Health, Beauty, Fitness

Derbyshire Walking:

Minninglow & Roystone Rocks

Distance – 5.8 miles / 9.4 km Ascent – 600 feet / 182 metres Time – 3 hours 30 minutes Grade – Easy/Moderate Author – Lou Johnson Map – Ordnance Survey Explorer OL24 Start – Grid Ref SK195582, postcode: DE4 2PN (approx. location only) what3words start – distorts.triads.enhances

This walk explores the limestone uplands of the Peak District and uses a section the High Peak Trail which follows a disused railway to reach Minninglow. This small hill is topped by a group of trees and features well-preserved neolithic remains including a tomb and barrows. The route continues into a broad valley to pass below Roystone Rocks which can also be explored if time permits. A gradual climb across the plateau leads you back to the High Peak Trail which is followed back to the start.

The Route

1. The start is the Minninglow High Peak Trail car park (grid ref. SK195582) which lies less than a mile south of the B5012 at Pikehall. After parking, walk to the rear of the car park and turn east along the High Peak Trail. Cross Mouldridge Lane and continue along the disused railway. The Trail swings left and then right offering a good view to Minninglow Grange down to your right.

2. At the point where the trail bends right (grid ref. SK206575) turn left onto a concessionary path (signed to Minninglow). Pass through a gate and head uphill through two fields to a marker post. Pass through another gate to reach the edge of the group of trees.

3. Walk across the hill in a south-easterly direction passing the neolithic remains. Exit the trees to enter a field. Go half right down the field to reach another marker post. Continue down the next field to reach a track. Cross the track onto a footpath (signed Roystone Grange). Continue under the High Peak Trail and descend the grassy path into a broad valley.

4. Pass between two gate posts and continue with a wall on your left. Cross a stile in the wall and maintain direction along a grassy track to a pass through a gate. Bear half left across the next field to pass a former pump house to reach a track (grid ref. SK200566).

5. Turn right along the track and continue through Roystone Grange Farm. Just past the farm you pass Roystone Rocks on your left. This is open access land and, if time permits, a short walk takes you up to the summit; from here the views are a reward for the extra effort.

6. Just under a kilometre from the farm you reach a junction (grid ref. SK198576). Turn left along Minninglow Lane, initially climbing gently. At the next junction continue ahead onto a track (signed to Biggin). After 700 metres of easy walking the track forks (grid ref. SK185578). Bear right through the metal gate and follow the track uphill.

7. Another kilometre of easy walking leads to a gate and a junction (grid ref. SK176583). Turn right along a clear track and gently descend to reach the High Peak Trail. Turn right and follow the trail to walk through the Gotham Curve where the railway turned sharp left. Continue ahead through Chapel Plantation and across a lane to return to the start.

Walk supplied by Walking Britain (no. 1892). For GPS file or other walks visit www.walkingbritain.co.uk

It is advisable to carry the relevant OS map when walking the route, and wear appropriate clothing/ footwear. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any injuries caused to readers whilst following the walk

Fitness Matters

Let’s Get Walking

The majority of us learn how to do this when we are babies: its cheap, easy to do and, no matter how busy our lives are, it can be done anywhere… so, why don’t more people use walking as a way of getting fit?

As I am writing this, I have just packed my rucksack for a couple of days walking with clients and friends. The challenge will be to climb Snowdon in Wales and then Scafell Pike in the Lake District the following day. This will certainly not be easy but what better way to build fitness, spend time with friends and have a laugh (maybe a cry, too!)? This is a goal for a client and, this weekend, we will achieve it.

There is little doubt that walking is easily one of the most overlooked forms of exercise. For starters, a lot of people can do it without much difficulty; it is easy to build around your busy days and you don’t need any specialist equipment or expensive gym membership to get started. It will help you to reach goals, lose weight and, as we all know, being outside helps with your mental wellbeing too. So it’s a win-win all round! As you begin your new regime, start slowly. If you’re not very active, gradually increase your distance and pace. If you’re already walking then set yourself monthly challenges such as tackling Mam Tor in Derbyshire, or use the walks that are printed in each issue of this magazine.

A brisk walk is around three miles an hour, so build up to this. You can download loads of trackers, or use devices to help you monitor distance and pace. Keep a fitness diary and then you will be able to see improvements. The Government recommends 10,000 steps a day which equates to around 5-6 miles. Remember to always carry water and maybe a snack – it’s better to have something in case, than need them and not have them with you!

If you don’t fancy walking alone, ask a friend or join a local walking group; there are loads out there. If this message gets through to one person, and motivates them to go out walking, then my job is done.

By Alex Robinson

Level 4 Personal Trainer with additional qualifications in GP referrals – Pre- & post-natal exercise. Personal Trainer for over 15 years, supporting and helping people to meet their goals in fitness and lifestyle changes, from losing weight to running marathons. 01773 512410 • 07817 337861

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