Robin Hood's Stoop

This week, everyone back from holidays etc we thought a nice gentle stroll would be the order of the day.
Geoff had found a reference to Robin Hoods stoop on an ordnance survey map so we decided that was the target for this Sunday.
We set off from Belper at 6:30am, it was pretty cold but sunny. There was no traffic to contend with and the drive through Chatsworth Park was just great. The deer were a bit closer to the road than usual and lovely to see.
We parked on the Leadmill bridge just outside of Hathersage. The footpath took us alongside the river Derwent.

Rob in the early morning light

We passed lots of sheep and lambs, some running off while others coming to have a look at us. As we went further along the riverbank the footpath became a bit muddy and Geoff had just cleaned his boots.

Geoff disappearing up the muddy footpath

Nice little wooden bridge

One of the many Ba lambs (AHHHH)

 When we got to the stepping stones we turned left and headed up the hill, but Geoff just had to go wandering over the stepping stones first.

Geoff checking his boots are waterproof!!!

Couldn't resist photographing this tree.

 The climb up the hill was giving some superb views over towards Bamford Edge and Winhill.

Part of the Offerton Hall  buildings

Ike & Rob deciding whether to take the high road or the low road.

 We just followed the track past Offerton Hall and carried on until it levelled out a bit.

Offerton Hall with Winhill on the left and Bamford Edge on the right.

Ike had a bit of bother with his camera battery but soon sorted it out.

Ike doing emergency repairs on his camera.

 The track began to slope down and we spotted the stoop surrounded by a small fence. we had to walk a bit further down the track until we reached a gate to get into the field where the stoop was. Did a few pics then back to the gate and settled down for some breakfast.
Robin Hoods Stoop is whats left of an ancient wayside cross. Unfortunately the top is missing and the structure had to be stabilised in 2008 to stop it falling over.
(The fence has been digitally removed just on this photo)

This is whats left of Robin Hoods Stoop.

After breakfast it was downhill for a while 

 Some cracking views on the way back, it was all along a single track road with a good surface.

Hathersage 

The hill at this point is quite steep but these cyclists just came up it with no trouble at all.

More lambs

Even more lambs

Hathersage Church.
 Little Johns Grave is in the churchyard which is just over  a mile  from Robin Hoods Stoop (As the crow flies) 

Bamford Edge

Hathersage with Stanage Edge behind.

Leadmill bridge.

It was a lovely morning, cold but crisp & sunny, we got back to the car and back early for a nice cuppa at brother Robs.See you next week
Cheers