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Directions

Start: The Spotted Cow, Holbrook

A rolling countryside walk linking four villages, with wide views across the valley and traces of historic industry and settlement along the way.

1. From the Spotted Cow, cross the road, turn left, then after 25 metres take Stoney Lane on the right. Follow it steeply downhill as it becomes a path beside the allotments.
2. At the end of the allotments turn right and follow the track through Nether Farm to the main road.
   There are open views down the valley, including Horsley Church and its 13th century spire, serving Horsley, Coxbench and Kilburn.
3. Cross the main road carefully and turn right. After 30 metres turn left through the gap in the wall. Follow the footpath diagonally across the field towards the woods. Enter The Dumble, cross the stream and continue through two squeeze stiles to reach the track.
4. Turn right up the track and after 250 metres go through the wicket gate beside Rachdale Lodge and Day Park Cottage. Head across the field to the large tree.
   Daypark Farm nearby is one of the parish’s oldest buildings, with records from the 14th century. This area formed part of the old Duffield Frith hunting forest.
5. Go through the wicket gate left of the tree, then the next gate. Head diagonally left to the wood’s corner, then through the gap with the wood now on your right. After 50 metres cross a stile and immediately turn left with the holly hedge on your left. Continue across the next field to a stile and wicket gate into woodland.
6. Cross the stile and after 20 metres turn left downhill on the Midshires Way. Continue down to Whittaker Lane, through housing and on to the main road.
7. Turn left past the Bell & Harp pub. Continue along the road, crossing safely where possible. In Coxbench, look out for the "Knappers Bays" lay bys on the right. Pass the Fox & Hounds pub and bear right at the old station over the railway to the B6179.
   These nine stone working lay bys were used by flint knappers sorting quarried stone for loading onto the horse tramway and canal.
8. Go straight over the B6179 (fast traffic) and pass under the A38. Turn left past St Anthony’s Well and follow Horsley Lane uphill to the last bungalow on the right.
9. Turn left up the track, passing Burn Brae and Rock Cottage. After Rock Cottage turn right up the path and steps. Cross the field to the pine trees, go through the gate and across the old farmyard.
10. Cross the stile and continue to the small gate ahead. Head towards the pylon, then turn left before it through a squeeze stile. Head diagonally right under the power lines and bear left towards Horsley Church.
11. Enter through the squeeze stile at the graveyard wall. Follow the path and turn right onto the Village Green. Turn left downhill on Horsley Road for 500 metres.
12. Turn left into Tants Meadow (take care) and right at the main road. Continue for about 350 metres past the garage and shop. Cross safely and continue a short way before turning left opposite number 23. Cross the stream and follow the track under the A38, left over the cattle grid and right over the old railway bridge.
13. At the sharp left bend go straight on through the squeeze stile, keeping to the left of the pylon. Climb uphill beside the hedge, continuing straight when it bends sharply right.
14. Go through the squeeze stile opposite and bear slightly right up the track between hedges towards Holbrook. Emerge at Brown’s Lane, turn left onto Moorside Lane, then left again back to the Spotted Cow.

Disclaimer

Please note that the council update these leaflets on a periodic rolling basis and that some landmark information may have changed. The footpaths should remain in place and be signposted and be clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey maps. Please report problems you may find so that these can be investigated to tourism@ambervalley.gov.uk.