Not much need for the flask and coats today. A beautiful spring afternoon, perfect for a walk in the country. today we;ll take you on a five mile stroll from Kirk Hallam to Stanley, on to West Hallam and then back to Kirk Hallam.  This particular walk is literally started from our doorstep but for non locals head to Kirk Hallam and park near the children’s play park on Wyndale drive. Look for the footpath sign in the left corner of the field.

Head up the left side of the field until you reach a stile in the hedge.

Once over the stile head across a series of fields on a well defined path. There are good views over West Hallam to Shipley Park and back to Ilkeston.

At this time of year there are lots of flowers starting to emerge. Dandelions, Daisies and one of my favourite Common Speedwell.

Look out for Skylarks, Greenfinch, Brown Hares and Buzzards as you head over these fields. You’ll soon reach a farm. Head through the edge of the farm buildings until you reach a narrow track. Cross this and head towards the conifer plantation.

The path carries on on a well defined track with more views across the beautiful countryside.

The conifer plantation has thrown up Goldcrest before and Greenfinch and Chaffinch are very abundant in here. The path crosses a couple of hedges and heads towards Cat & Fiddle lane.

You’ll need to walk down Cat & Fiddle lane for a short while until you reach Rose Cottage on your right. look to the left and you’ll see this bridleway.

Once through the gate turn right and head towards the stile in the hedge.

Once over this stile you turn left and follow a path through a really nice wetland habitat.

Lapwings have been seen here and bred a couple of years ago too. The path can be a bit boggy here in winter but no such problems with this dry spell. Continue along the edge of the wetland until you reach the stile next to the small brook that feeds the wetland. look out at this time of year for Goats Willow blossom.

Once across the stile head along the right hand side of the brook towards the pylon. Keep going across another stile until the path starts to drop into the plantation and eventually reaches a bridge that crosses the brook.

Cross the bridge and head along the left boundary until you reach a gate at the back of the cemetery. follow the track to the road in Stanley village.

Walk towards the church and beyond until you reach the bend in the road. Head up the path on the left hand side towards the playing field.

Walk along the left edge of the playing field and cross the stile at the end. Follow a good path until you reach the old railway cutting.

Take the right hand path when across the cutting and head up the right hand side of the next field.

Walk up this field until you reach a stile. Cross the stile and head towards the pylon.

Head towards West Hallam on the path across the field but don’t cross the stile. Instead head right down the left side of the field until you reach the White Hart pub. Here you cross the road and head down Beech Lane into the old village.

As you head into the village you’ll pass St. Wilfreds church and the war memorial outside.

A little way passed the memorial is the path that takes you back to Kirk Hallam.

Head down this track as it reveals some lovely pastoral views.

Cross this stile and head across some big grazing pastures. This area is good for Brown Hare, Fox and Lapwing. Follow the pasture edges across a couple of stiles and a small water crossing until you near the old railway line. follow this to the left until you reach the bridge.

Once under the bridge turn left over the stile and head to the farm and the track beyond. At the crossroad of tracks take the path straight on (running parallel with High Lane and Straw’s Bridge).

Follow the right hand edge of the field with the brook on your right until you reach a stile with a metal bridge. This is a good spot for Water voles. Cross the bridge and head across the rough pasture. If you like your moths this is a fantastic spot with many varieties here including Chimney sweeper.

When you reach the end of this rough ground you’ll come out into Kirk Hallam next to St. John Houghton school. Walk up the road and then turn right onto Wyndale Drive. Follow this until you reach your car.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this walk. What we like about it is you go almost instantly from suburbia into some fantastic countryside. There are many options for lengthening the walk if you wish. You can either extend it into Shipley Park or venture further out towards Morley. All in all a great day out, whichever way you choose!!