Starting from the free car park adjacent to the tennis courts we walked along Moor Road, turning down the footpath to Kelstedge. Crossing the busy A632 along Vernon Lane and continuing along the footpath to the foot bridge over Smalley Brook. There was considerably more water than when the walk was pre-walked a couple of weeks before.

Crossing the bridge and then taking the immediate left footpath up a flight of steps and continuing through the woods to Eaton Lane. Taking this road and Mill Lane through the pretty hamlet of Brockhurst. Picking up the footpath towards Uppertown, via a private garden / lawn with suitable stepping stones (to protect the grass) into a very secluded valley and following the Smalley Brook until we reached the crossing point – a number of large boulders placed as stepping stones. Shortly after that we climbed the very uneven and dilapidated steps being thankful that they were still dry and not muddy. Then a steady walk uphill to reach the Community Centre on Cullumbell Lane, Uppertown. Pleasing to see sufficient benches there for everybody to have a comfortable coffee break.

Shortly after passing a cab of an ex British railways diesel, taking a north easterly footpath towards the A632. Just before the main road there was a very awkward ‘stile’. Basically a couple of high stone steps to reach the track but with NOTHING whatsoever there to hold onto!

Carefully crossing the A632 again, and taking the downhill winding track through Yewcrofts Farm and on to Haslehurst Farm – this was lunch break, but sitting on grass this time, with a panoramic view over Chesterfield with the crooked spire clearly visible.

Then carrying on southwards to High Ashes Farm, which is now a training centre for  countryside skills. Continuing in a southerly direction for another 1.75 miles – then the black clouds quickly rolled overhead and  suddenly the ‘heavens’ opened. Everybody quickly donned their waterproofs – how unfortunate as there was only 0.75 miles to get  back to the cars.

A number of the group stopped at The Stamp café for a cuppa and by the time we were ready to leave, once again we had bright warm sun!!!!!!!

 Pictures and text by Dave & Jane