WALKING GROUP
Sunday 5th June turned out to be a hot day so starting the walk at 4pm was a good idea. We parked in a lay-by and set off immediately towards Dethick church, which a week before was covered in scaffolding. Keeping churches open and in good repair takes a lot of money and time, much of it voluntary. This particular church, St. John the Baptist, has a wonderful view over the surrounding countryside and a wooden bench to enjoy it from. We travelled down to the village where a sports day was being held, parents and children alike, running around with bats and balls and a small group playing football.
We negotiated a muddy pathway down to a stream and over the stepping stones into a wooded area.
We walked through fields full of buttercups, with the occasional cluster of purple clover, and stately foxgloves standing to attention in front of the stone walls. All around us was the heady scent of hawthorn blossom and in the distance the sight of purple rhododendrons.
It was as we climbed a grassy track, which seemed to go on forever and ever, and the sun got hotter and hotter, that some of us were finding it hard going but once on the flat we were striding off again.
We ate our sandwiches in a buttercup field close to Riber Hall and half an hour later, fully refreshed, walked downhill towards Tansley.
In a field, at the end of our walk, we came across a couple and their spaniel sitting outside their caravan, facing the setting sun with a glass of red wine to hand. (The dog had a bowl of water). We had a short conversation before wishing them a good holiday and returning to our cars.
The next walk of 4 ½ miles on Sunday 3rd July, will start from the Robin Hood and along Birchen Edge. Anyone is welcome to join us. Please bring sandwiches and a drink and meet at the church gates at 4pm.