There was a good turnout of nineteen walkers and one dog for the first walk of 2026. It was a cold morning and a few of us took advantage of a warming drink in St Andrew’s Community Church.
After walking through the estate near Hayfield Close we passed through the corner of Kitchen Wood on our way to an area known as Four Acres. This brought us on to Cowley Lane which led us to the B6054 which is the main road through Holmesfield. We worked our way through the estate, passing through the church grounds to emerge onto the B6054 once again. After crossing the road we took the footpath that descends through fields to the signpost showing multiple options (possibly called 5 ways)
We took the route towards Cartledge and then the Bridleway running alongside Great Brind Wood. Our walk leader Peter pointed out that this track was typical of many in this area where a bridleway and a footpath run alongside each other. This was also our mid-morning coffee stop.
On reaching Brindwoodgate we took a left turn up the hill. Our walk leader warned us that we would be “gaining height rapidly” – I must remember that one. After a short spell on a quiet lane we reached Barlow Lees where we took a left turn and continued through fields to Cowley Lane. We passed Cowley Mission but shortly after took the footpath on the left taking us all the way back to Telly Tubby land. Here Peter pointed out the recently replaced James Dean memorial. James was a founder member of Dronfield Footpaths. As we were almost back everyone headed off in different directions to their homes or cars.
Many thanks to Peter C for leading us round a very enjoyable walk to start off the new year.