Eighteen of us caught the No. 44 bus to Stonegravels on this bright April morning. We got off the bus at the Lockoford Lane stop and made the ten minute walk to Tapton Lock Visitors Centre on the Chesterfield Canal. We were only on the canal for around half an hour but that was enough time to enjoy the scenery and see a female mallard with her chicks on the side of the towpath.
We left the canal at Bluebank Pools and made our way up Newbridge Lane to Old Whittington. On passing the Revolution House I made an attempt at explaining the history of the building and why it is well known in these parts. Follow this link for a more detailed explanation.
We then followed enclosed paths around St Bartholomew’s church into the fields behind Old Whittington. The walk up to Grasscroft Wood is a gradual climb followed by a fairly steep climb so we were grateful for a coffee stop at the top of the bank. From there we skirted Grasscroft Wood eventually emerging on to Windmill Lane. After crossing fields with superb views over Unstone and Apperknowle we descended into Ramshaw Wood.
The last part of the walk took us across the football ground at Unstone and along the boardwalk to Half Acre Lane. Minutes later we were back at our cars in the long lay-by.
Many thanks to well, err (me) for leading us round this walk. And many thanks from me to all those who came along.
