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The Rosko Chapters - EP5 - Peak Ramble down Chee Dale Valley

Updated: Sep 19

Back at it again before the end of the year. Rory’s made a big leap in walking ability over the last month so I’m trying to find a route that not only is interesting for me but also where I’m able to let the little man have a wonder. So steep terrain and off piste tracks are off limits here.


I had a wide range of options with the weather being good across the UK but….. I’ll be honest….. I’m out for an easy day today. Just a nice bit of fun, so I didn’t want the longer drives into the bigger national parks. I decided that Chee dale valley would be worth a visit, by the looks of the research the route had varying & interesting terrain and also the Monsal trail nearby for some flatter walking for Rosko.



We landed in the valley car park and had a short walk across the Monsal trail. We dived down the side of one of the many bridges throughout the valley to the river Wye. The route tracks the river wye through the valley which is very tight in sections. My first view of the route ahead was a cracking one, a tight undulating path by the side of the river meandering through the steep valley sides. with the lack of sunlight getting into the valley through the tree canopies and the moss / algae that was everywhere it almost looks like a scene out of Jurassic park. It also gave Rory a lot to look at! And also gave me some issues on the very worn steeper sections where it didn’t feel great underfoot.



Soon enough we came across some sport climbers on the route which Rosko stared at for ages…. Hopefully giving him some early doors inspiration.



Onto the stepping stones where a lot of people seemed to be queuing. This is usually my worst nightmare but I’ve become a little more lenient to it. I’m also not the type to que for the instagram opportunity so we just battled across where we could. I looked up to see a perculiar look on Rory’s face. I’d love to know what was going through his brain at that point!


After approx. 4km on the valley floor we popped up onto the Monsal trail. The Monsal trail is an existing train line that served the old lime kilns in the area. The path is steeped with history and very attractive to bikers and dog walkers. All of which seemed to stop where I had left Rosko asleep in his chair, bless him!


After Rosko woke up we had a bit of lunch and set off with Rosko on foot this time. It’s about time he started testing out his hiking legs! Navigation and communication is still a bit of an issue! However we had a great time on the walk back, stopping for history signs and photo opportunities on calved sculptures.



After we got back to the car I did a detour to Buxton pavilion park and I reflected on the day. Rosko seemed to be really enjoying himself toddling along the paths. This was probably one of the shortest routes and we probably achieved the least in terms of altitude/time hiking/preperation however it was the most fun. This has shed a new light on the Saturdays that we spend outdoors. Taking It easy and enjoying the moment is something that I can’t write down on a list or have it as a driven goal but will be on the forethought of my mind from here on out.


Here’s to many more great days in the outdoors!,



 

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