Friday 1 November 2024
4.9 miles leader John M.
Weather 14°C. overcast, dry.
No on walk 27 + 1 dog.
A walk that included several unmarked and little used paths, which we soon, with our numbers, improved their visibility on the ground. As advertised, there was some muddy bits, especially in some of the gateways, where necessary traffic and cattle had passed through on the soft surfaces. There was still good autumnal foliage to be seen all around us and great views across the Ecclesbourne valley, from the ridges to the south. With our greater than usual numbers, some difficult stiles and terrain, our progress was slower than perhaps planned for, the whole walk taking just over three hours. At the end many members went into the pub, to finish the walk with some light refreshment and as an acknowledgement for the use of the car park, which we almost filled.
Our route was an anti-clockwise circular, first going north from the A517, just before the village school, the path passing through some established housing, it was well marked and it is the first one I had seen one with an elaborate gated entrance to the nearby fields, see picture. We continued across the fields to Netherhouse Farm, after first having to find and negotiate our way over Ridgeway Brook, slow going but we made it. We climbed up Bull Hill and then a short way up Bull Hill Lane, turning left across fields to Lumber House Farm, stopping nearby for our morning break. From the farm we walked all the way up Lumber Lane to carry on ahead southwards, across the A517 and crossing the next lane near to Waterlagg Cottage to Intake Lane. From Intake Lane we walked the ancient Deer Park Boundary (Frith, middle English, to enclose) to Mugginton Lane, walking this a short way to go left along the first right of way, the first part of which passed through a modern fenced Deer Farm, so perhaps a modern Frith! With only one path to follow we went northwards, joining Windley Lane and quickly crossed the busy A517 into the pub car park, thanking John who saw us safely across this road.
In summary, it was good to leave our mark on lesser walked ways, confirming the usefulness of these Rights of Way, lest they fall into disrepair and be lost for generations to come. Along the route we noted one stile in such a poor condition, as to be unusable. It was photographed and a report made to Derbyshire County Council, who in time we hope, will see that it is made fit for purpose and brought back into use.
