On a morning that felt like winter had come early, twelve walkers and one dog met in the long lay-by. Although the weather forecast wasn’t promising we started out down Half Acre lane in dry conditions. As we crossed over the river Drone the evidence of recent high levels of rainfall was clear to see. Soon we were in open fields making steady progress to the hamlet of Summerley. After a short stretch on tarmac we made use of two new stiles taking us across fields to an area known locally as “The Riddings” or “The Sledging Field”.
The next section of the walk was through the Holmesdale estate and along Eckington Road to Sicklebrook Lane, taking a left turn down steps and into the wood. It was now getting towards 11:30 so to avoid a mass rebellion we had a coffee break sitting on the logs just before reaching the main road through Troway.
Feeling suitably refreshed we took the long climb up the road to once again cross Eckington Road and then made our way to the airfield. We didn’t see any planes taking off or landing but we did pass by a helicopter parked alongside the runway. After making our way back to Summerley Lower Road we continued on down Back Lane and took the track across fields that was once used as a pulley system to transport coal from the mines down to a branch line which connected to the main track passing through Dronfield.
When reached the permissive path known as “The Unstone Line”, Graham spoke to us about the history of the mines and coking ovens which covered this area in the 1800s and early 1900s. When we reached the far end of the track we turned left down Half Acre Lane, retracing our steps back to the lay-by.
Many thanks to all who joined me for the walk, especially to Graham who explained all about the history of the mines.
