Although the weather forecast was for a fifty per cent plus chance of rain, of some sort, we were fortunate that, for the first two hours, we walked untouched by anything from above. In fact, it was only during the last quarter of a mile, when the finish line was in sight, that the rain started, becoming, heavier as we approached the car park. So it was just a little shake of our outer clothes, before getting into our cars, at twelve thirty.
Recent rains had accumulated in all the usual places, so we were under no illusion that we would encounter, unavoidable muddy bits. Fortunately, we, as far as I know, didn’t have anyone trying for a mud bath. The only casualty, was one person’s hat, that blew off and landed in some of the thickest brew, it was almost immediately scooped up by the owner, inspected and replaced over the furrowed brow. On one part of the walk we were able to see, from a distance, an incredible show of Snowdrops, I have added the snap, although a distant shot, you can, I hope make out what a good show they were.
We set from Bridgefoot, crossing of the swollen River Derwent, then to follow its western bank for some way, taking the first track, right, coming out on Chevin Lane and onward to walk beside the A617 to Blackbrook, crossing over it into Chapel Lane. We left the lane and headed up, several soggy fields to Handley Grange, here crossing over into Longwalls Lane. Along its one-mile length, we paused briefly for our morning break, after which we continued up to its junction with Wilderbrook Lane. Turning sharply right we walked the well-trod and liked footpath down to The Bulls Head pub. A short step along Belper Old Lane followed, turning to walk and bracing ourselves for the walk through Wyver Farm yard (I’ll not elaborate!) and beyond to Wyver Lane Nature Reserve. A pause whilst everyone caught up for the final three quarters of a mile back to the car park at Belper Mill. A good walk, if a little soggy in places, but we all knew what was instore, so an enjoyable walk in good company, thanks to all.
