Category: Short Walks

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

Our walk from Thieves Wood along Robin Hood Way was a mix of ancient woodland and newer pine plantations where legend whispers of outlaws hiding among the trees.

We passed through the old Harlow Wood hospital site, now an ‘executive’ housing estate and onto Portland College which sits peacefully among greenery, providing education and support for young people with disabilities. Just beyond that was Fountaindale School, another beacon which reflects the area’s dedication to learning and empowerment of young people with learning and physical issues.

18th June Walk

We will continue the Portland theme and start the walk at the public car park near The Cricketers at Nuncargate/Kirkby Woodhouse to follow footpaths through Portland Park to the site of the Kirkby Castle.

It was actually a fortified manor house and is adjacent to St Wilfred’s Church.

Details will be sent about a week before the walk.

David Rose