Upper Derwent Valley – Fri 22nd Mar 2019

Date: 22/03/2019 Meeting Point: Car Park next to the Derwent Dam wall SK171898 (see map) Time: 08:30 Lunch: bring packed lunch and drink Transport: Members cars Cost: free Leader: Martin Kaye Numbers Limit: None.

We hope to see mountain hares and raptors for which this area is famous.  We’ll begin at the dam wall scanning for raptors across the reservoir and hillside opposite and then transfer by car to the end of the road at SK167938 from where we’ll walk up through the conifer woods (typical woodland species).  From there we’ll continue up the Derwent Valley and onto the moor hoping to see mountain hares and moorland birds.  The walk is an out and back along the same route.  It comprises 4 km of easy flat walking and about 1 km of steep up/down.  Those not wanting to do the climb can either wait at the bottom or return back to the cars where we’ll all meet up. After lunch, nothing is planned at the moment but we can respond to latest reports/members wishes.

This trip will only go ahead if the weather is reasonable, i.e. no rain and a low wind speed (it’s had to be cancelled for the last 2 years).  However, it is still essential to be properly equipped with stout footwear (boots) and warm waterproof clothing.

In view of the fact that this trip could be cancelled/postponed at short notice, it is important to ensure that Martin Kaye has your phone number/s and email address so that no members make the journey unnecessarily.