Utthil two

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A walk of two part which offers a good link from Hilton to Hatton and Tutbury. The section from Tutbury to Uttoxeter has some excellent views and easy walking but as often is the case there are weak links. There are cattle in large fields, rickerty stiles and invisible paths across large arable fields. Services were available along the route and were open on a Thursday.

I walked Hilton to Uttoxeter and what had been earlier forecast to be a dry sunny day but on the day was wet which clearly will influence the report. The path across from Hilton to Marston on Dove is well walked although the section to the shared parish church less used but has good stiles.

The dead end road west to Hatton offers easy walking and while the diversion around the Nescafe factory is well surfaced it does spoil an otherwise direct path. A section of roadside pavement takes us past the rail station with hourly services to Uttoxeter or Derby. The road walk is required to make a crossing of the River Dove to enter Staffordshire. Both Hatton and Tutbury have services and the latter has a public toilet block.

Not much can be seen of the castle but the exit path offers a good view of the river valley. Initially the path is across the open meadow and stiles may need some attention to locate. Later the farmer provides direction by fencing the path in along it's prescribed route a feature on many paths in this area.

The short section of road has a wide mown verge to the path along the access road to the Fauld Industrial Estate which has reminders of military use. Back in the fields common sense is called for as the fenced path is rather overgrown being out of bounds for grazing or mowing. The short steep climb is across unused land but there are waymark posts and arrows to assist.

Eventually the path meets a well used track with adequate signs directing where we should not go and occasional signs to the 'Fauld Crater'. This Slow Way fails to pass the memorial and information board so you will need to look up why we are warned about unexploded bombs.

The paths approaching and leaving Hanbury are very pleasant and welcome after the earlier challenge. The Inn here was open on a Thursday lunchtime, there are also seats but no shelter at the church. The path over Rough Hays offers exceptional views so in fine weather this could also offer a great picnic spot. The path descends passing to the right of the white Coton Hall.

The very short section of busy road offers a pavement.
I missed the next path which starts along the track but after a few yards enters the field on the left, by a stile or the locked gate I don't know. At Saltbrook Cottage the path headed west across arable fields with no sign of the path so keep a close eye on the plot to locate gaps and stiles.

Just before meeting the road the route takes a fascinating tour around tractors and farming implements before passing through a gate, now signed, in a wooden fence to enter a garden and continues through more gardens passing Draycott Mill. It's perhaps easier in the other direction as the path is signed from the main road.

The busy road has a pavement, it was overgrown, but only a short walk. The Boar's Head Hotel is open all day and offers food, so the sign states. The walk from here is easy along a good concrete track to Dove Fields then a loose stone track continues over the railway crossing which is safely light controlled.

The cross field footpath to the church makes a deviation around the field edge while the proper path through the crop of maize could be fun. Utthil-2 meets Uttbur at Marchington so you may also wish to read the reviews for that Slow Way for the walk to Uttoxeter. The shop and an inn were open so another chance to refresh if required.

Apart from a nettle infested short section near the level rail foot crossing the route is good. It's not apparent on the ground through the fields of cattle between the river and railway but tied gates and poor stiles do offer some guidance.over this pleasant landscape.

The route passes the rail station at Uttoxeter and with attention to the plot a bridge under the road offers a safer crossing to that used in Uttbur. A walk through the town leads to the bus station.

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