Lea Gardens
Friday 7 March 2025
4.75 miles Leader Howard A.
Weather 15°C. Bright
No on walk 19 + one dog
Metrological (I can spell it, but have trouble saying it) spring is certainly here, flora and fauna concurring, with buds bursting forth and birds singing their courtship songs. What a wonderful day to be out and about, to witness and enjoy what nature has to offer, how fortunate we are. There were many great views to be had on Howard’s Walk today, one could stop, almost anywhere along today’s route and see a vista worth remembering.
Before the start, we gathered to hear a detailed safety talk by our leader, reminding us all, although out in the countryside, there are always times to be cautious of those little things that could spoil the day for all.
Nineteen, a very good and now regular turnout for a Friday Walk, set off on the path around the Playing Fields and into Lea village, passing through the small but well-equipped recreation area. Then to cross over Lea Main Street and take the path through Swinepark Wood, first carefully negotiating the steps and footbridge over Littlemoor Brook. Onward now to pass through the churchyard Dethick Parish Church, the church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. After passing Church Farm, we turned left, down the road a little way and then to walk the lovely bridleway, that is Wood Lane, at the end of which we entered Cunnery Wood, taking the marked right of way through it, to the very high stone stile at the other end. We climbed, the grassy fields, on the aptly named Green Lane, where at its summit, we had some glorious views, being able to pick out such land marks as Bole Hill, above Wirksworth and the masts upon Alport Height. It was on Green Lane that we stopped for our morning break, before continuing on to cross, Cross Lanes and walk the length of the virtually trafficless Shaw Lane. We now re-entered Lea once more, walking along the grassy verge, edged with thousands of Snowdrops, neatly sheltered by the great wall of Lea Hall, an 18c. Manor House, once the home of Florence Nightingale. Once past the Hall, we turned south, following the steadily rising path, nearest to Holt Farm, to Upper Holloway, where we joined Long Lane for a downhill finish. Along this lane many paused to see the domesticated Deer in one of the fields and a little further on to stand and marvel at the Dethick, Lea and Holloway War Memorial, in the Memorial Grounds. Soon we caught up with the rest of the group, now back at the cars, parked near to Lea Gardens.
Great walk Howard, thank you. N.B. I see from the notice board, that Lea Gardens, famous for its show of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, opens this year from the 24th March, always worth a visit.
