out by a mad Archimedes endeavouring to square the circle'.
The flowers along the walk are typical of the limestone regions which in May will include early purple orchids.
Along the way we will learn about the Bronze Age barrows on Minninglow hill, Romano British settlements, field systems and a 12th century Monastic Grange.
The more recent history includes the building of the early railways and the development of industries like lime burning, brick making and quarrying which are still active in the local area. We will see how this history has contributed to the appearance of the scenery which we often take for granted as the natural environment.
Join us for a great walk, with beautiful scenery and fascinating history! As an added bonus, the distinct peak of Minninglow is an Ethel! If this is your first Ethel, there are 94 more high points in the Peak district to visit. Speak to your Rangers.
Event Grade: Moderate - moderate walks on ground with sometimes rough and uneven terrain and gradients.
Event Terrain: The walk is mostly along gravel tracks and pasture land with a couple of small climbs and rock outcrops. The pasture land can be muddy after rain.
Extra Items: Bring food and drink for a day out and wear clothing and light weight boots or sturdy shoes suitable for the weather conditions on the day.
Meeting Point: Minninglow Car Park, Mouldridge Lane, Pikehall. Best route is to take a small road from the A5012 signposted to Parwich which passes directly by the car park.
Parking: Free. No toilet facilities.
Grid Reference: SK1946 5815
Post Code: DE4 2PN
What3Words: storyline.establish.spit
Dogs on short leads welcome.
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