The Portway Walk: How long does it take?
A group of five fairly experienced (i.e. elderly) walkers set off from the Hemlock Stone on Friday 26th September. We made a leisurely start but soon realised that more determined progress was needed. The sun broke through the mist by lunchtime and we reached the Holly Bush pub at Makeney by 4.30, where we decided we’d had enough for the day. That was about 13 miles.
On Saturday we felt more energetic and started from Milford and went over the Chevin as the mist cleared. The weather was fantastic and we made better time, managing about 17 miles via the Black Boy in Wirksworth to reach the excellent Bowling Green in Winster (slightly off course) about 5 p.m.
Perhaps we overdid it, because on Sunday the morning was drizzly and we all felt rather stiff. Progress was less enthusiastic and by the time we reached the Monsal Head Inn (mid-afternoon) our determination was flagging and we got no further. Still 40 miles in 3 days isn’t too bad when you’re somewhat out of training, and we’d had a tremendous walk.
Comment on this or describe your own experiences of the walk.
Filed in Uncategorized 2 Comments so far
John Fletcher on 01 Aug 2009 at 9:57 am #
Having completed the ‘Derwent Valley Walk’ (some 55 miles) my group of 4 ‘ancients’ are planning to follow the ‘Portway Walk’ route as closely as possible, bearing in mind that we will divide it into no more than 8 miles per outing and venture out only once per month.
We are interested to learn whether Steve’s group completed their adventure and if so do they have any further comments about their experiences which might benefit from?
Thank you in anticipation
steve on 03 Aug 2009 at 6:47 pm #
Hi John,
in comparison with the Derwent Valley, you should find the views on the Portway a compensation for some of the climbs!
We have, sadly, yet to finish the last leg of the walk as a group, but I can say from previous experience that the stretch from Monsal Head to Wardlow is the worst from the traffic point of view (but can be avoided by walking up Cressbrook Dale).
I think 8 miles per day is very reasonable, but will take you six months to complete – from summer to winter.
Take a look at Lindey’s Portway pictures (see recent posts) as you go….
Best of luck,
Steve