Category: Short Walks

Our short four-and-a-half-mile walk started and finished at the Bird in Hand in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire. It was an enjoyable circular route taking in the Druid stone and the countryside around Fountaindale.

Leaving the pub, we soon left the village behind and headed out onto a mixture of quiet lanes, tracks and countryside footpaths. The route provided a pleasant combination of open farmland, woodland and gently undulating ground, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside.

As we made our way towards Fountaindale, the scenery became increasingly rural and peaceful. This section offered some particularly attractive views, with hedgerows, woodland and open fields providing a constantly changing landscape. We then continued towards Friar Tucks well, before beginning the return leg towards Blidworth.

Although only four and a half miles, the walk provided enough variety to make it interesting without being too demanding. There were a few gentle rises along the way, but nothing particularly strenuous, making it suitable for a relaxed group walk.

The final section brought us back towards the Bird in Hand, where we finished the walk with the prospect of a well-earned drink and a chance to chat about the morning.

Short Walk Report –Tuesday 17 September – 4.5 miles

Our September short walk set off from the Bird in Hand pub in Blidworth, where we gathered under bright early‑autumn skies. The morning had that perfect September feel — cool enough for a light jacket, warm enough to enjoy the open fields ahead.

The route began with a gentle climb through a patchwork of fields, several of which were home to curious horses and a small group of alpacas who watched our progress with dignified interest.

We continued south‑west toward Ravenshead, following well‑trodden paths that dipped and rose across farmland. A short stretch along Little Rickets Lane gave us a breather on firmer ground before we joined the familiar waymarks of the Robin Hood Way.

A highlight of the morning was the stop at the Fountaindale monument, tucked quietly among the trees. This historic marker — linked to local Robin Hood lore — offered a moment’s pause and a chance for a group photo before we pressed on.

The final section formed a looping, undulating return across more fields and hedgerows, giving wide views back toward Blidworth and Ravenshead.

The gentle rises made for a pleasantly varied finish, and spirits stayed high as the pub came back into sight.

On a warm day a drink at the pub was most welcome.

Our 15th October walk is a route over Bennerley Viaduct, details will be sent to the group by 7^th October

David Rose

Short Walks – 20^th August

This month our short (4 mile) walk was planned and led by Phil and Liz Attenborough who write:

A small but select group of walkers braved the threat of rain and enjoyed a very pleasant walk round Martins Pond, Harrison’s Plantation and the Raleigh Pond Nature Reserves at Wollaton, before venturing into Wollaton Park.

Not many people are aware of these ponds, but they are well worth a visit, they all have connections with the old Nottingham Canal.

PS it didn’t rain until we got back to Hucknall!

Our thanks to Liz and Phil.

The next walk on Thursday 17^th September will be led by Mark Thornley

David Rose

On June 18^th our walk started from the car park at Burntstump. (Approx. 4.5 miles)

From the car park we made a full circuit of the cricket pitch. From the far side we followed the path out to Rigg Lane, then continued downhill to join the broad track of the old railway line. This straight, level section led to Sansom Woods following the main path through the trees.

To return we picked up the Robin Hood Way as it wound back through mixed woodland, returning past the Rugby Ground before neatly arriving back at the car park.

July 16^th Walk

This will be an urban walk taking the tram into Nottingham to walk to the new made in Hucknall ‘Briton Bridge’ over the River Trent.

Full details will be sent out w/c 9th July

David Rose