What a day, what a turnout and great to see so many happy faces congregating on the ‘no through road’ at Lower Hartshay, which used to be the Main Road to Ripley and beyond. I expected, after the last week of heavy rain showers, for some of the way to be muddy, but howsoever, there was no mud at all, the rain had been soaked up by the parched land. We set off, by walking west alongside the Cromford canal, the first bit still in water, further along, it was Bullrushes, Willow and Himalayan Balsam that dominated the canal bed. We noticed some ducks, making their way amongst the reed stems, content in their own little jungle. We walked under Starvehimvalley Bridge and alongside the fishing pond. Sue was leading us along the published Amber Valley Routeway No. 5. (a list of those routes one to twenty-two can be found on this website under local walks and can be printed out if you wish to do so). The route is well waymarked and we followed the arrow, to go through The Excavator pub car park, exiting to go through the short tunnel, at the end of the car park, the Heage road directly above us. We followed along on what was the tow path, with the A610 road, just below, to our right, we could feel the airflow being pushed off the vehicles as they passed us by. At Ladygrove, we kept to the marked way, which meant, crossing over the Lockwood Factory access road, then over the Stone bridge, crossing over the line of the canal, then to re-cross the access road and continue ahead, eventually climbing up the fields to the rise, just before Heage Windmill. It was here, on the highest point of the walk that we stopped for our morning break, most seated on the grass, with a magnificent panoramic view of Nether Heage to our left and with unobstructed views all the way around to Crich Stand and Crich to our right. (pictured).
The break over we made our way into Heage, passing by the unique six sailed windmill, still in use, an attraction for most tourists. On our way through Heage, we paused for some to use the local facilities, which, credit due to the village, are kept open during daylight hours. Needless to say, that with such a number, the pause became more of a wait, but needs must! We immediately turned right into Brook Street and after nearly half a mile we turned left, to walk across fields to Upper Hartshay. After crossing over the B6374, we took the track beside Charity Farm leading us down to Bridge Farm, leaving us with just a short walk along a good track to the Canal Bridge and our parked cars. Great day out in good company, many heads were turned today as our long train of happy ramblers, passed by gardens and dwellings, giving those sitting out in the sunshine, a cheery wave and in some cases, salutations on this fine morning. We hope we made a good impression on all those we encountered. Well done Sue and thankyou for your preparedness to take us all in your stride, so to speak!
8 Pictures by James W. 
Last 8 Pictures by John H-T