The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Had a very pleasant walk up Padley Gorge and out onto the moors. Not over busy considering it is a bank holiday weekend

Highlights were

pied flycatcher 3 (2 males)
nuthatch 5
redstart 2
siskin 2
many meadow pipits out on the moors - no grouse or whinchat
no wood warblers, spotted flycatcher or tree pipits (perhaps slightly early yet?)
Didn't have time to walk along the river and get dipper today

Hi Chris,

Excuse my ignorance,Chris, but can you point me in the direction of Padley Gorge? Thanks.

Regards...........Richard

It is the other side of Sheffield off the A6187 (a couple or so miles from Hathersage) on the B6521. I always park at Grindleford Station. Walk past the cafe and Totley Rail tunnel, cross the stream and take a right turning after a couple of hundred yards. Climb up the unadopted road until you get to the woods. There is a couple of miles of woodland all up hill with well marked paths eirther side of the stream. Time it right and it can be good for birds as you are looking down on the trees in many areas

At the top of the gorge you come out into the open (a favourite area for picnicers) and can cross the A625 and go onto the moors with Higgar Tor on the left. The walk eventually reaches another road. This is where I usually turn back but walk down the other side of the valley. Eventually (by various routes)you will hit the A6187 again a couple of miles to the west of where you crossed it earlier. Then head about 400 yards towards Hathersage (west) and take the public footpath downhill all the way till you reach the River Derwent. Follow this back to Grindleford village

Probably about 8 miles in length but obviously you can shorten it if you wish. With my walk on Saturday and a bit of gardening yesterday the muscles are still acheing

I first read about this walk in a BirdWatching magazine over 10 years ago and have done it several times about this time of year just to see the areas specialities. I hope this helps Richard: it really is delightful walk

Many thanks, Chris. It's certainly worth a visit, though something of a kill or cure trek! I think the scope and tripod would have to be left at base camp.

Regards.............Richard..