Arnie Skelton

Last weekend we went on a guided walk in the Derwent Valley, in Derbyshire, to the Derwent Reservoir, whose dam was used for practice by the Dambusters, ahead of their attacks on the Ruhr dams. It also incuded a wonderful visit to the ‘lost’ village of Birchinlee, or ‘Tin Town’ as it was commonly known. This was set up for over 1000 people, for the ‘navvies’ who build the dam. The village has long since been dismantled, and only a few outcrops remain. But the tour’s guide was Professor Brian Robinson, and he’s wonderful - a true ‘expert eccentric’. He’s the guy in the red jacket, below. It was free - part of the Derbyshire Walking Festival - and worth three hours of your time, any time.