Redmires RFM Blue Line

 Redmires 

RFM Blue Line

12/07/24

Another dull day in this interminably dull summer. An interesting prospect for a mixed walk of upland, farmland and reservoir land. In all 5 reservoirs are easily visible on this walk.

From the carpark at Wyming the path ascends through the woods to the upper level of the forest south of Rivelin Dams. 

 These woods are beautifully covered in a variety of trees and ferns.

From the view point over the woods (left) looking towards Rivelin Dams its a vertical drop much scarier than the photo suggests but the view is worth it. 

Looking up towards Hallam Moors through the dark wood to the bright uplands which I know is part of this walk in a couple of hours time.

What a wonderfull woodland this is with all sorts of trees abounding.

A curiously shapped tree with so many fingers reaching for the sky, no idea what species but fun to look at.

These must be Giant Redwoods, they are huge and impressive.

Dropping down the hill at Raddicar Hollow to another mystical moss covered tree. At this steep section just above the lane I came across 2 ladies with 3 dogs one of which, a little terrier, just wanted to bark at me regardless of my good intentions. The ladies were deep in converstion and hardly acknowledged my presence which amused me, the dogs were more interested. 

Along Wyming (I keep wanting to say Wyoming) Drive I passed a couple of dog walkers who exchanged hellos.

Following the lane across the bridge with trees on either side and finally crossing the A57 and through Fearnley Hill Plantation, I left the woods.  

Looking up towards Swinglee Farm and the hills beyond. I just loved the moss covered wall. 

Swinglee farm was easy to negotiate but the sign on the field informing me that the field contained cows and calves and the cows could be aggressive  did worry me a little.

The cows were definitely wary of me but I am glad to say in no way aggressive and I passed peacefully.

Looking up Rivelin Valley towards the Derbyshire hills, a very pleasant rural scene.

From the Edge Top bank looking back towards Lodgemoor and Fullwood. somewhere in the gloom. It was still warm and my coat remained in my rucksack.

A short walk along Long Lane to Rod Moor and my descent back down to the A57.

A backward glance over the hill towards the north east reveals Stannington, Worral and Ecclesfield.

The area to the right on this photo is a cemetery which Peter and I passed as part of another walk entitled Derwent Moor, in fact we walked down the lane in the photo. As you may know I like to connect all my walks in some way and in this case this is the only point of connection to my current walk.

The drop from the road to the field style was massively overgrown and I missed the path. Luckily a couple were climbing the style and I waited at the roadside for them to appear through the vegetation thus showing me the path. We chatted about the crap weather and I asked if the field full of cows were calm, they said they were placid so I was happy. They did say the underfoot was very wet and they were not kidding, it was a morass.

The first field was very overgrown and the cows were more interested in feeding than me. There were a couple of calves but they were calm. The path was very tight and not follwing it was not an option so when I saw a huge brown cow right next to it, near the wall style, I was concerned. I had no need to be because the cow just looked at me and carried on eating.

The next field was full of young bullocks another potential danger but because they were pointing away from me I was confident crossing the field. A couple looked around to check my presence but they were tranquil.

I reached the A57 again at Hollow Meadows and crossed a field full of sheep and lambs and over a style into a small strip of woodland.

A pleasant interlude through the dell and up onto the moor. I saw a kestrel here but could not get a good photo.

 

I climbed Headstone Bankpast the Headstone on my right. This is a telephoto image the stone was actually quite some distance on the horizon.

At this point an eagle buzzed me several times. I got a whatsapp call from my wife whilst it was around and managed to show him to her which was a treat. This was the closest encounter I have had with an eagle all year and was definitely a highlight of the walk.

A long trek over Hallam Moor ended at the top reservoir at Redmires. I passed a couple of ladies who were just out for the fresh air. Great motive.

On the way down to the reservoir, the memorial stood out poignantly in the gloom.

I followed the road around the reservoir heading back to the moor.

The path over the moor struggled through heavy bracken all the way to the marker stone. It was well walked but very wet.

From above the reservoirs at White Stones I got a photo of all 3 reservoirs. The underfoot was getting really boggy and unpleasant.

 Hard walking.

Off the moor onto Fullwood Lane with views of Sheffield in the distance.

The slope down to Brown Hills Lane was steep and the grass very long. There were some young cows at the end of the field but they ignored me.

On the way back along the lanes to the carpark there were swallows on the telegraph wires. 

This was a much varied walk with lots of interest on the way. The farm animals as ever pose an issue but most are passable with care.