Barrow on Trent

Despite living in Derby for 35 years or so it turns out there are lots of pretty places, close to the city that I haven't been to. So on the way home from Calke last week, we decided to stop off fro a short walk at Barrow on Trent. The appeal of it comes in the last part of its name, and there's a lovely walk that roughly follows the river downstream to Swarkestone. We didn't walk that far but I've since discovered a 3 mile circular route linking Barrow on Trent and Swalkestone, following the river one direction and the Trent and Mersey canal back, and with pubs at both ends - so we'll be back.

This time we contented ourselves with walking through the village to the river, then following the path a short way, over a wooden bridge, and alongside wheat fields with poppies and camomile growing in the margins.

Teenagers were swimming in the river, and it was such a nice afternoon the idea was very tempting - till I saw the path they were using was lined with nettles! Obviously they were braver than I would be.

In the distance I could see Swakestone Bridge but walking there is for another day.

Instead we turned back to the village, this time stopping off to see the church. It's closed at the moment but an information board outside gives a short history of it and the village - including mention of Vikings sailing past on their way to Repton, where a mass Viking grave was discovered not so long ago.  And it gives me an idea of where I should head another time.