The round walk at Bradwell is a joy. However, I would say that because it is also the regular run for Ann and myself, assuming we are not up in the high hills. Consequently, I thought I would walk you through the route and show you what you are missing. We start off through the village on the road to Tideswell, and cross the Bradwell Brook. The route turns left on Soft Water Lane and always stays on the right bank of the brook to Brough. Pass two buildings spanning the brook, then right through a squeeze stile, and 12 fields follow, with stiles not always suited to the larger person. On the way, sheeps (as Jeremy would say), alpaca’s, goats, pigs and, before the bird flu (and Christmas!), turkeys. It’s like a run through a city farm, all moo’s and baa’s..

Roman ruins

The fields drop to Brough, across the road and into the Roman fort called Navio. The fields here lie over an extensive vicus, the civilian settlement outside the fort. The fort, the remaining seven courses of stone, lies beneath. Two heavy horses, the dobbins, graze here and we also chat to them. Across a rickety foot bridge, due to be replaced, and views open out. Win Hill, one of our favourites, tantalises over the Hope Valley. We should be there, not here, however, we are spoilt for choice in these parts. Through more sheeps and cow pastures to a lane near Hope. The lane leads to Castleton via a back road. To the left, the Breedon Cement works and massive trucks can be a hazard here. Whatever, the views to the valley head take your breath away.

Round walk at Bradwell

Firstly, Mam Tor dominates, sometimes diminutive, at least in summer, but icy alpine in winter. Secondly, Peveril Castle above Castleton controls the valley, as the Normans anticipated. On past the outdoor centre and campsite and uphill to Pin Dale. Black Rabbit Barn is here, only noticed because a delivery driver accosted us here pulling his hair out. We did not know where it hid then but we do now. Onwards left on a path through woodlands around the cement works, noisy but interesting. Uphill towards, and few notice, an embankment on the right, the lower edge of a field. This is the fourth and final section of the earlier Grey Ditch. The path slips over the edge of Mitch Low and drops downhill, past the community orchard. That is a wonderful resource, especially when the fruit is ready. Then, it’s back home, always glowing with the joy of life.