Fox Lane Cross & Ramsley Moor

On Sunday 30th Sept we went to Fox Lane Cross which is about 3 miles north east of Baslow. We have been there before but the last time we went it was very foggy and we could hardly see more than about 50 yards. The Fox Lane Cross is just off the road from, yes you guessed it, Fox Lane. We parked in a lay bye just 100 yards down the road from the footpath sign. The idea was to walk from the cross down the valley through Ramsley Moor.
Fox Lane Cross is a typical wayside cross (Listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument) that has weathered over the centuries. Its set in a triangular stone socket and would have been invaluable for travelers crossing the moors. There are several crosses and stoops in this area and all link up on old travelers routes.

Whats left of Fox Lane Cross

Rob in the middle of a fairy ring.

Examining the tyre of Rob's car.

We found a fairy ring en route to the cross and of course brother Rob had to jump in. After we visited the cross we went back to the car and pumped up Robs soft tyre. We parked the car in the Shillito Woods car park and set off over the road and through the style to Ramsley Moor.

Amanita muscaria fungus

 We spotted these great looking fungus in the car park and looked them up and they are Amanitar Muscaria. Although they are generally considered poisonous they have very rarely caused death. The poisoning usually occurs with children or young people trying it for the hallucinogenic properties.

The track started out nice and dry

Some great colours

The bracken starting to change colour

The track soon got wet & muddy

This looks more like an old stream bed than a footpath.

Breakfast stop with a bit of luxury.

Geoff & Ike trying to identify a village on the horizon

Beautiful Copper Beech Tree

More little mushrooms

Geoff at Fox Lane Cross

Me at Fox Lane Cross

Looking across to Ramsley Moor.

Ike

Shillito Cross

Shillito Woods

This was a very pleasant walk, a bit damp in places, but hey this is autumn. The bracken will be changing in the next few weeks and this will be spectacular.
See you next week
Cheers