‘The Tower’ and Alport Castles
After a successful raid last week on Mark Kelly’s blog in search of ideas for a walk, it was time to go plundering again. I already had a walk in mind, from another Mark. Mark’s Walking Blog had recently featured a trip to Alport Castles, a place I hadn’t even heard of never mind visited, but the photos were intriguing – a trip was definitely called for.
A steady walk through the woods above Ladybower Reservoir….
….steadily getting steeper
We started with a steady walk through the woods above Ladybower Reservoir that steadily became steeper. The height gain continued as we passed Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, but soon after that the view changed as we had our first view of the Ashop Valley, which was to be our return route
The Ashop Valley below on the left
The stone causeway path leading to Alport Castles
The path above the Ashop Valley was bone dry, a legacy of the long rainless spell we are enjoying at present (gardening friends might disagree). It undoubtedly does get wet up there though, and before long we found ourselves on stone causeway paths – I’ve spoken out in favour of these causeways in the past, as being preferable to a bootful of mud, but the final section of causeway we followed (see photo) is weathering in so well that I couldn’t imagine anyone objecting to its presence.
First view of Alport Castles
Looking down towards ‘The Tower’
The author and ‘Mist’ having a closer look
The feature of ‘Alport Castles’ was created long ago by what must have been the biggest landslip in the British Isles, leaving unstable cliffs and ‘The Tower’. The Tower looks very much like a man made rampart until you get close up, so I got close up! Chris decided to bask in the sun instead, but ‘Mist’ came along for a look, ignoring an aggressive looking ‘Derby Ram’ along the way. I press-ganged an innocent walker into taking a quick pic, then it was back to Chris and off downhill.
Off downhill, with ‘Mist’ in herding mode
The downhill continues ….
…. ending up at Alport Farm
On the way down, ‘Mist’ went into herding mode as we caught up with a large group in front of us – she obviously prefers herding humans, rather than aggressive looking rams! The descent continued for about 1 kilometre before we reached Alport Farm. From there a good track took us down towards the A57 ‘Snake Pass’ road
Alport Castles from below
A closer view of the descent route we took
View down the Alport Valley towards the ‘Snake Pass’ road
This last part of the trip was a little contrived, as its main purpose was to take us back towards our start point by a different route. We crossed the A57 (the most dangerous part of the day!) to a bridleway, followed by a muddy path above a leat taking water to Ladybower Reservoir. As we walked we had a clear view of a ridge of high ground in front of us – our last obstacle. While we were pondering this, the dog went into hunting mode – she stalks and pounces like a cat, but with less success.
On the bridleway, with the ridge in front of us still to be crossed
‘Mist’ gives up herding for hunting
Hard work up the Hagg Farm zig-zags
A bridge across the river, followed by another crossing of the A57, took us to a set of zig-zags leading up to the ridge above Hagg Farm. Then, all of a sudden it was downhill all the way, following forest tracks back to the start point. The ice cream at the car park was of the ‘shaving foam’ type, so we passed on that, rather than spoil what had been a good day – thanks Mark for the idea!
Through the forest, finishing as we began
Text and images © Paul Shorrock
p.s. For a good read, and perhaps some inspiration for walking routes, the following blogs are all good value – Mark’s Walking Blog, Halfway Hike, The Adventures of a Mountain Coward and Dixie. For some stunning images, try Antiquity and Adventures. For another wander in the hills with me, me missus and t’dog see you here next week. A fresh blog every Monday morning – click the ‘Sign me up’ link for an email notification.
Paul Shorrock - One Man's Mountains AKA One Pillock's Hillocks 
Lovely looking day there, it has been sunny and dry recently! Not being the gardening type, it makes a nice change…
I know the area well, although the last time I was round Alport Castles it was in the dark.
Our Border Collie, Ragga, used to go into ‘hunting mode’ occasionally and dive into clumps of grass. She would invariably reappear with a dead mouse or shrew in her mouth!
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I’m really enjoying getting to know the Peak better, though we have a house move in the next couple of months that will take us to the northern end of the Clwydian Hills – I’m getting as much of the Peak done as possible whilst it’s relatively near 🙂
Haha… Ragga must have been a better hunter than ‘Mist – she hasn’t caught anything yet, unlike the cat who regularly brings us a ‘present’ 😦
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Spookily My missus ( also known as the brains behind this operation ) has asked to come walking with me next weekend and I had this walk in mind I can show the photo’s to her now :-). Looks fantastic. Thanks ever so much for your mention too… I shall return the favour 🙂
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Spooky indeed! My previous weeks post was near Pule Hill just outside Marsden – I had mentioned Mark Kelly’s blog (Halfway Hike) and Mark got back to say that he had been walking a route on the other side of Pule Hill at the same time! We’ll be seeing crop circles next 🙂
You’re welcome re the mention – your pics deserve to be shared with others 🙂
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Thanks for the mention Paul. I think it is one of the most spectacular sights in the Peak District. Glad you enjoyed the walk.
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Cheers Mark.
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Never heard of Alport Castles before but they look well worth a visit. Bit like the Quiraing but on a milder scale aren’t they. I could do with less ideas for walks in the Peak District though as I’ve got quite enough on right now! I’m going climbing tomorrow on an actual crag in Langdale with one of my friends – poor soul – hope he can hope with my histrionics! He has been up things like the North Ridge of Tryfan before with me though so he does know the kind of thing to expect. And, while there might end up being a report from me, there definitely won’t be any photos!
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Very much in the style of the Quiraing, Carol. I’m sure you’ll be tempted when you have more time 🙂
Where are you climbing in Langdale (as in which crag)? Could I take a guess at Middlefell Buttress? If it is, you’ll have a super time – and don’t dare leave the camera behind 😀
And remember, adrenaline is brown and ‘runny’ 😉
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Good job Mark took his camera up then eh? I never take my camera anywhere scary or dangerous – I think too much of it. Plus it’s huge and would get in the way.
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I agree with your point about crossing the A57 road, The Snake Pass. I wouldn’t have missed the opportunity for an ice cream though.
Glad you enjoyed your walk in the Peak District, there’s so much more to see too.
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Thanks for the comment Lee – when we lived in West Yorkshire we used to make the occasional trip to the Peak, but since moving to North Wales we haven’t been back. I think a Peak trip is overdue!
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