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LETTER OF THE MONTH
This place is my place
I was delighted to read about Jenny Walters’ secret walk (Footnotes, July 2023) and inspired to write about my own special place. At 80 years old and having loved walking since my teens, it was so validating to know my feelings of ‘this is my place’ are shared.
I explored locally and discovered my walk during lockdown – a place I could walk to on a round trip from home. It took a few trial walks before I finally reached Wharncliffe Chase. A thousand feet above sea level, a slightly undulating, top-of-the-world sort of place. An isolated expanse punctuated by a couple of wooded areas and a few sheep. An ancient hunting park dating back to the 16th/17th centuries, the Chase is still surrounded by its boundary wall with limited access points. A sign says there is no record of this ever being a bridleway, and only walkers and dogs on leads are allowed.
I have ‘my own’ stone by the boundary wall, where I sit for lunch and invariably never see another soul – maybe a kestrel hovering above and a skylark singing its heart out for company. Wharncliffe Crags can be found bordering the other side of the Chase, which also offers stunning views of the reservoirs of Ewden Valley and surrounding area. The Trans Pennine Trail and a nature reserve area are within walking distance.
This historic site became my go-to place – not only during lockdown, but also since the death of my husband last November. A place to be myself and allow the healing properties of nature to work their magic.
Judith Parker Dixon, Sheffield
In-spiring stuff
I love the magazine but due to arthritis in my knees I can’t venture too far. Local to me is the Chesterfield canal, which is being rejuvenated between Chesterfield and Worksop. Chesterfield to Staveley has been open for some time now and the towpath being nice and flat is perfect for a nice steady walk of five or so miles. Always enjoy the sight of the Crooked Spire Chesterfield. Thanks for a lively magazine which I wait for every month.
Phil Hodgkiss, by email
Honest advice
We wholeheartedly agree with Mary Hardy about Chrome & Parkhouse Hills (Your View, August) and feel we should also mention the fabulous honesty ‘café’ at Hollinsclough. It was a wet and cold day so the hot drinks and snacks were extremely welcoming. There were all kinds of wares, payable by cash or contactless card (sign of the times). A little gem in the middle of a fabulous walk.
Lynn Tattersall, Worksop
Sea to summit
Thanks for another inspirational edition. My wife and I have done a few walks from sea to summit (Blà Bheinn, for one, many years ago). I’d always wanted to climb An Teallach (Western Hi
