Twenty two walkers met in the Hyde Park Inn car park on a grey morning with an improving weather forecast predicted. We set off along Hilltop road heading for the golf course. We took the track leading us through the golf course and on to Monk Wood, crossing the by-pass via the curly bridge. As we emerged from the wood we followed the broad track past Monkwood Farm, eventually reaching and then crossing Barlow Brook. An enclosed path on the right took us past some cute pigs who seemed very happy in their free range environment.
On reaching Lee Bridge we turned left onto Smeltinghouse Lane to join up with the B6051, the main road through Barlow. In a short distance the church entrance provided a nice spot for our mid-morning snack with some of our group calling in at Hackney House cafe for extra supplies. Our next port of call was the pinfold on Wilkin Hill, where we paused to listen to Gaynor’s briefing about the pinfold. You can read more about it and other Derbyshire pinfolds on the Derbyshire Heritage Website
After walking a few yards back down Wilkin Hill we took the footpath on the left through fields and behind Rutland Terrace. From here we crossed over Barlow Fishing ponds between the two trout ponds taking the path through the woods to meet Gateland Lane. When the lane ran out we joined Barlow Lees Lane, following this quiet road all the way back to The Hyde Park Inn.
On reaching the pub we thanked walk leaders Gaynor and Mick for leading us on a very enjoyable walk. Before heading home a few of us called in at the pub for food and drinks.
