Sue's route explored the upper reaches of the Amber Valley starting at Ashover Parish Hall and followed the river's left bank down to Ogston Reservoir. Then back up the right flank of Cocking Tor for lunch amongst the spoil from the old Gregory Lead Mine (please wash your hands). The area has a rich industrial past with many quarries, mines and old railways and some interesting geology - limestone, gritstone and shales and lots of radon gas apparently.
The start at Ashover Parish Hall |
A bit of a come-down after last week's zip-wire |
Fallgate Quarry, limestone and fluorspar |
Near Ogston Reservoir |
Descending the spoil heap of the Gregory Mine (1758-1804), once one of the most productive lead mines in England |
Overgrown Ambervale Quarry (sandstone) |
The way back to Ashover .... |
... blocked by the farmer |