Wednesday 4 June 2014

Dearne Valley Walk

Our latest walk with the walking group saw a small gaggle  (just 5 of us) tackle a long (almost 10 mile) but thankfully flat trail along old disused railway tracks that at one time would have served the many coalfields and mines in the Dearne Valley.    Our walk started at the very beautiful church in Darfield which I was told is worth a look inside - I'll have to pop back.

 I was amazed just how many railway lines there were - I don't think any of them were used for public transport.  We cris crossed the rivers Dearne and Dove.  Both very pretty little rivers, but they wreak havoc in these parts when we have very wet weather as the land around here is flat and houses have been built on the flood planes.

 Part of the old coalfields have been turned into Wetlands for wild birds and flowers.   It's amazing to be able to wander through fields filled with rare wild orchids.

To say that the walk was really in the middle of nowhere, we managed 3 refreshment stops (1 picnic, 1 ice cream and 1 pub!!)


 We also found a hidden trig point - unusual to find one not on top of a hill.
 We took ages to do the walk (I think I get the blame for photographing everything!).
Such a great way to spend a Saturday - much better than mooching around spending money I don't have on things I don't need!!

7 comments:

Amy at love made my home said...

A lovely way to spend a Saturday indeed!! Amazing to see the orchid, how lovely to find one! xx

Curtise said...

Oh definitely a great way to spend a Saturday, Diane! Lovely countryside, great photos, and of course you needed a picnic, an ice cream, and a pub visit! xxx

Thimble Fingers said...

I simply love following your walks. Its the simple things in life that bring the most fulfillment.

Rosie said...

Looks like just my kind of walk, Diane - except for the ten miles bit - I think I could manage half of that - you are getting very fit with all your lovely walks. You'll be doing a long distance walk soon - Pennine Way perhaps or Coast to Coast?:)

Lyn said...

You are walking loads Diane, Snowdon next? have to say killed my legs and I only came down!
Olly is off to the lake district this weekend walking with a friend, me? I am having a girly weekend with Lucy!
ope to see you before the workshop in September!
xxxx

Unknown said...

Am enjoying the stories of your walks Diane, so pleased we live so near as we will be doing some of them in the weeks to come. Are any of them in a book/leaflet or are they just ones your group leader knows of? Anne x

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

You always take us to the most interesting places and I'm so glad I added you to my blog list so I can visit anytime. Love seeing your country through your camera lens.