Category: Long Walks

Our January walk ably led by Steve Evans was a varied 8.5 miles circular which began at Parfitt Lane car park in Farnsfield.

We set out along quiet paths toward the elegant grounds of Hexgreave Hall. The route continued through open countryside to Edingley, with wide views and peaceful but slightly frozen farmland. From there our route led toward the Farnsfield Bomber Memorial, a poignant spot commemorating the crew of the crashed Halifax III (MZ519, LK‑U) of 578 Squadron.

All seven crew members were killed when the aircraft crashed near Farnsfield on 6 July 1944 after returning damaged from a raid on a V1 launch site.

The Parfitt Lane car park is fittingly named to remember Pilot Officer Reginald Parfitt, aged only 22 and his young crew.

Our final stretch returned through woodland and field paths, back to the car park.

The next walk is on Tuesday February 3^rd.

During the period of short daylight hours and wet winter months we tend not to travel too far and try to avoid muddy agricultural routes as much as possible.

So, we are staring from The Nabb Inn in Hucknall.

It will be led by Angela Francis who has extensive knowledge of the area as she frequently walks it with her two lively greyhounds.

Currently the Long Walk Group Leader Mark Thornley is recovering well from a recent knee replacement and should be back in action around May or June.

David Rose

On Monday, 7th October, we enjoyed an 8.2-mile circular walk beginning and ending at the Cricketers Arms in Nunkergate. Setting off under a calm autumn sky, our route first took us through the gentle woodland paths of Portland Park, where the trees were just beginning to turn gold and russet. The air was fresh, and the ground soft from recent rain, making for ideal walking conditions.

We continued through Springwood, where patches of sunlight broke through the canopy, before arriving at St. Winifred’s Church for a well-earned lunch stop. The peaceful churchyard provided a pleasant setting to rest and share refreshments.

After lunch, we climbed towards the Dumbles, enjoying fine views over the surrounding countryside. The path then led us across open fields, where we followed the winding course of the River Erewash. The gentle flow of the water and the sight of late wildflowers added to the charm of the afternoon.

The final stretch took us back through Nuncargate, completing the loop at the Cricketers Arms. It was a thoroughly enjoyable walk, combining varied scenery, good company, and a refreshing sense of autumn tranquillity.

Mark Thornley

On 2nd September this year, we completed a pleasant circular walk beginning and ending in Brackenfield, taking in the villages of Woolley and Woolley Moor, before skirting the edge of Ogston Reservoir and returning, via Ogston. The route covered varied terrain, offering a mixture of village charm, open countryside, and scenic waterside paths.

Setting out from Brackenfield, the morning was bright but cool, with hints of autumn beginning to colour the hedgerows. The gentle ascent towards Woolleygave wide views over the Amber Valley, while the church and stone cottages provided a reminder of the area’s long history. Continuing to Woolley Moor, the path crossed rolling farmland, alive with late summer bird activity.

From here, the route dropped steadily towards the reservoir. Walking along its wooded edge was a highlight, with calm reflections across the water and occasional glimpses of sailing boats and noting sightings of herons and grebes.

The return to Brackenfield was gradual and easy, passing hedgerows heavy with blackberries. The full circuit took just under four hours at a steady pace. Overall, this circular walk combined rural tranquillity with rich scenery, making it a thoroughly rewarding route to mark the beginning of autumn.

Mark Thornley

On 5th August, a circular walk took place starting at Holmbrook Valley Country Park, a green space known for its meadows, ponds, and woodland paths. The morning began under mild summer skies, with participants setting out from the park’s visitor area. The route first followed winding trails through wildflower grasslands, offering views of butterflies and songbirds.

From Holmbrook, the walk continued towards Barlow Country Park, passing along shaded lanes and hedgerows. This section provided a mix of open fields and gentle climbs, with opportunities to spot waterfowl in the park’s wetlands. A short rest stop allowed walkers to enjoy the peaceful scenery and take photographs.

The route then led to Linacre Reservoir, a tranquil stretch of water surrounded by trees and reeds. Here, walkers paused to watch ducks and geese, while enjoying a cooling breeze across the water. The reservoir path looped back towards Holmbrook, linking up with woodland tracks that gradually descended into the country park.

In total, the walk covered approximately 8.5 miles, combining varied landscapes and habitats. The group returned in the afternoon, pleased with the relaxed pace, sociable atmosphere, and the chance to explore three distinct local nature areas in one rewarding circular route.

Mark Thornley

Cromford Canal to Crich Stand (Crich Memorial) – Tuesday 3rd June

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a scenic circular walk beginning at Cromford Canal in Derbyshire. The weather was mild and dry, making for pleasant walking conditions. Setting off from Ambergate, we followed the peaceful towpath northward, enjoying  glimpses of local wildlife, including ducks with ducklings, moorhens, and a pair of swans with cygnets. The canal was lined with lush greenery and occasional historical remnants of the area’s industrial heritage.

After a leisurely stretch along the water, we turned west and began the steady ascent toward Crich. The route took us through farmland and wooded paths, gradually climbing to the Crich Stand War Memorial, which offered panoramic views across the Derwent Valley and as far as the Peak District. The memorial itself, standing tall against the skyline, was a poignant highlight and provided a perfect rest spot.

After lunch we began our descent, which looped through quiet country lanes and open fields, eventually rejoining the canal path and returning to Ambergate. The round trip, of 8.40 miles, took around four hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for photography and refreshment breaks. Overall, the walk was a rewarding blend of natural beauty, local history, and peaceful countryside.

Mark