Not very often that we get into a suburban area, today, with thanks to Derek, a delightful exception. Truth be told, we only started on a good road in Oakwood and very quickly made our way into the nearby Chaddesden Wood, where we found exceptional paths, through light woodland, mainly populated by numerous Oak trees, from which the settlement obviously got its name. We walked from the wood to that which was Chaddesden Common, walking alongside Lime Lane and turning into an estate, to pass by Ramblers Drive on our way to cross over Morley Road. We turned right into Locko Lane, walking on the hard stuff for about five hundred Yards. We then crossed the lane to enter a field via a stile and to go ahead west of Birch Wood. After a few buttercup meadows, we arrived at and crossed over the Derby Road, at North Lodge. Going ahead again, passing King’s Corner until reaching The Limes, where we stopped for our morning break.

With the break over, we joined the National Cycle Way 672, walking west on the former track bed, shaded, for the most part by the lush foliage on either side of us. A lovely area to be. We passed by Ferriby Brook, Breadsall Railway Cutting to A6609, very carefully, with generosity of a motorist, allowed us to cross safely over this busy road junction, to which he got several thumbs up from us. Still on the cycle way again, for a short way, turning to take the only real hill of the day, up to The Windmill pub, on the A609, which we recrossed. We followed the road opposite (Porters Lane) making our way diagonally, south east on several estate drives, until reaching Chaddesden Wood, at its western tip and followed some wonderful paths back to our ‘hot’ wating cars. Thanks Derek, great walk.