Sixteen walkers and two dogs gathered in the long lay-by between Dronfield and Unstone. It was nice to see two new people join us on the walk.
The first part of the walk was quite a steep climb up to Ouzle Bank Cottage. We stopped there briefly to view the information board which is perfectly placed to provide amazing views towards Chesterfield. After crossing a field we joined one of the Peak Resort footpaths that runs along the edge of the wood and then downhill to the main road. Here we joined another of the Peak Resort footpaths that follows the river Drone all the way to The Brushes where we took a path that crossed the railway line. After crossed more fields we reached the ponds at Four Acres.
We followed a footpath that ran alongside the ponds and joined up with Unstone Road a little further on. We turned right along the road and then left up Hundall Lane all the way to the TV mast. As we walked across the fields to Ramshaw Wood we enjoyed great views down towards Unstone. Many of us were familiar with this part of the walk because it follows the way marked route of the Drone Valley Way. Although the bluebells have gone in Ramshaw wood there are still interesting features to see. You can just make out the route of the old mineral line that once served the area.
The route back to the start point was via the boardwalk and Half Acre Lane. We just about dodged the predicted rain.
Many thanks to Adrian for leading us on this walk.
