Thursday March 16th report

The Calver crossroads area was busy but everyone managed to park nearby, and 17 of us set off after Mary had managed to sell a T-shirt to visiting ex-member Rick. The walk had dried out a lot since Saturday and the promise of mud, mud, mud was only fulfilled in crossing the smelly farmtrack in Hassop and in a low-lying field past Bubnell. The leader was reminded that this loop has featured previously in our Thursday walks, a mis-recollection that he puts down to advancing age.
A short but steep climb from Calver took us to the ridge of Bramley Wood, which will soon be resplendent with bluebells but for now was only showing.foliage. After a coffee stop on School Lane we passed through Hassop and the green smelly mud to the byway to Rymas Brook. After crossing the A619 another short climb took us to a lunch stop at the benches just outside Pilsley, then we carried on through the village and across fields to the A619 again. Our ascent on the other side was observed by some very long-horned cattle which we were happy to leave to their munching. Crossing more farmland took us to Bubnell and a quiet road before a soggy field crossing to the riverside path back to Calver.
7.5 miles according to Andy’s GPS. Thanks to all who came along for a very sociable walk.