July’s walk was approximately 8 miles, starting with a level walk along by the Cromford canal. The weather was good and there was a good turnout of hikers.

After leaving the canal we started a gentle climb up to Crich. The opening in the woods which was the planned coffee stop, after the first option was taken by another group of walkers, was further up the hill than some would have liked, but there were several tree trunks and stumps to sit on!

Continuing upwards prompted the question from one of the group, ‘Is there only one hill, Brenda?’ Well, yes there was, but it went all the way up to the Crich memorial!

We had our lunch on the seats there and had excellent views all round. Some members wandered to the trig point above the memorial where it is possible to see 360 degrees.

The rest of the walk was downhill, passing the Tramway Museum and through the village of Crich, back through Bilberry woods, although these looked like brambles to most of us, and down for the last part by the canal, before crossing the A6 to the cars parked on Holly Lane.

In parts quite a strenuous walk, but the views from high up were worth it and the satisfaction of having completed it (without a wrong turning) was worthwhile.