February 22nd 2014
Having worked pretty hard since Christmas, we decided to take a few hours off and wander down the disused Churnet Valley Railway line.
This path runs from the bottom of our hill, following the Churnet River, all the way past The Ramblers Retreat, Alton Towers and the JCB test track, to Denstone 5.5 miles away.
One of the great things about old railways lines (I think) is that they’re mostly flat. This is great for lazy walkers and cyclist like me, as you don’t have to expend too much effort. The path appears to have been recently regraded so it’s not too muddy either.
Just 1.5 miles from our front door is this bridge, which leads to The Ramblers Retreat.
This restored lodge, in beautiful Dimmingsdale, has a fascinating history where you can stop for anything between a coffee and cake or a full-blown meal.
In the garden there a several small summer houses where you can rest your weary bones, having walked so far.
After enjoying a baked potato and chilli we returned home the way we came to have a well-earned sit-down.
