2025 Photos

A smaller group of ramblers today but we still managed a total of 15, set off on not such a hot day as the previous days, with light cloud cover and a gentle breeze. The route began on Lady Spencer Walk which passes behind the Stone Centre. At every opportunity when the sun shone, we headed for cover under the trees. Our route passed the Row Ponds where the Water Lillies were out on either side of us. Then downhill to Millers Pond where the Canada geese gathered and where we had our morning break at the café. Through the trees again and up the steep Broad Oak Hill for lunch with Hardwick Hall in the background behind us. After lunch we set off again by leaving the Hardwick grounds at Ault Hucknall and headed along a quiet country lane before returning into the back of the park, rambling along the lime avenue called the Wineglass. We now passed close by to Hardwick Hall for a group photo and then continued back to the Visitor Centre. Judy and Bernard

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Another very warm start to our ramble from the Carsington Water Visitor Centre which put off some members with the promise of temperatures into the mid-twenties. We began the day with the presentation of the Wenman Cup to Marian and Barry Andrews by Paula and Jonathan, for their work with Disabled Ramblers in improving access, leading their own rambles, both National and Regional, as well as stepping in at short notice to cover the illness of other leaders. Thank you both. We found that the anti-clockwise route had lots of opportunities under the trees for regular stops in the shade for a cool drink. Our lunch stop had to be changed from the exposed hillside to the shaded lower path, with a breeze. On the far side of the reservoir, we had a better view of the water and wildlife including a large heron. Later in the afternoon, when we reached the Sheepwash car park, we were so disappointed to find that the ice cream van wasn’t there as planned. However, Bernard soon sorted this out by phoning him. We waited patiently, then 10 minutes later he arrived, and we all had a lovely ice cream under the trees overlooking the glistening waters before starting the last mile back to the visitor centre at the end of another successful day. Judy & Bernard

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Today we started from the car park at Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre where we met Clara, the Engagement Ranger for the Peak District who gave us information about the area and walked with us on part of the ramble. Just before setting off 2 coaches stopped directly in front of me, the driver of the first jumped out and ran across the road and asked me for directions to the coach parking- this DR hi-vis jacket has a lot to answer for. We set off, through the rear car park gate, up the hill to the old Bakewell Station onto the Monsal Trail. The coffee stop was under the trees just before the old Hassop Station where a few popped in for the toilets and a drink. Onward then to and through the Headstone Tunnel for lunch at viaduct overlooking the glorious countryside. On our return journey we stopped at Thornbridge Hall for an ice cream at the café. This is where the love locks from Bakewell Bridge have been transferred to. Whilst there a lady came up to me and tried to give me some money for car parking – hi-vis to blame yet again. We continued passing our morning coffee break, back into the car park at Bakewell all very warm and looking forward to a rest day the next day to recharge for Thursday. Judy and Bernard

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We started off the week on a glorious sunny day at Chatsworth with a group of 11 scooters and 10 walkers including guests. The morning coffee stop was at the Hunting Tower which overlooks the magnific Derbyshire hills. We continued on to the lake high above the House which feeds the Emperor Fountain. Then passing the Swiss Cottage we continued through Stand Wood passing the farm and back into the car park for lunch. The afternoon route was in the opposite direction away from Chatsworth House through the fields of sheep and their lambs. Hiding but watching us from a distance under the cooling shade of the trees were the deer. We had a short break for a group photo at the Golden Gate watching it slowly open for the staff exiting before heading across the field to the footpath alongside the River Derwent back towards the House. On the way we did pause by the unusual pedestrian gate into the village which had it have been larger, would have enabled a tramper to get through. Judy & Bernard

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16/5/2025. With 8 scooters and 9 walkers, we set off from Saltergate car park. After 100m along the side of the main road, we were on quiet trails for the remainder of the day. The brisk wind remained from the north, but after passing through open farmland we entered the northern edge of Dalby Forest, which afforded some relief from the wind. Passing Blakey Topping and a small circle of standing stones next to a hedge line, we found an open area for a quick coffee break. We then continued on to the "mystery structure" much discussed at the start of the ramble that had been under construction during the early reccy. It is now revealed to be an art installation called "A room that sings", not yet open but due to open soon according to their website. Lunch was planned to be at the Crosscliff Woods view point, but as it was facing north, we again decided to move into the woods and found a nice quiet spot to rest out of the wind. After a short detour through the woods, we returned along the same path to the starting point, some enjoying a warming drink from the coffee trailer. Jonathan and Sophie.

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15/5/2025. After a stunning warm, bright sunny start to the week, it all changed for our ramble up to Ana Cross. 9 scooters and 10 walkers started at the welcoming Lastingham Grange Hotel making our way up to the cross into the brisk north wind. Once we made it to Anna Cross we stopped for a quick coffee break but no-one was keen to stay for too long. We pressed on, reaching the old iron workings at the top of Rosedale Bank. The plan had been to enjoy the expansive views of Rosedale, but the weather had other ideas, so after a quick look we continued around to the Chimney Bank car park where we found a nice sheltered spot for lunch. The wind was behind us in the afternoon making for a more pleasant return along a similar route to the starting point. We were welcomed again by the hotel and all enjoyed either a cream tea, cakes or a drink to round off the day. In spite of the weather, spirits remained high as we all had a wonderful time chatting with each other. Jonathan and Sophie.

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13/5/2025. With 13 scooters and 15 walker, we started from the historic village of Old Byland, unchanged since the Domesday Book we proceeded across farm tracks to a high setting for our coffee break with views across the valley to Rievaulx Abbey. Then came the long descent along quiet roads, crossing the River Rye to the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey where we stopped for lunch. We were surrounded by the white blossom of the hawthorn hedges along the way, abundant birdsong and clear blue skies above. After lunch we made our way along the valley to the green and verdant Nettle Dale. Much fun was had at the water crossing for the scooter riders with the walkers passing across large stepping stones. After a brief mid-afternoon tea break we climbed out of the dale and returned along the quiet country road back to Old Byland. Jonathan and Sophie.

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12/5/2025. Starting from the popular Sutton Bank National Park Visitor Centre, with 13 scooters and 18 walkers, we were welcomed by the Accessibility Officer Aliesha and Caretaker Paul. As we proceeded along the trail around the Yorkshire Glider Club field Paul gave a short talk about the local geology and history of the area. The blue skies gave us stunning views along the escarpment to our coffee break above the Kilburn White Horse. Returning to the visitor centre for lunch afforded some welcome shade and facilities before we set out for the afternoon across farm fields and back along the Cleveland Way. Many thanks to the visitor centre for their help with the planning of the route. Jonathan and Sophie.

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28/04/2025 Glorious sunshine greeted us for the first national ramble of the season. 10 scooter riders and 8 walkers set off along the clifftops overlooking Eastbourne. After negotiating a tricky narrow gap, we rambled along Long Down between fields with sheep and lambs and stunning views of the downs to our right and Belle Tout Lighthouse and the sea to our left. On reaching Cornish Farm we headed towards Belle Tout Lighthouse meeting another challenge on the way where scooter riders needed help to get their scooters safely over the threshold of a temporary gate in an electric fence that had been positioned on an uphill eroded path! Our lunch stop was to the west of Belle Tout Lighthouse with views towards Birling Gap and the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Descending from the lighthouse after lunch needed full concentration which was difficult given the views ahead of white cliffs and the red and white of Beachy Head Lighthouse! After taking a detour from the cliff tops to avoid the 1 in 3 hills down and up Shooter’s Bottom. we ascended back to the cliff tops and made our way back to our starting point at the Beachy Head Inn. Marian & Barry

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29/04/2025 Little did we know what was waiting for us in the woods at Stanmer Park as 12 scooter riders and 6 walkers set off uphill to Great Wood. Due to forestry work which had recently taken place the path on entering the wood was a little rough, so we had to pick our way carefully for the first ¼ mile or so. From here progress was fairly slow due to the stunning carpets of bluebells which just kept on coming and were begging to be photographed! Arriving at Old Boat Corner we decided to take a break among the beautiful beech trees with their fresh leaves being highlighted by the dappled sun. Leaving the woods we rambled along the ridge, stopping for lunch by a dew pond (an artificial pond positioned at the top of a hill intended for watering livestock) where the group could relax in sun or shade. From here we started to descend through High Park Wood, where the bluebells were even more spectacular, before stopping at a viewpoint to look back across the park. The final leg of the route was back on open parkland looking over Stanmer House from Richmond Hill. Another glorious day in the sun. Marian & Barry

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01/05/2025 Our route today was on the South Downs Way, and it was already hot as 10 scooter riders and 6 walkers set off up Itford Hill from Itford Farm. The first mile was quite a climb - initially on a bumpy chalk track, which needed some careful navigation, before turning onto a typical South Downs grass track. On reaching the top we stopped to take in the magnificent views - the coast and Newhaven to the south, the meandering River Ouse in the valley and Cliffe Hill on the outskirts of Lewes to the north. From here we rambled along the ridge observing the downland flora and the occasional windblown bush as well as taking in the hazy distant views. At the three mile point we stopped for lunch looking out over the Glynde Reach valley towards Glyndebourne. As the top of Firle Beacon was still a mile away uphill, we took a group decision to turn round here due to the heat and lack of shade. Despite being a linear route our return revealed different views including a much wider River Ouse in the valley as the tide had come in! Many thanks to Sue and Martin at Itford Farm for allowing us to park on their land, making a group ramble from this location possible. Marian & Barry

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02/05/2025 The fourth ramble of the week in the hot sunny weather with 8 scooter riders and 5 walkers setting off for a circular in the magnificent surroundings of Petworth Park. Designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the mid 1700s, the park is home to a herd of around 750 fallow deer. Our route rambled downhill to Lower Pond and beyond before returning to the far side of the pond for our first stop in the shade of an ancient oak tree. From here it was a gradual climb to a viewpoint, overlooking Upper Pond to the south and west to the rolling downs, before entering a wooded area with ancient oak trees. As we approached Petworth House we were greeted with an unusual phenomenon of swirling leaves caught in a small whirlwind, creating an image of a flutter of butterflies. After rambling alongside the impressive west façade of Petworth House we continued to our shaded lunch stop overlooking Upper Pond with its family of ducklings and argumentative geese. So far, the deer had been elusive but as we moved on into a quieter area of the park after lunch, we started to see deer sheltering under the trees. However, once they spotted us many swiftly moved on! This ramble was a lovely finish to a great week. A big thank you to Chris for organising four fabulous rambles and to Andy and Tony, our volunteer towers, for all their hard work. Marian & Barry

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