BPW24: The Longstones Walk (Sun 11:00)
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7 people waitlisted
This event is part of the Outdoorlads 2024 *BIG Peaky Weekender* and participation is intended for those attending the weekend event.
The Longstones - a limestone ridge and two villages in Derbyshire
If you've got the time on Sunday, join us to explore the countryside north of Thornbridge, where Longstone Ridge dominates the area and overlooks two villages – Little Longstone and Great Longstone. It’s a circular walk of 8 miles / 13 kilometres, with 290 metres of ascent. You must have vacated Thornbridge Outdoors before going on the walk - fine to leave your car on site only if it is not blocking anyone else's access.
The walk takes us across farmland, through woodlands and over a small area of moorland on top of the ridge. We’ll be following field paths, tracks and forest paths. There are a few lengths of tarmac road, but these are relatively short and spaced throughout the walk. We’ll encounter three pubs along the way, one seen soon after the start of the walk (so it won’t be open!), but all three are accessible at the end of the walk – so the choice is yours!
Leaving Thornbridge, we head north-east through the village of Great Longstone and onwards for a gentle ascent of Longstone Fell from the east. The views open up as we ascend the ridge, with spectacular views south, east and west. Once on top of the ridge there is also a view north towards Eyam moor. As we walk east along the ridge, we’ll encounter patches of woodland and moorland. The other unexpected and significant feature of the ridge is the High Rake – a spectacular hole in the ground resulting from the quarrying of limestone (now ended).
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photo credits: all photos by the event leader, with permission granted to ODL for their use.
What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab..
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water or other fluids to drink (between one and two litres, depending on the weather).
There will be the opportunity of a pub stop for refreshments at the end of the walk in Great Longstone village.