IN THE PEAK OF DERBYSHIRE AND THE SOUTH DOWNS. BY LOUIS J. JENNINGS, AUTHOR OF "FIELD PATHS AND GREEN LANES." PREFACE. THE Walks described in the following pages have been taken at various times during the last two years, whenever the mood or the skies happened to be favourable. No doubt a native of each locality touched upon could mention many places or objects of interest which I did not see in the course of my visit, but on that point my conscience is clear-I always saw all that I could in the time at my disposal. I do not profess to write a guide-book, but with regard to the Peak country in Derbyshire, and the line of the South Downs in Sussex, I believe that I have not left any important points unvisited.* In describing my rambles, I have generally confined myself to what came under my own eyes, without making Some parts of the South Downs which are not mentioned in this volume have already been dealt with in the author's Field Paths and Green Lanes. a hopeless attempt to enter into competition with Mr. Murray's invaluable Handbooks, to which I have been so often indebted for hints or guidance. Those works form in themselves a most varied and interesting library of reference on England and English local history, and to excel them in their special field does not, happily for me, fall within the range of my design. It will be seen that I have usually made out a track of my own, remote from much-frequented roads, and have carefully explained the path wherever it is at all difficult to find. When no such explanations are given, it is because none are needed. Everybody who is fond of walking likes to explore a little for himself, and I have left room enough for the exercise of that faculty. I may fairly say that I have been at great pains to ensure accuracy in the directions here given, and have more than once gone a long distance for the special purpose of verifying them. This task has never been undertaken before as regards the South Downs, and the few books which pro |