Thursday 10th April 2008

The forecast was for heavy showers, arriving at lunchtime, so I opted for a walk close to home, with a slightly earlier start than usual, in order to avoid the showers. It wasn't until I got home that I realised it was exactly a year since I had been on Gibbet Moor, on a walk where I attempted, but failed, to find the two lakes that I visited today. With last years visit in mind I deliberately reversed the route, heading for Chatsworth first. Not only did I find the two lakes but I also discovered a delightful concessionary route, through the estate, which isn't marked on any map, that allows you access to Dobb Edge and also gives you fantastic views of Birchen Edge.

Start: Hell Bank Plantation (SK 2868 6807)

Route: Hell Bank Plantation - Rabbit Warren - Swiss Lake - Emperor Lake - Dobb Edge - Gibbet Moor
            - Rabbit Warren - Hell Bank Plantation

Distance: 8 miles     Ascent: 248 metres     Time Taken: 3 hours 50 minutes 

Terrain: Easy clear paths. 

Weather: Warm with blue sky.

Pub visited: None         Ale Drunk: None

Looking across the Derwent Valley, from Rabbit Warren, with Stanton Moor in the distance.

In the opposite direction, looking towards Longstone Edge, which is once again under threat from quarrying. 
Despite the Peak District National Park Authority winning the Public Enquiry last year and quarrying
 being banned it only took one judge to over-turn the decision earlier this year!!! 
Democracy in action - I think not.

Looking across Calton Lees from Rabbit Warren.

Entering the Chatsworth Estate.

Reflections in Swiss Lake.

Emperor Lake.

Hunting Tower.

Baslow Edge from Dobb Edge.

Birchen Edge from the path along Dobb Edge.

Nelson's Monument and the Three Ships on Birchen Edge.

Baslow Edge (C) and Gardom's Edge (R).

Gardom's Edge (C) and Birchen Edge (R).

Looking back along the path across Dobb Edge.

Longstone Edge from Dobb Edge.

Heathy Lea Brook.

Gibbet Moor.