Ashwir three

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Ashwir here.

Walked from Ashbourne to Wirksworth, after the first night of heavy rain (which had only just stopped when I arrived in Ashbourne) after a long dry spell. No problems with mud or soggy ground, but some of the paths are little used and use tricky stiles, and others were in danger of being blocked by undergrowth that needs cutting. Lots of ups and downs too. Not suitable for any form of wheels.

From the strangely situated Ashbourne meeting point, we cross the bridge north then head east along St John Street. There are currently major road works in Ashbourne which mean no cars can cross this bridge, but although this makes it quieter for pedestrians, we are still expected to criss-cross from one side of a road to another to find the pavements that have been left open. We soon leave Ashbourne behind through sports pitches, fields and a new area of woodland (where the path is becoming very overgrown in places which meant I got quite wet).

The fields further east were very pleasant in buttercup season, and much drier than when I walked the AshBel route that shares the western half of this one. Even the cattle-churned mire just east of Corley Lane was easily passed, but I did get confused trying to find the exit stile in the next field which was slightly higher than I expected and very well hidden. No major problems with the rest of the path to Atlow church, which was still much drier than usual, but don't expect the well trodden paths on the ground to stick to the right of way lines. Above the church the field paths are little trodden but easy enough to follow to Turlowfields Lane (though I skipped a short section by staying on the farm lane at the top).

Beyond the lane I had to cross cattle, but they were fairly benign. The trodden and waymarked path now takes a higher straighter line to Gibfield Lane. Beyond the lane, farm fences force the path into the undergrowth to reach the stile into the first field. There were more cattle to cross, and in one place a gate was so securely tied that it was easier to climb it than open it. In the last field above Biggin I stayed north of the hedge knowing that another path would let me through to the lane. More fields take us across a couple of streams.

The start of the path up the hill could easily be missed as there is no signpost. This path has several narrow stiles constrained by undergrowth and low hanging branches, and higher up there is a section between fences that is getting very overgrown with bramble shoots and nettles. We join a better path higher up which leads to Field Lane, and an easy stroll into Kirk Ireton. On a midweek afternoon neither the pub nor the community shop were open, but the village is well supplied with benches. The field path beyond starts well, but the section through the garden at Moorside needs confidence to ignore the private sign, and I chose the path left up the hill to Halfmoon Lane instead.

The roads here are narrow and very quiet, and the field path to Callow and on to Stainsbro Lane is fine apart from more stiles and gates where the undergrowth needs trimming. We then descend steeply on the road (which is quiet but has some dark spots which need care if cars or vans pass). We then leave the road east on a signposted path across more buttercups and over a hill covered in old mine workings. The field path down the far side is very pleasant, and I enjoyed the route through various little paths into the west side of Wirksworth, where a new wildflower meadow is currently fenced off to allow the plants to grow. I arrived at the bus stop two minutes after the Derby bus should have gone, so was quite relieved that it was running 10 minutes late.

Overall this is an interesting route with good views in places, but I can't go higher than 3 stars because so many of the paths have navigational challenges.

The Slow Way starts from Ashbourne along the Henmore Brook, this divides the town especially for Royal Shrovetide Football. Those born south of the Brook are the Down'ards, and try to goal the ball at the old Clifton Mill, near the brook's confluence with the Dove. Those born on the north are the Up'ards and try to goal the ball at the old Sturston Mill which we pass close by. The paths to here are signed for the Royal Shrovetide Football Challenge Walks and are well used.

Beyond the Mill the paths cross lovely flat meadows where sheep and cattle graze. After Agnes Meadow Bridge there is a field with cattle and the well trodden feeding point is bang on the path necessitating an alternative route or wellingtons. Crossing to Down'ards and using the lower part of Ridge Lane might offer a better route. The plotted route later crosses the brook and here the ground is boggy perhaps even in dryer conditions as two streams need crossing. So another route might be to climb to higher ground via Atlow Moat Farm because there is another very wet section on the plotted path by the moat.

It was with some relief that I found a seat at Atlow church. Time for a break, because from here the route leaves the valley and makes a climb of two hundred feet, it felt a lot more, before a gentler descent to Biggin. Two exit points onto Gibfield Lane, both signed will confuse in the reverse direction. Next an opportunity to admire the view and see how farmers spend their hard earned cash, an interesting use of the barn, note the life ring. Heading west from Biggin will not be straightforward, take the stile not the track. At Hays Farm we head north through a narrow gap in the hedge.

It’s another climb and some pretty poor stiles. To the west major works are in progress at Nether Hillside Farm, as was, because a massive house is under construction. Our path takes us to the west of a trig point at The Mountain, fortunately we don’t need to climb it. The approach to Kirk Irton uses a track although the recorded footpath is often in the fields to either side and may be impossible to locate.

Being a Saturday I expected that the Barley Mow would be open. Externally and internally it looks just as I remember, a wonderful time warp inn that had been run for years by a mother and daughter. A menu board in the porch was the first indication of some change and the young woman behind the bar was the second. The barrels behind the bar had also gone but I was please to discover that my ale was still served from a jug. The log fire still offered a welcome and the slate topped tables remain spotless and uncluttered. I was tempted by a plate of Scotch Eggs and placed an order. It came as a surprise when I cut into it to find it warm, just made I was told and as I soon found it was the best Scotch Egg I had every eaten.

Only four miles left on the clock so this was not half way but the only service on offer. The village paths are well used and the approach to Moorside Farm confusing. A botched diversion has never been opened up so we still use the old route although it’s not shown on the map. Halfmoon Lane offers great views and little if any traffic. A parallel footpath avoids much of Stainsbro Lane which had some traffic but plenty of verge to step on if required.

Turning off opposite Stainsborugh Hall the path crosses a field of very old lead working, now grazed by sheep, then crosses Summer Lane. The lane could provide a route down to Wirksworth but the field path used offers a good view over the town. Into the modern part of Wirksworth our route is a mix of decent paths between the houses and estate roads before we arrive in the old town.

Wirksworth is a delightful town, with a distant history of mining which has left it unscathed or perhaps even enhanced. For those who remember a Hovis advert filmed on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. Wirksworth can offer a similar location just up from our meeting place, at Green Hill, I recommend time to explore.

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