Yes, another decade and time once again, ice, snow and gritting permitting, to put our best foot (feet) forward and blow away some of the festive cheer.  We’ve decided to revisit a previous walking area, Hardwick Country Park, as it’s proximity to the M1 makes access in January a more certain hope!

Start at the 17th Century Hardwick Inn, which is at the foot of the slope below Hardwick Hall.  We are requested to park on the left hand side of the private road leading to the pub or in the adjacent overspill car park.

DIRECTIONS
Hardwick Inn is approximately 5 minutes from M1 Junction 29.
Take M1 north / south and come off at exit 29 for Chesterfield / Mansfield / Matlock.
Take the A6175 to Clay Cross (first left turn after north bound slip road).
Follow for approximately 400 yards and turn first left onto Mill Lane (not marked but signed to Stainsby and Hardwick Hall).
Follow this road for approximately 2 miles travelling parallel to M1, round an acute hairpin corner and then going underneath M1; passing the entrance to Hardwick Country Park.  The road to the Hardwick Inn is the next left after approximately 400 yards. 

WALK
The walk (different from previous walks here) is 5 miles (approximately 2 hours) in Hardwick Country Park, taking in Hardwick Hall, the nearby village of Ault Hucknall and Stainsby Mill.  The walk is a combination of marked pathways, bridle paths and a couple of reasonably gentle ascents.  Click on the map, left, for a larger version.

Lunch will be taken at the Hardwick Inn, which is a renowned venue for good food and a wide choice of ales and malts.  We will be choosing this time off the bar menu and eating in a private room.

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