The prospect of a longer walk attracted eight walkers this week, travelling from Stockport in the north and Stone in the south. Unfortunately, a glitch in the WhatThreeWords translation directed some to Ashford in the Water.

After a delay, we set off along the river to Monsall Head. After crossing the viaduct, instead of following the trail we soon branched off onto where the path had been before the tunnels were reopened in 2011. This is a beautiful path, winding along the sloping ground as it follows the path of the river.

After a couple of miles we rejoined the trail briefly before climbing steeply out of the valley to Taddington. The nature of the walk changed completely as we entered the agricultural grazing land. This was now the typical White Peak - rolling fields with drystone walls in every direction, with a big blue sky and long views. The sun was out by now but there was still a nip to the breeze - wonderful walking weather. Soon we reached Flagg, where we came across a great expanse of snowdrops in the ground of the Hall, then stopped for lunch in the bus shelter. The little village school is memorable, as the fencing is made of posted painted and sharpened to look like crayons.

Moving on, we touched into Monyash before swinging round for Sheldon. The ruins of Magpie Mine stood out against the blue sky before we passed though the pretty village, with another show of snowdrops in the verges.

We then dropped back towards the river Wye, passing though deep woods that for some were the highlight of the day. Devoid of foliage, the trees provided a peaceful splendour. The thick carpet of dead leaves enhanced to stillness.

Then we were out into the sunshine again as we followed the river upstream towards the car park. There was an unexpected sting in the tail as the path left the river to climb higher into the wood before finally dropping into the car park. A varied walk, especially rewarding for two of the newcomers who had never before walked this distance.