Mud, mud, glorious mud, there’s nothing quite like it for adding a bit of adventure to the walk. The rain of yesterday and overnight had made the paths very soggy, especially where the route passed through paddocks, as you will see from the pictures. A very good turnout, considering. Spring is most definitely on the way, judging by the flora along the way. Snowdrops, now on the wane, but hey ho, brilliant Daffodils, Blackthorn and Cherry all now in bloom and cheering the heart.

A shortened route, avoiding some flooded areas, but although we slipped and slid, we all managed to keep upright, just. We gathered in the car park to hear Dave’s words of warning of likely hazards along the way and then we were off, crossing the nearby bridge over the River Derwent, again in full spate. Just past the Bridge Inn, we turned right, to walk the path towards the old Paper Mill chimney, exiting onto Eaton Bank Road. Soon to turn left and walk Hieron’s and Hatherings Woods joining Vicarage Lane to it’s end at Park Farm. Just before entering Hieron’s Wood, we took a short circular detour around the hilltop adventure area, ‘The Land’, with great views from the top, see pictures by Dave M. In the field after Park Farm, we stopped for a standing morning break, then to move on to Eaton Hill and Eaton Park Wood. Progressively the route became more soggy and slippery, especially near stiles and stream crossings. I think you can say we all helped each other along. Finally, after passing through the horse paddocks at Daypark Farm, we took the path to Duffield Bank, making our way along as best we could to avoid the worst of the mucky stuff. We crossed the Duffield Bank Road and followed the footway down to the bridge, crossing it and so back to the car park. An interesting day in very good company, thanks to all.

  2 Pictures by Dave