Sheepbridge, Cobnar Wood, Monkswood Farm, Lees Common and Gateland Lane.
We parked at the end of Sheepbridge, after passing many small factory units which we did not know existed in Chesterfield. The footpath took us down several steps and through Cobnar Wood which follows the Barlow brook after it had flowed through the trout farm. At the end we crossed a field and over a style into Furnace Lane down the hill to where the mill used to be situated.
The bridlepath slowly winds up the hill to Monkswood Farm. On the left were some maize plants and feeders used for pheasant cover. At the farm they were cutting a hedge and feeding the horses. Through the gate we continued to climb the hill with woodland on the right and on the left the trees had been cut down a few years ago and the newly planted trees were about six feet tall. When we reached Lees Common there were views of Barlow school and the terraced houses in the distance.
It was time to stop for a rest and to eat our sandwiches. After our snack we continued downhill to a stile and over a bridge, up a series of steps in a copse, and then up the hill through a field full of large round bales of hay. At the top over a stile, on to the road and immediately on the left was the Gateland Lane bridlepath.
A steady downhill walk with hedges on either side through a gate into a large field where they were combining barley and carting it away with tractors and trailers. As we came to the end, we saw a hare come out of the corn and stay on the stubble waiting to have its photograph taken by Julie. The path continued downhill through another wood until we arrived at the trout farm. We walked over the bridge and followed the footpath besides the old water tower which was converted into a house some years ago. Along the Barlow Brook back to the old mill. We returned through Cobnar Wood and back to the church for 7pm.
Please be at the church gates at 12 midday for the next walk on Sunday 4 September.New members are always welcome.
Bob Cable