For our June late afternoon / evening walk the weather was kind to us, the sun was shining and the temperature ideal for our walk. The five of us met outside church and decided on a circular walk from Ashover Church. Earlier in the week Bob and Evelyn had walked the route in rain with many of the paths running with water.
Once we had parked up in Ashover we walked past All Saints Church, built between 1350 and 1419 by Thomas Babington, the great-grandfather of the Anthony Babington, executed at Smithfield for the plot, on behalf of Mary, Queen of Scots, to murder Elizabeth I. After walking along Butts Road we crossed the River Amber, a tributary of the River Derwent. Heading uphill we climbed steps through woodland. At the top we paused to admire the view of Ashover. Crossing Gin Lane we entered Matlock Forest, continuing uphill through a stony area which appeared to be an old quarry. Over to our left we could see an old stone chimney. Here we paused to sit on rocks to eat our sandwiches and admire the views.
Following our break, we continued climbing up a steep slope before crossing a field full of barley. Shortly we reached Holestone Gate Road which we followed for half a mile. On our left, silage was being collected; it looked a good crop following the wet and warm spring. Soon, at a bend, we took a footpath on our right. This entered the wooded area called Bradley Hollow. Exiting, we crossed a field before joining Gin Lane again which we followed for a short while. Crossing further fields and passing Hate Wood on our right, we descended towards the River Amber, crossing on stepping stones. Entering Ashover we took a narrow path at the back of some houses before joining Church Street and returning to our cars.
We agreed it had been a good walk to do; the clear evening giving some marvellous views despite the steep climbs.
If anyone wishes to join us, then meet us outside church at 4pm on Sunday 7th July.
You will be made very welcome.
Steve Franks