Ashhil two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Ashhil here.

Overall, even after lots of rain and soft going this walk is pleasant with lots of easy sections. Stiles, cattle, some arable fields but lots of pasture and tracks. Very little traffic on road sections. Go well stocked because there are no services.

I walked from Hilton. While the route to Sutton is all on road it is very quiet after crossing the A50, I say quiet that is traffic on this road. The noise from the A50 fades on the approach to Sutton. No services here unless you need child care at the village hall.

From Sutton Mill the route leaves the road and takes to the fields which were a bit muddy as I passed but we had had lots of rain as sand bags at the Mill House confirmed. Initially pasture but soon moving right to follow an arable field edge, don’t miss the gap.

The paths have evidence of use and there are stiles plus some waymarking across more pasture so cattle but few crop obstructions. Approaching Longford it was flooded around the stile but I managed to get through with dry feet. The walk through the village offers respite from the fields and a change of scene with the old mill and cheese factory, both with new uses. Sadly there are no services only a school. Longford is about half way and the churchyard has a seat which I made use of for a lunch break.

The farm buildings here are attractive and were decaying but scaffolding indicates some remedial work is in progress. From here it’s a bridleway to Shirley so fairly easy going although muddy in places in December, it should be an excellent summer route.

Shirley has an inn but not open as I passed. The church however was open and there is a seat and useful tap for hot summer days. The easy walk continues along a dead end metalled road which continues through to Osmaston as a well surfaced bridleway. A bit up and down here but pleasant countryside. Signs make clear which tracks are not public so continue along the unsigned path.

The old mill is a highlight of this walk and the estate village offers more delights for the eye and camera. The inn here was open so I popped in and found it muddy boot friendly with a tiled floor approaching the bar.

The final path to Ashbourne is again signed and well used. Passing through the mobile home park is direct so not an issue. The bypass road crossing has good visibility then we hit the outskirts of Ashbourne. The Derby bus winds through the houses here but so close to the finish you can’t give up now plus it’s down hill.

Old Hill is a direct route which has a pavement and limited traffic, so offers a good approach or exit. Lights provide a safe road crossing to the rather strange meeting point although moving it to the depressing bus station would not be an improvement. A good walk in winter which should be excellent in summer.

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