The forecast fog having cleared early, we set off from the Coach and Horses pub through the village towards St Clement’s Church, taking a footpath left towards Coxbench, with plenty of autumn leaves to scrunch underfoot, for those so inclined. Going over three fields, the morning sun shining brightly through the trees, we reached a road, crossing it to climb up through The Warren, heading for the ruins of Horsley Castle, where a good imagination is required to picture a 12th century Norman castle instead of the few stones, vastly overgrown with vegetation, that remain.
Around the sandstone spur on which the ‘castle’ stands, our route, mainly following Amber Valley Routeways 2, took us on to Sandy Lane, leading to Brackley Gate Farm and Marks Hill. Taking our break on the hilltop, we had pleasant panoramic views, as autumn spread its yellows and golds over the countryside. Some curious cows gathered behind the hedge, as if to see us off their land, as we descended towards Smalley Mill Road, which we crossed and went through more fields, two with a few friendly horses in. After a short stretch along Wood Lane, we crossed a stile to farmland paths skirting the golf course, and we passed through a final kissing gate to emerge opposite the pub, arriving at 12.30.
About half our number went in for a drink to refresh ourselves, it also being a way of saying thank you for the use of the car park. Sue.
Pictures by Sue
