By Andy Rose
November’s cake run started from Tissington, and five of us set off from Tissington Hall across the fields to Thorpe Cloud. This route was originally proposed for October, but had to be postponed because of flooding, but there was still plenty of wetness underfoot.
We joined the Dovedale dash route downhill to the stepping stones on the River Dove. The footpath in the opposite direction along the river was flooded and walkers coming the other way were gingerly making their way across barefoot, but happily no such problems on our side of the river. We followed the path next to the rapidly flowing river for a few km to Milldale, before tackling the steep ascent towards Alsop with great views back across the valley.
From there, it was onto the Tissington Trail, via the muddiest section of cow field of the whole route. A worrying sign suggested that that section of the trail was closed, but luckily it proved to be a false alarm – finding an alternative route at that stage wouldn’t have been popular!
We then took the trail back to Tissington, spurred on by the thought of cake at the Herberts’ cafe (or a 6-mile bike ride home), which was well worth the wait. Our usual cake run luck with the weather (ignoring October!) continued as the forecast rain held off until we were all safely back home. Thanks to Graham, James x2 and Lisa for an enjoyable morning out.
Next month’s Cake Run is organised by Kat and will be starting from Bakewell, on the 16th December.