Inspired by the Dark Peak Fell Runners' 'Bradfield Boundary' run
Holymoorside and Walton Boundary was helpfully marked in 2000AD by a series of stones.
Each is at a point of the compass, with a bonus one in the centre outside Holymoorside village hall. Most are very obvious as they are reached, with a couple being a little less obvious, looking far older than their 2000AD vintage would suggest due to proximity to tree cover.
Terrain: as well as visiting the stones, this route is intended to be off-road and is almost entirely on runnable / walkable public footpath and bridleway, however there are a couple of unavoidable sections of public road - take care on both sections - you can get off the road on the rather fast / busy A619, not so on Longside Road which is thankfully much quieter being a back road to nowhere in particular. Hallcliff Lane and Harewood Road sections are short, and quiet. Remove earphones and stay vigilant and you should be fine. Certain stretches of the route may be rather muddy in winter or after prolonged wet weather. A couple of fields crossed were entirely ploughed at the time of writing and that was merely annoying in dry weather, it could be a mud fest in the rain. Dependent on the crops later in the year, potentially horrible!
Facilities: the author would anticipate everyone undertaking this challenge to be unsupported and prepare accordingly with hydration and fuel, with not much of either being required beyond that usually packed on a regular run or hike. However for those in need of emergency sustenance or emergency calls of nature, there are two public houses in Holymoorside, one of which The Bull's Head is known to serve restaurant style food but both probably sell crisps and nuts at least.
At the time of writing, Adam's Happy Hens at c. Grid Ref: SK 34113 70731 Lat, long: 53.23253, -1.49040 is a farm serving a variety of more portable food and drink. Prior to the start you're not far away from Chesterfield with it's myriad offerings including a supermarket on Walton Road.
Travel: those arriving by public transport are probably best advised to take a bus from Chesterfield to Walton / Somersall and start where the route crosses Somersall Lane. Those arriving by car should probably avoid attempting to park on any of the roads on the periphery of the route. There is a small car park at the entrance to Somersall Park, and limited roadside parking on Somersall Lane and Holymoor Road.
