I was expecting a lot less people than the eighteen who turned up, very good considering the weather earlier this morning. By the time we had finished it was almost quite pleasant. The walk which was advertised as five miles, eventually became four, that included a half mile detour, to avoid a flooded field, added in. Still, it was probably better shorter, to allow a little bit of drying time. The route had plenty of puddles, but any mud was more wet than it was sticky, so most boots only needed a bit of drying.

The walk started from outside the village hall, which was formerly the village school, which sat on the site of a former resident’s house, who took part in the “Pentrich revolution”, he was caught and transported to Australia, after which, we were told, the house was demolished. We headed North along a good farm track, crossing over the line of the former Roman Road (Ryknild Street), near to Coney Grey Farm. Here we crossed over the Oakerthorpe Road, to go down a couple of soggy fields, exiting near to Weir Mill Farm, which we then passed by. Once under the railway bridge, we began the diversion, instead of the path left (flooded) we followed a delightful country lane around Coalburn Hill and on to Dingle Farm. After a few more yards we were now back to the original planned route, leaving the lane, to climb the hill up to Lodge Hill Farm, where we stopped for our morning break.

We now walked beside the engorged, River Amber, until reaching Amber Mill. After crossing over the B6013, we took the path opposite the mill, following it all the way uphill to enter the west end of Pentrich churchyard. The parish church of St. Michael, looking resplendent on this lofty hill, in the midst of the village. Here we thanked Sue for the walk and went in search of our vehicles, parked at various locations around the village, by this time the rain had almost stopped and little brightness allowed some good views across the valley. Well done, Sue in quite trying circumstances.