Matalf four

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I started from Matlock where the chaos of flood restoration work was drawing to a close. Walking over the bridge part of which dates from the 15th century I was amazed how it handles heavy traffic in the 21st century. Turning into the park sets the scene for this green walk.

A brief bit of road at Matlock Green and a last chance for supplies. Here starts the gentle climb to Tansley along what was once a well surfaced path with stone flags and crumbling tarmac. It's still well used but in need of a little love.

Tansley offers and inn but I saw no other services. The village road was closed, but will remain open for walkers. Crossing the main road needs care even with the 30mph limit. The climb continues and looking back offers a good view of the village and beyond. The path to Dethick is again well walked with stone step stiles so even a dog may struggle.

Dethick church is a gem and you may have seen it used as a location on the TV. Florence Nightingale had connections and the author Alison Uttley was born close by, more details on the board at the church. The path continues across pasture to Lea where we pass over an attractive stone bridge to reach the main street.

A section of quiet road walking with a good verge if required passes Lea Hall before we are back in fields still climbing to take in some wonderful views. The paths from Lea are not so well used but still easy to locate even if the stiles leave a little to be desired for older walkers.

Passing over the summit the view is now eastwards as we pass through the hamlet of Wheatcroft, no services here. Heading slightly north of a direct line to Alfreton we take in Wessington where the Horse and Jockey offers breakfast to 10.30 suggesting it's open all day. The chip shop is only open Thursday to Saturday so plan your walk carefully if chips are required. I didn't see a shop, only a garage for car servicing not fuel.

The fields remain throughout pasture so there will be cattle and now we are dropping into the Amber valley which the North Midland Railway used to head north in 1840. So admire the stone bridge as you safely pass under the line because it's nearly two hundred years old.

There is another section of road which has bends and no verge but most traffic was taking the other fork so I had no issue. The inn marked on older maps had now closed but a walk to the church would provide refreshment and buses if needed. The next short section of road is busier so with no verge care is needed and consideration from motorists who use this to bypass Alfreton.

Back in the field it's well defined and eventually arrives at a signed meeting of four paths, so best to ignore the unsigned fifth path and take the bridleway past the clubhouse. The path from here to Alfreton is a favourite of mine because from the town it is such a direct change from urban to countryside. In this direction even the church on the extreme edge of the town is hidden in trees.

The final pavement walk is brief passing a few useful shops, there are more close by. Buses to many locations but if you want to continue by train it's a walk or bus ride to the station. A truly excellent walk along mostly well walked and easy to locate paths.

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