The history of our challenge walks in words and pictures
Up to date financial details and other information about our fundraising activities
Annual financial details of the totals raised from our Walkers and Corporate Sponsors
Information about The Three Peaks Challenge Walk and the surrounding countryside
Information about The Chatsworth Challenge Walk, and the Chatsworth area.
Preparation, Hints & Tips
Handy tips and sound advice for tackling those demanding challenge walks
Some interesting features associated with our walks
Information about us and why we raise the sponsored funds
All the other bits we couldn’t fit in anywhere else
chatsworth challenge
chatsworthchallenge.com
three peaks
challenge
threepeakschallenge.com
chatsworthchallenge.com and threepeakschallenge.com are organisers of sponsored challenge walks to raise money for the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund in support of nominated charities to fund cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
Total funds raised so far
£197,708.98
including... ThreePeaksChallenge
The four charities we currently represent. All of the money raised on our walks go to the four listed cancer charities to fund the research, prev-ention, and treatment of cancer.
More information >>
2012 Walk : Chatsworth Challenge
Chatsworth Challenge 2012 Event Statistics
chatsworthchallenge.com are organisers of fund raising challenge walks in support of the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund to raise monies for nominated charities in support of cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
Page Acknowledgements
Text : Philip Lynskey : Martin Reese : Clare Mitchell : Stella Mitchell : Gerard Mitchell
Images : Philip Lynskey ; Ann Mitchell : Gerard Mitchell : Chris Bradley : Dave Broadhurst : Neil Theasby
© www.chatsworthchallenge.com
Weather
Oh dear! At the start of many of our ‘walk' pages, and because our one fundraising day of the year so depends on it, I always write about the weather. June 2012 did not give any reason to amend that custom, as it turned out to be one of the wettest, coldest and dullest June's since records began. In fact the Environment Agency stated that it was the dullest June since 1909 (and that
must have been dull !). However, at the same time as the Agency were informing everyone about how wet, cold and dull it was, our walk enjoyed a sort of not-too-wet, not-too-cold,
Gerard Mitchell who has always written the 22 mile walk narrative for the annual walk page on this website put his literary talents on hold this year to allow other members to take up the challenge.
The task of narrating the 22 mile walk hence falls into new hands, and for this we welcome Martin Reese and Clare Mitchell to carry on the good work.
For our report of the 9 mile walk we welcome Stella
Mitchell, another newcomer to the walk narrative, but also a previous 3 peaks van driver, course marshal, and spouse to the aforementioned Gerard. Stella has been an ever present member of our challenge walks, and has appeared on our web pages many times in previous years. We thank each of them for their unremunerated efforts, and here are their accounts of the day in their full unabridged versions (with editorial cuts!). (PL)
and (at times) reasonably bright day, and everyone who had come into the weekend expecting to be washed away were all rather pleasantly surprised.
10th Annual Event
The 2012 event marked a significant point in our annual sponsored challenge walks. Starting in 2003 we walked over the demanding peaks of North Yorkshire until 2007 when the event swapped to the slightly less severe Chatsworth Challenge walk(s) around the Derbyshire Peak District. 2012 therefore became our 10th sponsored fundraising walk.
The Devonshire Arms checkpoint at Beeley Village where the 22 mile walkers and the 9 mile walkers meet. (click to enlarge)
YouTube video features many photos not included in this website. Click on the YouTube logo on the bar at the bottom of the video to be directed to the main YouTube site to see the video in larger size. See other Videos >
Follow these links to the main areas associated with our event fundraising
The Old Corn Mill on Chatsworth Estate
(click to enlarge)
This Old Corn Mill on Chatsworth Estate was built in 1760 and last ground corn in 1950. It was badly damaged when a tree fell on it during a storm in 1962.
It is now largely derelict, but parts of the wheel and grindstone can still be seen.
Photo by Neil Teasby
Geograph Photo SK2568
Creative Commons Licence
If you took part in this year’s walk, and want to take the challenge again, OR...
If you’re reading this for the first time, and wish to take part in our annual walk, click on the following links for more details.
Alternative YouTube Video
Play this video to hear an alternative cover track of ‘Glory Days’ by American Country Folk and Bluegrass Band ‘The Avett Brothers’. Plus an additional instrumental version of Glory Days added to video.
YouTube video features many other photos not included in this website.
Click on the YouTube logo on the bar at the bottom of the video to be directed to the main YouTube site to see the video in larger size.
From One of Our Charities
“On behalf of Cancer Research UK I would like to thank you for your very kind donation of £2,930.34 raised from the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund sponsored walk.
I would be most grateful if you could forward our thanks to all those who helped raise such a staggering sum. It is very kind of you to support our work at this time.”.
Simon O’Leary
Head of Volunteer Fundraising
Cancer Research UK
In 2012 Chatsworth Challenge registered it's youngest ever walker. As you can see from the photograph; complete with her fleece, stick, footwear that I find difficult to describe, and the woodland setting,
Emily Broadhurst is no stranger to walking, but on the day of the walk Emily was only two weeks past her fourth birthday.
Mum & Dad, Carmel & Dave Broadhurst had made contingency plans with Tracy and Luke Dyson to provide a distraction for Emily if tiredness took over and even maybe offer the odd 'jockey' if things got worse.
As it turned out the best laid plans proved unnecessary as Emily covered every step of the nine mile route under her own steam.
Well done Emily!
(GM)
1. The Traditional Start In Baslow Car Park
Here we are in Baslow which is the traditional start of both the nine mile and twenty two mile walks. As you can see both Janine (Mitchell)
1. The Traditional Start In Baslow Car Park (click to enlarge)
2. Thirty minutes into the walk at the old bridge at Chatsworth House. (click to enlarge)
3. The old Corn Mill on the banks of the river Derwent.
(click to enlarge)
4. Louise and Kate take a breather (click to enlarge)
5. Stella gets two last pints before closing time. “I always like to have a gallon under my belt when I’m out walking” said Stella shortly before falling over several times on her way back to Baslow. (click to enlarge)
and myself are looking totally calm and relaxed as the proceedings are well under our control. We have everyone checked in and under starters orders, so Janine snatches the opportunity of enjoying a last
energy providing banana. It's a drizzly morning but spirits are high amongst all the walkers and they are raring to get going.
2. On the old bridge at Chatsworth House Estate
30 minutes into the walk and we've already made it to the fine old bridge at Chatsworth House. The house is just out of view to the left but this is a great place to pause for a breather and take in the spectacular views of the 'Palace Of The Peak'. There's a bit of rain in the air but John Mitchell has his grandson well under wraps in his pushchair while his mum Louise looks on. It's now time to take a right turn over the bridge and head towards the fun and frolics to be sampled at the checkpoint in the village of Beeley.
3. On the banks of the river Derwent
The two mile stretch towards Beeley meanders it's way along the banks of the River Derwent. The path goes through an area of the Chatsworth Park where there is usually plenty of sheep and deer on view, though there is very little evidence of them today. A herd of brown cows have decided to stand in for them. However the lack of deer is compensated by the walk past what remains of the old corn mill. The mill was built in 1760 and at close proximity it is easy to imagine life during those golden years of the estate.
4. A quick stop to admire the view
Close by is the weir that provided the water to the corn mill (see also video in sidebar). Louise and Kate are seen here taking in a breather and the fresh air. After the recent heavy rains the water is coming over the weir at a decent pace.
5. Stella poses for the camera shortly before ‘downing’ two pints in eleven seconds
Well, what can one say? When the Beeley checkpoint also just happens to be the village pub what else can one do? The Devonshire Arms is an excellent example of the traditional English village pub we'd all love to have within walking distance. They make us welcome every time we pass their way, and even when we leave their carpets in a bit of a state (which is on most occasions) they seem to take it in their stride. Anyway... cheers!
6. Back at the Devonshire Arms after completing the walk.
(click to enlarge)
6. The Devonshire Arms in Baslow
With the walking done for another year there's time to relax in the pub which acts as the checkout point in Baslow. Strangely, this pub is also called The Devonshire Arms but this lends itself to the Duke and Duchess rather than coincidence.
Along with Clare and Martin who have completed the 22 mile walk I have managed to work my way into yet another photo. I'm just having a quick look at my phone, checking to see if I've managed a PB this year. We also have another pair of our
regulars in shot here. Margaret Mackie and John Mitchell have both completed most of the ten walks we have done to date (SM)
That finishes up Stella’s account of the nine mile walk, and we thank her for her valiant efforts. If you’re reading this, and you’re not a previous Chatsworth Challenge.com walker, but you’d like to do the walk with us click on the links below to find out full details, and to get the walk application form. (PL)
(fund total raised to date after current walk year)
John Mitchell (seated right) explains to a fascinated Margaret Mackie (seated and falling asleep) how last Wednesday week he'd just hit a beautiful dog leg coming into the back nine, but then found himself in a nasty bit of rough on the edge of the green and behind a
Back In The Devonshire...
small tree with only a tight view of the pin, and after considering the shot at great length he decided to take a number seven iron and play a jabbing shot to half-pitch it onto the green which worked great because he came up within three feet of the cup, and then played it with a slight break from left to right and managed to hole out after sinking it through the back door which saved his par for the hole.
John Mitchell engages Margaret Mackie in riveting conversation. (click to enlarge)
The Devonshire Arms at Beeley
A shot of our now traditional mid way checkpoint, the Devonshire Arms, at Beeley without the usual clutter of strewn walker’s bags and boots.
Our two challenge walks have staggered start times so that the 22 mile walkers and the 9 mile walkers are scheduled to meet at roughly the same time at the Beeley Arms, and it has always proven to be a popular stop for our walkers.
The Devonshire Arms at Beeley.
(click to enlarge)
Martin Reese and Clare Mitchell
1. Baslow car park. The annual 22 mile walkers starting line-up photo
Prompting the usual request from Gerard, “can we all move in a
1. The 22 Milers line up at the start point in Baslow car park
(click to enlarge)
6. Mad cows and an Englishman. David Longhorn stops to count the cows. (click to enlarge)
Above picture shows David Longhorn stood with a herd of cattle. Yes, Longhorn and cattle! Perhaps someone ought to give him a prod to make them mooooo’ve. We think he deserves a pat on the back for standing in the middle of all those cows. Sorry David, it’s all first year schoolboy stuff I agree, and it must be incredibly tedious, but I couldn’t let this pass when I saw the picture. You must have heard all this crap a thousand times, but we here at Chatsworth Challenge.com are anything but sensitive when it comes to people’s feelings, especially when they’re stood in a pile of the stuff. (and anyway, Gerard put me up to this!) (PL)
bit?” It’s sometime shortly after 6:30 am, the gaiters are on, the hoods are up and everybody is raring to go. The expression of anticipation on Gerard's face can only mean one thing... its time for a photo! The weather is looking rather dubious, however the spirits are high. If only they knew...
2. Up the steepest hill in Bakewell and everybody is still smiling!
Around 8:30 am and we are at the top of the dreaded hill coming out of Bakewell. No rain at the moment but there is still a long way to go...
3. Clare catches Barbara and Lynn calling a taxi!
Killing time with a good ol’ game of hide and seek whilst the men work out which way to go. This was before Barbara’s navigation skills were put to good use (we never got lost - honest!).
4. And Gerard was worried that his walk guides wouldn’t be put to good use....
Some of the walkers take a short break to conclusively decide which is the correct direction to take. (and then they unfortunately listen to Barbara. Ed)
5. Bring on the mud!
Shortly after Chris’ shocking experience. Remember people - metal walking poles and sticks and electric fences do not mix! The troops are making the most of one of the muddiest years on record.
Martin and Clare take the reins from Gerard for the long walk narrative. They’re young, fearless, fit and active, intelligent and quick witted, kind and honest, and great fun to be with, and they even take the trouble to write their own introductions. Here’s how they saw the 22 mile walk...
6. Mad cows and Englishmen
This years walk featured a moment that will never be forgotten... Cow-gate. After witnessing Louise Lavelle practically pushing Ann Mitchell over a wall in a desperate attempt to escape, we soon realised that it was every man for themselves.
7. Twenty two miles complete and just the steps into the Devonshire Arms to tackle!
After an action packed walk of mud, laughs, misdirection, mad cows, and more laughs there is only one thing left to do - complete the final check in, collect your certificate and head to the bar!
(And that’s just what they did! Our thanks go to Clare and Martin for bringing us Cow-Gate, and all the other stuff. Ed).
3. Lynn and Barbara take shelter in a local telephone box. (Now try doing that with your latest iPhone!) (click to enlarge)
2. Lynn Lewis leads the walkers who are all still smiling as they make their way out of Bakewell. (click to enlarge)
4. The highly capable walkers are all in agreement which way to go. (click to enlarge)
5. The muddy route home. (click to enlarge)
7. Finally, back at the Devonshire Arms. Chris Bradley and Barbara Marshall. (Don’t look so knackered Chris! Barbara’s erroneous directions only added another 3 miles to the course) (click to enlarge)
Weir by the Old Corn Mill in Chatsworth. (Click to enlarge)