Another walk with wonderful weather - crisp and dry and bright sunshine all the way. The overnight frost meant that the mud was hardly any trouble. (Some members still felt the need to sit down suddenly though as the mud started to melt).

Gerry met a nice farmer soon after we started and they had a short conversation about animal husbandry. In particular, the farmer told Gerry about the likely outcome of sheep finding gates open. He also said how much he enjoyed the company of ramblers on his land. With a cheery wave we carried on walking.

16 members completed the walk with another two joining for lunch at the Devonshire Arms. Thanks to Martin and Keith for organising the walk, including a walk-through last week.

An excellent lunch was provided by the pub and this was accompanied by Black Sheep beer and at least one Old Peculiar (pint that is). A potential disaster was avoided at the last minute when the pub found some long lost treacle sponges to keep those members who can't miss a fix from total breakdown.

Click here for some photos of the walk




DIRECTIONS: (click here for a map of the area)
Beeley village is '/2 mile off the main A6 Matlock to Bakewell road along the B6012 to Chatsworth and Baslow past the Rowsley Retail Outlet on the left. It can also be reached from Chesterfield via A619 to Baslow and via Chatsworth Park (B6012) to Rowsley turn left after Beeley church, the pub is straight in front of you. There is plenty of parking in pub car park which is just opposite.

WALK:
Deja vous ... we've been here before on a sunny July nearly 3 years ago. February will give us a
different perspective and also a different walk. Approximately 6 miles from Beeley across fields to
Calton Lees and then on the Chatsworth Estate up and down to Rowsley via bridleways and
footpaths (yes, we can view Bob's skip at the Peacock and the plaque commemorating Keith's all
night sitting in the Gents) returning to Beeley in time for well deserved refreshments.
Click on the route map for a (much) bigger version (155k so prepare to wait)