As we will already be at quite a high elevation at the start of the walk we should have no problem in getting to our highest point of the day at Shining Tor – less than 200ft higher than at the start. Statistically, the rest of the walk is all down hill…. but it isn’t!!!

 It is an easy walk to Shining Tor but you should be aware that at this altitude (a little over 1800ft) the air temperature will almost certainly be cooler than when we left home - it is advised that layers of clothing should be worn that can be added/removed as/when necessary . . . it ‘should’ get warmer as we descend.

 From Shining Tor we walk along a ridge taking in Cats Tor, Pym's Chair and Windgather Rocks - we might even get to see some rock-climbers or even hang-gliders along the way as it is a very popular spot for the activities. After reaching the rocks we leave Taxal Edge and head down into the Goyt Valley to reach Fernilee Reservoir. Walking the length of this reservoir is a relaxing affair as our track is wide and level as it was once a functional railroad but, alas, no more . . . just enjoy the watery and wooded scenery while it lasts.

 Our level amble ends all too soon as we leave the comfort of the reservoir track and take a short section of road upwards and around Bonsal Cob (a hill, basically). Following on, an open moorland path is taken to get us to another stretch of dismantled railway track to the blocked-off railway tunnel beneath Burbage Edge.

 More ascent gets us to the start of our down hill run-in back to Buxton. An easy crossing of a golf course is followed by a pleasant walk through the park which will lead us back to the coach and the refreshment possibilities nearby.

 A wonderful walk over wild and woolly landscapes but ending in the safety and comfort of a wonderful town . . . a walk not to be missed!!!

'B' Walk - Leader-Martin Vincent. Dist-8.5 miles. Asc-1150 ft. Gr-mod +  Linear.    

 We start our walk at the Cat and Fiddle which is the second-highest public house in Britain on the border between Cheshire & Derbyshire.

We begin heading northwards in the direction of Shining Tor before dropping down to Goyt's Moss and the 'riverside walk' for a possible coffee stop.

 We continue on a quiet road alongside Errwood Reservoir before a short climb to the track of the Cromford to High Peak disused railway line. We then have another short climb before walking down a 'toboggan run' created by Canadian troops based in Buxton, across what would later be the first three 'fairways' of the present Cavendish Golf Course, known to be challenging due to the steep course.

Arriving in Buxton we walk through the Pavilion Gardens, before visiting The Crescent, Pump House, St. Ann's Well, Opera House & Glass Pavilion, on the final day of the Buxton (3 week) Fringe,  hopefully with some music to entertain us.

 'C'' Walk - Leader-Jane Taylor. Dist-5.22 miles. Asc-695'. Grade-Mod +. Clockwise.

 This lovely and varied walk is moderate plus because it involves some climbing on our way to reach Grin Low Tower, otherwise known as Solomon’s Temple. Built in 1896 it is a Grade II listed, 20ft high Victorian folly on top of a Bronze Age barrow at 1,424ft above sea level. On a clear day it should give us fabulous views of Buxton, Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, Axe Edge, Combs Moss and Chelmorton Low. Alas, this was not the case during our recce as we reached the top in the mist and drizzle. But we can live in hope.

The route I have taken will aim to follow contour lines to avoid steep ascents as far as possible and I do have a couple of options to reduce the climbing, but also cutting the walk shorter, if needed. However, by taking our time I am sure that the walk is do-able in full.

 We will leave the coach, and the A&B walkers at the Sylvan Coach Park and head off down the pedestrianised Spring Gardens in the direction of St Ann’s Well and on to The Pavilion Gardens for our early refreshments in the café there. Once we are ready to go we wander through the gardens and past the lakes to head south along a tree lined avenue of grand properties and the Buxton Community School heading to High Plantation. This is a picturesque woodland with good paths as we steadily make our ascent. Then a sharp left turn before we climb a set of steps to a higher path, then steadily on through the woods, climbing gradually onward. At the edge of the woods and through a gate we reach a clearing and can now see the tower which is to be our lunch stop. Anyone wishing to sit it out at this point can wait on one of the benches and we will pick you up on the way back down.

Climbing finished for the day we can breath easy but must remain alert as the descent can often be trickier and the footpaths through the woods of Buxton Country Park were more uneven in places with steps, tree roots and the Inevitable mud. Again, we will take our time and our reward will be a rest and refreshments at Poole’s Cavern Visitors Centre.

 We are only about a mile from our destination now where the Pavilion Gardens and Café, the town with it’s pubs and shops are waiting to be explored, before the other walkers get back, and our coach which will wait for us close to the Pavilion Gardens on Burlington Road.

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