Mugginton Cock
Friday 27 May
4 ½ miles Leader John M.
The reopening of the Cock Inn in Muggington after ten years is a boon to walkers. We were kindly allowed to use their car park (JM1)
In 1944 a Whitley bomber operating from the training airfield nearby at Ashbourne (now the Airfield Industrial Estate) crashed in low cloud killing all five crew members. A poignant reminder as we walk by that the freedom we enjoy is not cost free. (JM2)
Looking northwards towards The Lilies. (JM5)
Heading downhill in the neighbourhood of Windley. (JM6)
Amber Valley Ramblers erected the predecessor of this style in 1980: previously there was none. The path is now well walked. (JM4)
They’re difficult to make out but these steps put in place by the skilled Amber Valley working group (sadly dormant since withdrawal of Countryside Ranger support) transformed a dangerously slippery mud chute into safe access to a new footbridge. (JM7)
Panorama looking back climbing up from Windley.(JM9)
Since we went this way there is a visible track to follow through the grass. (JM11)
Amber Valley Ramblers, have since their formation, been prominent in the publication and updating of the great number of Amber Valley Routeways. Note the Routeway sign on this gatepost in Ravensdale Park. (JM3) Ravensdale Park. (JM8) The walk was on a modest plateau and during its course we enjoyed in turn excellent views southwards, eastwards, northwards and westwards. (JM10) Heedless of my own good advice I slipped on a wet stone while crossing a stream. I landed on my back and was pretty shaken. I was very appreciative of my fellow Ramblers’ concern and help after my fall. We manged to complete the walk but I was grateful for a lift back home afterwards. (JM12) On the last photo above Good Samaritan Derek is carrying my rucksack: he was soon convinced that it contained several breeze blocks. John
Pictures taken by John M.
