Category: Short Walks

On our October walk we had a very informative guided tour around the Bennerley Viaduct which was led by volunteers from ‘Friends of the Viaduct’.

We learnt a lot about its history and that of the surrounding area.

The Bennerley Viaduct is an iconic iron railway structure spanning the Erewash Valley near Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Built in 1877, it is celebrated for its elegant lattice girder design and remarkable engineering, being one of only two surviving wrought-iron viaducts in Britain.

Stretching over 400 metres, the viaduct was originally constructed to carry coal trains between Nottingham and Derby. Today, it stands as a testament to Victorian ingenuity and resilience, having survived both natural challenges and threats of demolition. Now restored, Bennerley Viaduct offers a scenic walkway for cyclists and pedestrians, whilst preserving local heritage.

Currently the Nottinghamshire end is closed off whilst the easy access route and visitors centre are being completed, and we have been invited back for a longer walk next year.

Our next walk is on 20^th November

We are starting form the parking area at the bottom of Felley Lane South for a walk in the area which was a favourite of D H Lawrence.

Details will be sent out to the group.

David Rose

Thursday 18^th September was a dull wet day and with several members either put off by the weather or on holiday we only had five hardy walkers for a gentle undulating walk around Gedling Country Park.

The views from the raised viewing platforms are usually spectacular but today we could just see the tall spire of Gedling Church poking through the mist.

En route we met a wise owl and few people walking their dogs before we reached the café for a well-earned hot drink.

Next Month Thursday 16th October

The postponed visit for the guided tour of Bennerley Viaduct is confirmed, I have contacted the 2 volunteer guides (another!) Dave and Angie who will be leading the way.

Full details will be sent to group members a week before the walk.

David Rose

Unfortunately, Bennerley Viaduct postponed our planned guided walk with 48 hours’ notice.

It has been rearranged for 16^th October.

18^th September Walk

It is 2 years since we visited Gedling Country Park. The full undulating circuit is about 3.9 miles.

There have been a few changes and as always, weather permitting there are extensive views across the county and into Lincolnshire. At the end there is a welcome café which should be less busy now the school holidays have finished.

One change is the car parking which is a very reasonable £2.00 per vehicle.

Meet at the lower car park at 9.45am for a 10am start

Gedling Country Park

Spring Ln, Nottingham NG4 4PE

David Rose

In July we completed a 4.1mile circuit starting and finishing in Linby. The name Linby comes from the mills on the River Leen and the village dates to at least the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions a priest but not a church.

The route went past St Michael’s Church, which dates to the 13th century. However, it has been restored multiple times and contains monuments to the Chaworth family.

We then walked down Haydn Lane through the Papplewick Green development onto the footpath which leads to the River Leen before crossing Papplewick Lane into Moor Ponds Woods.

Papplewick is another village with an interesting history, and it was once the southern gateway to Sherwood Forest, Papplewick was granted to Newstead Priory in 1120. We followed the footpath through the woods all the way to Linby Meadow back to our starting point.

Our destination was Brooke Farm café for a welcome drink and for some a highly recommended scone.

August Walk

On Thursday 21st August we have a guided walk at Bennerley Viaduct, which is known locally as The Iron Giant.

Details will be sent to the group in early August.

David Rose

The June walk started at The Cricketers pub in Nuncargate. The pub takes its name from its close ties to the local cricketing heritage. It’s situated right next to the cricket ground where Harold Larwood, one of England’s most legendary fast bowlers, first played the game. Inside the pub there is memorabilia celebrating his life and career.

The route meandered alongside the Robin Hood Line and on some of the old rail tracks in and around Portland Park before we reached the site of Kirkby Castle – sometimes referred to as Castle Hill – which was once a significant fortified manor in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Though no visible ruins remain today, archaeological surveys and historical records confirm its existence near St Wilfrid’s Church.

Terry and Phil take a break at the Church

Recent research suggests the castle was an open-courtyard structure, about 33 by 40 metres in size, and served as the heart of the local manor.

It was an exceptionally hot sunny day and before returning to the car park we had a welcome stop at The Wild Rabbit Cafe in the park. (not open Tuesday and Wednesday)

Next Month – 17^th July a local walk starting from Linby Village  

21^st August – I have arranged a guided walk and talk at Bennerley Viaduct

David Rose