Run Leader: Luke Cafferty
Report: Roy Whittle
We assembled on a very hot and dry evening in Eyam at the start line of the Eyam Half Marathon (for those that know) and the majority of us had car shared in some form or another however, Sam won extra sustainable transport kudos points by cycling the 17 miles there & back!
17 of us set off downhill towards Middleton Dale along the narrow and well shaded trail, we were warned of some very steep drops ahead and to take our time, this trail scenery was fantastic, a sheer 100ft sheer rock face to one side and steep drops on the other, along with some great views across the valley. We gathered in an open clearing to check numbers- nobody missing yet! Luke popped out of a hole in the ground that turned out to be a well-known cave entrance, it turns out the dale is full of them so it’s a popular caving spot.
Next followed a long, calf achingly steep but suitably tree-shaded climb back across flat (in comparison) open fields towards the village centre and past some of the grade II listed plague graves (Lydgate graves) before heading up Water lane, up through the steep woods, past random bible quotes wedged into gateposts and on towards Sir William Hill trig point where we took a moment to appreciate the fantastic 360 degree view.
All that was left was a speedy descent down through the fields, following the trod then a sweaty, gravelly climb up Sir William hill road (more of a gravel track than a metalled road) before a beautiful descent down past Mompesson’s well (another Plague monument) and more shaded woodland tracks ending at the Miners Arms pub for much needed rehydration!
Route Details
- Distance: 8.9k / 5.54mi
- Total ascent: 325 m / 1066 ft
- OS Maps Route
- Garmin details
- Downloadable GPX file