Shipley Park, near Ilkeston

I was due to lead a walk from Straw's Bridge, Ilkeston, up to Shipley Park on Sunday. And I would have done - if anyone had turned up .....

I'm putting it down to the heavy rain rather than my lack of popularity.

I decided to walk on my own though, in the rain, and it was a really enjoyable 5 or 6 mile morning stroll.

There is usually plenty of wildlife at Straw's Bridge, including the odd rat. Curiosities on Sunday were a Mandarin Duck and a pair of terns flying round the pond.

The route I followed went along the Nutbrook Trail to Shipley Park itself, passing the American Adventure across the other side of a small lake. Even at 11.00am and in the rain there was a handful of people no doubt enjoying themselves.

I had a stop at Nottingham Lodge and enjoyed the view and my coffee.

A few hundred yards later I passed Derby Lodge where I see you can get a cup of coffee though I don't know whether it's open during the week. I pressed on.

At Mapperley Reservoir I followed the concessionary path through the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Reserve before picking up a bridleway which led me in the direction of the start. After following a few more paths and getting my boots mudded up and then cleaned in the long wet grass I got back to the car.

I really enjoyed walking in the rain !