Sutton Rambling Club: Sunday January 18th - Dove Dale Ramble
We visit Dove Dale, the renowned National Trust beauty spot with impressive limestone ravines and scenery.
The main walk is approximately 10 miles but, as usual, shorter options will be available. We are pleased to welcome new ramblers and the first walk you will get a free coach journey.
The walk will start at the hamlet of Thorpe and head towards the imposing Thorpe Cloud with the choice of going over the top or passing around the side to the famous stepping stones.
We follow the River Dove downstream and ramble towards the village of Ilam. After skirting the beautiful church we drop down again to the river and then on to Ilam Hall for the lunch break.
Refreshments available here at the National Trust tea-room.
in the afternoon we head down the main drive,past the Ilam cross and ascend Bunster Hill up to the aptly named Air Cottage. We should be rewarded with excellent views overlooking the Dove valley.
We then follow a path along the top of a wood and descend to the majestic Ilam Rock. From there we cross a footbridge passing Dove Holes and on to Mill Dale. There will be a mid afternoon break here. The cafe may not be open but the toilets should be.
From here we will follow the river and if there is enough time climb over Shining Tor and then rejoin the riverside and finishing at the village of Alstonefield Hopefully there will be time for a drink in the George Hotel before boarding the coach for a 4.30pm departure home.
In the morning the coach leaves the "Staff of Life" pub in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 9.17am and outside Asda at the Bancroft Lane end of Stockwell Gate in Mansfield at 9.30am.
There are other pick up points en route.
The coach fare is £14, accompanied juniors free.
There is no necessity to prebook.
For further information contact Sharon on 07811661104 or John on 07749164455.
Alternatively please visit our website www.suttonramblingclub.com