Droche four

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Droche here.

I walked Dronfield to Chesterfield on a hot dry day. A good mix of paths, some cross field that as usual are not reinstated by the farmer. A wide roadside pavement and some field tracks. No cattle noted only horses. A shop at New Whittington and an easy walk alongside the Chesterfield canal but leaving near the end to pass Chesterfield College. Some good views, a recommended walk but fast cycles on the towpath can be a pain.

From platform two cross the bridge and exit platform one. A few shops on route before diving down Mill Lane, no pavement on what becomes a cul-de-sac for any traffic. Back on the old main road a wide pavement or layby offers distance from vehicles then down Half Acre Lane to pass under the railway and over the Drone.

A boardwalk provides an easy passage over a boggy section then a twist and turn passing Drone Valley Brewery, sadly no sign of activity as I passed. A sports field leads to the community centre run by Unstone Parish Council. Crossing another road the path is fairly well waymarked for the Drone Valley Way and Chesterfield Round but follow the plot.

The path now climbs to pass to the north east of Ramshaw Wood heading for the mast on top of the hill. Turn round if heading south to take in the view of Dronfield. A dog leg over another minor road and now it's to the north of Grasscroft Wood after which a view of Chesterfield can be studied from the field with horses.

Roads with pavements provide a safe passage through New Whittington where a shop can be had close to The Baptist. The town exit or entry has a helpful sign pointing to canal or shops so no excuses for getting lost. Then it's soon onto the canal.

Some sections have a wide multi-user path while others offer a pedestrian or cycle path but some riders ignore the guidance so you may meet bikes on the narrow path. Tapton Lock has a limited shop but perhaps an essential loo and tap to top up water if the day is hot. The final approach is over a pedestrian bridge then before passing the college I spotted the former Mines Rescue Centre soon to be converted to 'luxury apartments' now there are no miners in danger. Oh! I should mention that walking from Chesterfield the exit path may be difficult to locate, see the picture.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.