Category: Medium Walks

For our August walk, twelve of us met at Hallgates Car Park, near Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, for a 6.5 mile walk led by Mandy James and Chris West. We were slightly depleted this month, due to the summer holidays and a National Trust Group outing clash!

We headed first across meadows towards the lovely Swithland Woods – ancient Charnwood Forest woodland and the site of old Swithland slate quarries. We meandered through the winding footpaths then crossed over into Bradgate Park, taking a route which involved a steady incline up to the well–known (to Leicestershire folk!) monument, Old John. The photo includes 3 Johns, who are sat on Old John!

There we took a well-earned rest and coffee break, taking time to enjoy the amazing views across many miles of Leicestershire countryside. We then went across to the rather exposed and windy war memorial for more panoramic views! From there, thankfully, it was gradually downhill all the way, past copses and through the ancient deer park to the Tudor remains of the Grey family home, where the shortest reigning English monarch, Lady Jane Grey, lived for most of her tragically short life. After a quick history lesson, we had our lunch down by the Deer Barn café, before heading off for the final leg of the walk, taking us by Cropston Reservoir, back to the car park.

After their aquatic adventure at Aslockton earlier this year, our walkers have been on drier ground recently. Firstly, they enjoyed a walk starting from Farnsfield, and including the memorial site for the Halifax bomber which came down in 1944. Then, in July, we set off from Edwinstowe for a circular walk around Sherwood Forest. We first stopped at the railway crossing, now a test track; in 1953, a day excursion by train to Chesterfield was 2/3d return, but only on Market days!

The photos show our group, being well-behaved, evading the old ‘lock-up’ in Farnsfield, then at the very recognizable Major Oak at Edwinstowe.

Thanks to firstly Kevin and Keith, then Steve and Anne for organizing these two walks. Our walks continue on the third Monday of each month, except for December. We can always welcome new members – to join us, just use the contact details in the Newsletter.

After the hottest day of the year, the drizzly grey skies that greeted us at the start of the walk at Pentrich were a bit of a contrast.  The weather improved as the walk progressed and the “gentle undulations” afforded some lovely views towards Fritchley, with Crich Stand in the distance. 

We learned about the Pentrich Revolution of 1817 and the Butterley Gangroad Rail Tunnel, which is the oldest railway tunnel in the World, all whilst negotiating many styles of stiles and 2 fields of curious cows. 

Post walk refreshments at the Dog in Pentrich were most welcome.

Our March walk proved to be considerably drier than our February excursion, and on much firmer ground, when we set off on our third Nottingham City walk.

Starting from the High School tram stop, we set off through the Arboretum, pausing to hear a bit about the history of Nottingham High School, which was founded as Nottingham Free School in 1513.

We then followed the route of the Inclosures of the 1840s, along Elm Avenue and Corporation Oaks, gaining height to the reservoir at St Ann’s Hill, where there are good views to the south and west of the City.

We were nearly derailed by the planned coffee stop at the Chase community centre being closed, but found a good café in the rejuvenated Sneinton Market area.

Continuing to Sneinton, we paused at Notintone Place, at the birthplace of William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. The house is tucked away out of sight, but we were spotted on CCTV by the site manager, who very helpfully opened up so that we were able to have a look round the museum.

Continuing via Green’s Mill, which is currently minus its sails, we carried on through Sneinton, then finally following the railway back to London Road and the Nottingham – Beeston canal, noting on the way the large amount of building work for new student accommodation.

Our City walks have opened up areas which were previously unknown to many of our members, and combined with good public transport, there are many possibilities for an interesting half-day.

Our Medium Length walk on 19th February was a 7.23 mile walk which started at Aslockton and took in the River Smite.  The weather stayed fine and mild for us, but there was a lot of standing water and of course a lot of mud, coming towards the end of a very wet winter.

What should have been a 6.5 mile walk turned out to be slightly longer because of diversions around standing water, which sometimes resembled ponds or even lakes.

We were all in a jovial mood despite the conditions and we managed to find some benches for our lunch break.

We walked through the picturesque villages of Thoroton and Orston, along a route that followed the River Smite in parts.

We did spot a Red Kite at quite close quarters, not something we often see around the Nottingham area.

All in all, this was an enjoyable walk, if slightly challenging at times! Everyone, though, was pleased to slip out of their muddy clothing and have a well earned drink in the Cranmer Arms.