Misadventures without a map

The second (and third) parts of our day didn't go entirely to plan. The morning at Chatsworth had been great, and my intention was to follow it with a visit to th National Trust's Longshaw Estate in the afternoon, then heading onto the moors near Upper Burbage Bridge in search of heather and views. Unfortunately, being in a rush to get out, I left the OS maps behind, and satnav didn't prove up to the challenge of getting us where we wanted to be. 

I thought Longshaw would be quite easy to find - but instead of the visitor centre there satnav led us to Curbar Gap. We even missed the car park there because the instructions insisted it was on the opposite side of the road! Anyway there are several small spaces to pull in just below the rocks of Curbar Edge, where there are lovely views down to the valley without moving any distance from your car. So we sat there, had a small picnic, and watched other cars turn round presumably because their satnavs were giving dodgy instructions too. 

Then we moved the car to the 'proper' car park, and walked out along Baslow Edge.

The views here are amazing, looking north and south along the ridge, and down into the valley and beyond. 

There's a choice of paths to follow - a winding, round-the-rocks trail which keeps close to the Edge itself, and is great for idling about and gazing at the scenery, or a straighter cart track further onto the moor if you've somewhere to get to. We ambled along by the Edge, in and out of weathered rock formations, some of which are even scoured out into bowls.

The heather was just starting to flower and in a few weeks time I'm sure the whole area will have turned purple. And here and there were small clumps of harebells nodding in the breeze.

 I'm somewhat surprised that this is the first time I've been here. Parking high up makes for flattish walking which I like, and the paths are well marked and good underfoot (at least in this dry weather).We didn't walk far this time, maybe half or three quarters of a mile before turning round to head off for our next bit of adventure, but it's a place I'd very much like to come back to.

 

Now, the satnav recognised Upper Burbage Bridge as a destination so we didn't expect any problems. Till it took us to Surprise View car park instead. 

Then I tried to navigate from my phone - driving into Hathersage, missing the turning, doubling back, and eventually realising I was aiming for the wrong destination and the directions wanted us to go down a bumpy private drive. 

To cut a long story a bit shorter we found ourselves near Stanage Edge. Another place with great views and interesting rock formations. It was now getting late - a surprising number of people seemed to be out to see the sunset - and I was too tired to go scrambling up rocky outcrops, so like the sheep I just ambled along looking at the view.

If you happen to know the area, you'll realise that by now we were near to the spot we were aiming for. It was still light, just, when we arrived, but too late for more than a very short walk to see yet another view and then a glorious sunset.

I'll be back - but with a map!