The area around Flash is one of farms, narrow lanes and few signs – not even to the car park near Gradbach Mill. It’s in a lovely setting by the river Dane and the building, more recently a youth hostel, is now an attractively converted outdoor centre due to open this year. Views were good as we climbed up the valley towards Swythamley Hall.
At the bottom of the lane from there, the scene of a house with waterwheel and mill pond set amidst gardens, would make a stunning magazine cover. We turned here to take the riverside path and the distinctive sandstone cottages in Danebridge soon came into view. A brewery next to a path is a rarity so a pause was necessary. A sample of Wibbly Wallaby was enjoyed however no-one was tempted by either the Undertaker or Red Diesel beers. A cuckoo’s song accompanied us on the last stretch.
You may think that we had imagined this but we couldn’t possibly comment.
Helen Royle.