Twelve to Fourteen Mile Group
Saturday started as we have come to expect on our weekends away: in brilliant sunshine.
Our group scaled the Heights of Abraham to make our way into the pretty village of Bonsall. It’s amazing how many ways out there are. We found time to do the recce for the next day!  Did anyone find Croft Farm?
Once out of the village we walked along Wensley Dale which was covered in Hawthorn blossom
We had lunch in dappled shade, it’s surprising how far seven lunches will stretch!
A gruelling climb followed before we had a well earned 2 minutes rest at the foot of Robin Hood’s Stride.
We meandered down through limestone into the tiny village of Alport. A mile and half away from our destination we reached Haddon Hall and the bus stop back into Matlock Bath. The general consensus was that 14 miles was sufficient and that we should head back for a much needed drink.
Saturday 9th April
Sunday 10th April
Sunday’s walk started with a gentle stroll down into Matlock Bath before we turned to walk up the very steep cobble stone path which passed the exit to the cable car.
From there we found another way into Bonsall. There our trusty photographer (picture below) was waiting to take our Sunday group photo.
We left Bonsall and made our way to Cromford. We then walked along the canal to High Peak station, where we encountered the other group.  After lunch we walked up to Matlock castle. It took us an hour and a half to walk up and five minutes to walk down. Some walked into Matlock for the beer festival while the rest found a sunny spot to quench their thirst!
Peter Wilson
April 2011