It's May Day bank holiday so let's treat ourselves to a cheeky Monday meander in the Amber Valley.
Bluebells are very much the order of the day, starting and ending as we do at the Bluebell pub in South Wingfield, as well as bearing witness to a guaranteed carpet of the azure Spring flowers in the surrounding woodland.
As it's the Marauders' first outing to this corner of the Derbyshire Dales we'll stop by a number of the local landmarks, including the ruins of Wingfield Manor (former staycation spot for Mary Queen of Scots), Crich Stand (the prominent memorial tower which we can climb to the top of) and a bird's eye view of Crich Tramway Village.
This one's a bit of a pilgrimage for me; my family hailing from the area (in fact my grandparents used to own the Bluebell pub), so I hope you'll join me for a nice trek down memory lane and a pint in the old Smith family pub after the hike.
Starting point
The Bluebell pub in South Wingfield:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pPKq9HGRFbRzzoNf7
No toilets at the start but there'll be opportunity for a quick coffee and loo break 20 minutes into the walk.
Parking
Please refrain from clogging up the pub's small carpark and instead park on the road in front.
There's more space down the hill on Parks Ave if needs be:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLsih8jtb69VDgfb7
Public Transport
Buses into South Wingfield:
https://bustimes.org/services/140-matlock-alfreton
https://bustimes.org/services/143-bakewell-road-high-street
https://bustimes.org/services/143a-bakewell-road-high-street
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk and in the pub afterwards.
What to bring
Please bring a packed lunch, water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather and terrain.
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DISCLAIMER
Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!
Here's a guide to the difficult rating:
• Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll.
• Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience.
• Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience.
• Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day.
• Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves.
• Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers.
IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.
