Around twenty walkers gathered at Coal Aston Village Hall for Adrian’s walk on a warm and humid Thursday evening. We set off through the Holmesdale estate to reach the Firthwood Road entrance to Frith Wood. After a pleasant walk through the wood we joined Callywhite Lane and on to our first stop Metapic Wood. This is a privately owned wood with sculptures and artifacts that give it a quirky feel. Continuing along the boardwalk we started on an uphill climb after passing Harrison’s works. After skirting Spring Bank cottages (known locally as Whisky Bank) we were soon in open fields, walking alongside the former site of the tramway that linked the coal mines of Unstone and Apperknowle.
The terrain flattened after reaching Summerley Lower Road which a quiet country lane on the bottom side of Summerley. Just after the bend we took the second of two marked footpaths that led us back to Coal Aston. We finished the walk around 9:15, giving some of our members ample time to settle in for the music quiz at the Royal Oak.
Thanks to Adrian for leading us on this very enjoyable 4.5 mile walk.
