I'm climbing into the southern reaches of the Peak District on this walk, and it's all about the views. I am threading my way along the triangle of land between the River Derwent to my right and the River Ecclesbourne to my left. The rivers define broad sweeping valleys, while in between, the smaller streams of Black Brook, Lumb Brook and Shipley Brook have carved out their own dips in the landscape. Grassy meadows are draped over all these voluptuous curves like green velvet, with trees in pompom clumps. It's the perfect weather to appreciate all this springtime beauty. From the moment I step out of the car, I know it's going to be a good walk. This signpost is where I got to last time . I carry on past the Bluebell pub in Farnah Green, and turn left to find the Lumb Brook, which is down in a particularly steep, tree-lined valley. The path runs along the top, and you feel as if you are up in the canopy of a forest. Lumb Valley trees The next field is noisy with sheep...
I've never been to Holbrook before. It's a small village on a hill, just south of Belper, and I instantly like it. Look at the view! And interesting buildings too. I leave my car to enjoy the scenery and head down Stony Lane. Good thing I didn't bring a vehicle for this bit - there are several signs warning me that This Is Not A Road. I pass a few farms and the back of Holbrook School for Autism and come out on Port Way, just where I left it last time . A short distance up the road is St Michael's Church, which has a semi-circular window, a secret tunnel, and a sprawling graveyard. The church is closed today. I'm now back in the centre of Holbrook. I take a left on Mellors Lane and soon leave the houses behind. There's a good playground. I still find myself rating play equipment, even though my boys are far too old for it now! I cross a couple of fields, then the ground starts to slope downhill, with a fantastic view across the Derwent Valley. There's a squa...