According to the forecast, Tuesday had always looked to be an oasis of dry weather in a very wet period and so it proved to be. Fifteen walkers met at the Coal Aston Wesleyan Reform Church on Cross Street with a good number enjoying hot drinks and a toasted tea cake before the walk started.
We set off across recently ploughed fields towards Nor Wood. This is one of the woods on the Derbyshire side of the border that is managed by the Woodland Trust. After crossing the river Moss we briefly entered Long Wood but were soon out into open fields via our first stile of the day. After crossing more fields we reached Hazelbarrow farm where we stopped for a short drinks break. Whilst walking up to the area known as Wet Lands we spotted two deer and later a pair of buzzards circling the trees. As this was the last section of greenery before hitting Lightwood Lane we had our main coffee break on the field boundary. As walk leader I was a little concerned about the number of cars passing us as we walked down the lane but fortunately it became quieter the further down we went.
After the road bent sharply to the left we took the enclosed track down to Bridle Road Wood. We were now approaching the last leg of the walk so we stopped briefly in the beautiful pasture known as Dowey Lumb. We were now on the route of the Dronfield Barn Rotary Walk which we followed all the way back to Birches Lane. As we crossed Eckington Road we reflected on the lovely weather we had enjoyed and how lucky we were.
Thanks to everyone who came on the walk, we had fun.
