An amazing number of people turned up today, probably encouraged by the offer of superb views of Bluebells, of which we found plenty, in some wonderful natural settings. Not only did the Bluebells look the part, but also offered up a lovely fragrance, as we entered Shaw Wood. Before the off, in a now very crowded layby, I offered words of potential hazards and road safety, pointing out the back and middle markers, which would enable me to see the progress of the group. It was inevitable that the group of this number would become stretched, due to the five stiles, with differing degrees of difficulty. Thanks to all for your patience and realising that of us are not of an Olympic style standard!  I then handed over to Lyn, our busy social secretary, to advise all those who have not yet heard of our upcoming Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration week (9 May to 16 May) and for the necessity of booking for the buffet on the last day, after the last walk. Further details on this website.

We soon crossed over the nearby road and strolled across the grassy field to exit into Park Lane, turning left to walk downhill, to the entrance to Ivy Farm. We took the path opposite, climbing up a few steps and then, headed across the fields to pause, near to Wingfield Manor, mostly now in ruin. In the sixteenth century, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here for a short time. We moved on, passing the ruin, on our left, then to turn right, walking the good track betwixt Lawn Plantation and Manor Wood, the latter carpeted with gorgeous dark blue ‘bells. We followed this delightful track, bordered with yet more Bluebells, Daffodils and many wild flowers, too numerous to mention, that’s just because I couldn’t put a name to them all! We exited, once again onto Park Lane, turning left to walk under the railway bridge, passing by Weir Mill Farm, it’s water wheel still turning, on a site which has seen a mill in situ for over nine hundred years. We then walked the next half a mile uphill, along Jacksons Lane, stopping at the top for our morning break.

With the break over we now walked over more meadows to Shaw Wood Farm, going by it to enter into Shaw Wood. We took the lower, half mile path, through the woods, admiring the Bluebells all around us, in this we were entertained by a chorus of woodland birds, wonderful to hear, even above our chatter, they were unperturbed. We exited the woods at Woodend, then to pass under the railway, via a very low tunnel, after which we headed towards South Wingfield village, passing a fallen tree, on the bank of the River Amber (pictured) and on into Holm Lane. We passed through the south side of the village, going by “Andrea’s allotment site”, on which she has been working hard. We cross over the B5035, taking a path leading us over Boggy Brook, via a foot bridge and then a steady plod, over meadows, uphill to rejoin the B5035, just above our parked cars, arriving there by twelve forty-five as advertised. How does he do it I hear you ask, or that might be me just dreaming. Thanks to all who made this such an enjoyable walk to lead, good company and great to see new faces amongst us and hope they were pleased that they came along. d.