Happy New Year Gentlemen, as we start another r….ambling season.  By a degree of consent we have decided to repeat a popular and scenic walk of a few years ago (10 July 2008 - read more....) in south Derbyshire around Dale Abbey and Locko Park.  It is also felt to be a good central location for a winter walk.

START POINT: The Carpenter’s Arms, Dale Abbey, Derbyshire DE7 4PP 0115 9325277

DIRECTIONS TO THE CARPENTER’S ARMS:  Dale Abbey is not the easiest place to find, although George’s previous instructions which are as follows got everyone there last time.

The simplest way is via the M1 to junction 25.  Leave the motorway and go round the A52 roundabout over the motorway (lots of traffic lights) and take the road signposted to Sandiacre.  This road is Bostocks Lane (the exit road before the slip road on to the M1 North) and it takes you past The Post House Hotel which is on your right.  At the top of the lane you will cross over the main road (which is the B5010, the old Nottingham to Derby Road) on to Rushy Lane.  You carry straight on and take the first left turn which is No Man’s Lane.  About a mile or so further on you bear right on to Potato Pit Lane, continue forward on to Woodpecker Hill, bear left on to Moor Lane and the Carpenter’s Arms is about ¼ mile further along on the right hand side.  There is lots of parking at the rear.  For those of you using navigational technology, the post code is DE7 4PP. 
(Hilary’s comment typing this – only in England could we possibly have such an array of road names – unless George has made them all up?) 

WALK:  A really interesting walk, of just less than 5 miles, in attractive countryside with good views and a bit of history thrown in for good measure.  There are no difficult climbs although conditions under foot may be very muddy in places depending on the rainfall.

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