An absolutely perfect day for walking, especially after the presumed excesses of yesterday. A slight overnight frost, firmed the already dry paths, even in the shaded areas. A day off for Boxing Day gave the chance for those who work, to spend some time in the fresh air, with, if I may say a very friendly group.

We gathered on the hard standing end of the Coppice car park, very few cars here today, even when we got back at one o’clock, it was just the same. After a few words from Howard, we set off down, to cross over Belper Brook and take the path east towards Mill Lane, then to take the cross path west around the base of the summit of Cow Hill, exiting onto the Bargate Road. We made our way to Wildersley Lane, passing the farm of the same name and onward to join Shaw Lane, turning right along it, to walk the length of Dark Lane to the Holly Bush pub. We paused here to re-group, before walking past Makeney Hall, then to cross over the resplendent River Derwent, via the A6 bridge. We crossed over the A6 and then to take Sunny Hill, the steepest hill on the walk. Fortunately, we stopped for our morning break, about half way up it having come just under three miles to that point.

With the break over, we then finished the rest of the hill, to walk the length of North Lane from Chevin End to Chevin Mount. Some spectacular views on our right over-looking Belper and beyond. Some pictures of this and also to note the huge wall, erected for shooting practice, probably as far back as the Napoleonic wars and world wars since. I understand that many Lead balls have been found near the base of the wall. After a pause at Chevin Mount, we walked through Farnah Green, downhill to take the first path going right, crossing over Chevin Lane as we did, to descend towards the river. Fortunately, the gates on the bridge over the Derwent were open, so we took the opportunity, to walk along the eastern river bank, taking the path to go between, Hockey and football grounds. We took the easiest line back to the car park, that was via the old Library path, Joseph Street, Green Lane and so up King Street and into the Market Place, losing a few of our number as we did, some taking a short cut home or some shopping or even for some light refreshment. A very nice walk, the weather contributing to make it so.