CROMFORD WALK AND VISIT TO LEAWOOD PUMPHOUSE
Under vast blue skies and feeling the warmth of strong sunshine, we discarded our jackets, donned sunhats and started our walk from Cromford after eating our lunch at the side of the canal. Opened in 1794, plans are afloat to reopen the waterway to Langley Mill, 14 miles away. The canal, the church opposite and Willersley Castle were all built by Sir Richard Arkwright. We crossed the river Derwent by a bridge that has pointed arches on one side and round arches on the other.
For three miles we walked through woodland, admiring the banks of wildflowers and for most of the time being rewarded with the sight of carpets of bluebells. Everywhere we looked was a picture of lush greenness and we realised that at last, summer had arrived.
After passing through Bow Wood we arrived at LeaBridge and John Smedley’s famous mill. The emblem of the mill is a Jay and to our surprise a few yards further on, we saw a Jay.
Continuing on our way, we could hear lots of bleating sheep in the distance so peered through a hedge and watched two farmers shearing a sheep each, the sheepdog keeping the rest of the flock nicely grouped in a corner, waiting patiently for their turn. We continued towards Holloway, passing the former home of Florence Nightingale and on towards the canal.
The last part of our walk was a delightful three mile stretch of the CromfordCanal, from Gregory tunnel to the wharf. A little grebe put on an exhibition of underwater swimming and we saw several coots nests made of twigs in the middle of the canal.
At Leawood Pumphouse the steam pumping engine was working and was open to the public so we were all interested to see this magnificent machine in action. As the coal used to fire this equipment costs £260 per day, open sessions are kept to a minimum.
In 1841 due to unforeseen circumstances, water previously used to supply the canal became unobtainable and as a result the canal suffered a severe lack of water. After hiring a pump to take water from the River Derwent it was decided to build a permanent pump and after many pitfalls the Leawood Pump became operational in 1850.
The Pumphouse is located within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and although owned by D.C.C. is restored and operated by a small but dedicated group of volunteers.
The next open day is Sunday 7th July, 12noon – 5pm.
Telephone 01629 823204 for more information.
For the next walk on 7th July could everyone meet at the church gates when we will decide which route to take and sort out the transport. Any other walkers are welcome to join us, just turn up with your boots and a packed lunch at 12 noon.