Bretton Foolow RFM Blue Line
Bretton Foolow
RFM Blue Line
01/08/25
11 miles and several steep hills, in the beautiful countryside near Eyam, pure joy.
I started from Foolow at about 8.15 on a dull overcast day. At least it wasn't raining like at home when I set off. I like this place old and green.
The first hill in the gloom, past the deserted old farmstead, is Bretton Mount.
The way was meant to be straight up the hillside on a lane and green path but as you can see the way was blocked. The alternate path was also blocked so I had to ascend Bradshaw Lane to the top of the hill. There was no traffic at all on the lane so it was a pleasant climb.
The lane near the top was shaded with overhanging trees which I still find satisfying and I sense the energy.
From the lane at the top of the hill I could see the hills around Hope and Bamford looking north in the left photo and looking south in the right photo I could see my starting point of Foolow in the clump of trees across the fields. I had only been walking 30 minutes and already up one hill and the start looks a long way away.
Abney Moor on the other side of Abney Grange remined me of the disastrous navigation of my last walk. I can assure you that isn't going to happen today.
Looking north, I was excited to get on with my walk across this very green if a little gloomy landscape.
Looking south, I knew on my way back I would be traversing the hill before me and the valley below as I wandered around the hillside next to Eyam and back along to Foolow.
The steep v shaped valley dotted with a lot of noisy sheep was a difficult descent on the very steep grassy bank and an equally hard ascent especially on the bare earth path littered with sheep dung. It was a fine experience to cross this valley alone with my thoughts and the smell of the sheep.
Abney Grange looked to have several residences amongst a load of farm buildings. I was envious of the people lucky enough to live in this remote paradise.
I was seen off the site by a pair of incredibly loud, not sure what they were, but they were aircraft takeoff loud.
To the north east the hills above Hathersage were enjoying some sunshine whilst the aerial on Eyam Moor was a common landmark today. It looks a long way away but this walk will pass very close to it eventually.
Just before I reached Abney a flock of Meadow Pipits entertained me bobbing on and off the fence wire and posts.
The road twisted into tiny Abney but my route drops down the valley to my right so I only just entered the village.
This bench was too tempting, so I decided it was a good place for a coffee. I had covered around 3 miles so it was definitely due. The bench is dedicated to Ted so I had to call it Ted's bench. It is a little worn and a little rickety but it is a beautiful place to sit, thanks Ted. The little birds were singing and flittering around the trees below me, if only I had my binoculars. Just as I poured out my coffee it started to rain but I was protected by the tree canopy. When I finished my coffee the rain stopped. I'm sorry but I think Ted arranged this so I have to thank him again, thanks Ted. This was the last rain of the walk so I did'nt get wet at all.
I set off down the hill crossed the Highlow Brook and back up the other side towards Cockey Farm.
Looking back towards Abney the tiny village disappears into the landscape and the Eyam aerial is just in view on the far horizon looking forwards on the right. I liked Cockey Farm they had a little honesty shop and they provided a bench for walkers at the edge of their farm.
The way through Bretton Clough to the derelict house at the bottom of Jubilee Plantation was a battle with the bracken and the uneven ground. It was fun but tough.
The Clough was isolated but verdant. I was smiling just being there alone.
Turning the corner the route followed the old boggy wagon track out of the valley.
There was a lot of bracken but eventually the valley was behind me.
I hadn't realised how close Hathersage was but the view from the hill top back down Bretton Clough reveals part of Hathersage in next valley.
It was a long drag along the lane to Nether Bretton and Bretton Mount. A glider was circling above and a pair of ravens barked as they crossed the moor to my left. The view west was just gorgeous.
Crossing the edge top above Foolow and Eyam I knew my route would zig zag along the face of this edge. The Barrel Inn looked very welcoming a big pub in a tiny Derbyshire village.
First of all I had to drop down the hill away from Foolow towards Shepherd's Flat Farm.
It took a awhile to find my way through the industrial complex but eventually I found the path towards Black Hole Mine. The mine is hard to miss as there is a large grill covering the black hole of the shaft. I walked over it not knowing how deep it was.
Going up the hill and through the trees there were many views of Eyam below and the various routes we had previously taken on the hillside beyond Eyam. There were also some oddities like this makeshift shelter.
I regained the edge top at Highcliffe above Eyam but my route took me around the hill and past the aeial.
I proceeded along Sir William Hill Road passing a few dog walkers as this area has good car access. I circumnavigated the aerial.
This is the closest I have been to Ladywash Mine and I am sure there is a good story there.
It was back to Highcliffe and then down the hill on an uncomfortable stoney lane down to Eyam.
I left Eyam by the road to Foolow as this was another opportunity to go up and down hill rather than along the flat valley. The huge wall delimits Eyam House which I am sure was a local stately home of some kind.
The hill on the horizon from this panoramic shot is the one I have climbed up and down twice on this convoluted route.
I took a photo of the sign Foolow to show it isn't a spelling mistake.
Back to Foolow and away.
For many parts of this walk I was on my own and didn't see a soul but in other parts there were quite a few walkers and some traffic but not much. Eyam was busy as there was some kind of show going on near the museum. I could see the tents.
A long walk with some good practice slopes, most enjoyable.
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