Alrswa three

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Starting from a point in Alrewas which is not far from the Trent and Mersey Canal, the first section is some very pleasant canal walking as far as Barton Turns where it joins the Cross Britain Way. The pavement of a flyover takes you across the A38 and then the railway. Passing through quarries, this is maybe the least pleasant part of the journey but is safe and does not last long. The crossing of the Trent into Derbyshire is picturesque and a set of traffic lights regulating the traffic to and fro, helps you to cross to the pedestrian lane of the bridge. Walton is the first village you come to and pretty it is too! There is a tiny section of verge walking before leaving Walton and crossing into the fields. The path is pretty clear to see and throughout the Cross Britain Way the waymarkers are in good repair. You soon realise how high up you are and get some great view across to Winshill and Burton, and then, forward to the destination, Swadlincote. As you make the descent through dairy fields the way is well marked. I encountered three lots of cows, the first two of which seemed very sedate. The last lot (pictured) seemed very interested in me and I was quite relieved to get to the other side of the field. Just beyond this point, at around SK 2358 1701 was the only section of the walk I found difficult to follow. The map says the path runs south of a pool whereas in reality it runs to the north. A track down the side of a field takes you into Rosliston which is pleasant village to walk through. As with Walton, as you get to other end, there is a slightly longer section of lane walking required (about 200m). I was able to step into the hedge with no discomfort when a car passed. The route then goes into a field. Yet again the path is really clear, as a walking corridor has been left in the crops. As this path turns east, leaving the Cross Britain Way, you have the honour of being the Slow Ways walker who is furthest from the sea! (you are just north of Church Flatts Farm). Despite having left the Cross Britain Way, the upkeep of the footpath is no less well maintained and helpful notes are written on the posts by the farmer to help you negotiate the way around the farm along with more crop corridors. As you enter Linton you leave the last truly rural section of the walk and it's mainly pavement from now on. Beyond Linton you descend the road before picking up a footpath "The Scotts" which is a track taking you through Castle Gresley and into the outskirts of Swadlincote. The final section to the bus station is via a series of walkways between houses, not really alleyways, more open and inviting than that. As you get to the end of the walk, you have the option to divert into the town centre which is pedestrianised. If not, you are delivered straight to the bus station. This route is direct, safe and varied. There are stopping places in Alrewas (pubs), Barton (pub and Starbucks), Walton (pub), Rosliston (pubs and shop), Linton (pub and chinese takeaway) and Swadlincote (cafes, pubs and restaurants). Full marks.

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