Millstone Edge

It had been years since I'd walked along Millstone Edge. I was surprised at the high, sheer drops. Great views over to the Mam Tor range and across the valley to Shatton Moor. The trees below the edge were in their Autumnal attire, but the low levels subdued their colours. The route descends off the edge and then doubles back through the wooded area below the cliffs. There are a few derelict buildings from the mining era.

Millstones

I exited the woods and crossed the busy A6187 and headed on the path towards Bole Hill Quarry. It is a pleasant lightly wooded area with much evidence of the quarry and millstone industry. I'm always intrigued that there are so many abandoned millstones. It appears that the demise of the industry was down to two things: taste and technology. In the early 18th century people started eating more white bread. Gritstone left bits stone in the flour which was undesirable for find white bread. Chert composite stones turned out to be a technology game changer; they lasted longer and didn't require as much maintenance. It must have been an abrupt change since most of the stones look almost finished. They used to transport the millstones to the far off port of Bawtry which may explain why they were just abandoned when the changes came.

Grindleford Station

There are many paths in the wooded area around Bolehill, and so pick one up in the general direction of Grindleford Station. The cafe near to the station was very busy. I waited a while to see if I could get a picture of a train exiting the tunnel, but I had no luck. The route goes up the path near the side of the cafe buildings, crossed the B6521 and then walked up the 'dead-end' road at Nether Padley. I walked back through the woodland to the Longshaw Estate. The route through the wood can be a little confusing and I've put details in the map of the Route. The grounds of the Longshaw Estate was as popular as ever, especially with it being half term.

By the time I got back to the car, it was still very grey, but it had stopped raining.