Category: Short Walks

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

The April walk was a circular route from Greasley Church.

Led by Terry Hill we started by taking the footpath appropriately signposted to ‘Bogend’.

It crosses the Gilt Brook and although there are some duck boards it can be muddy. Fortunately following the dry spell it was good underfoot.

We then followed part of the Robin Hood Way through Watnall Woods and over the field paths back to our starting point.

The Parish Oven café at the back of the church hall was a welcome sight and we sat outside in the sunshine with our end of walk drinks.

15th May Walk

Please note the date as this is the earliest date for our 3^rd Thursday walks as 1st May was a Thursday.

Our starting point, for this just over 4 miles easy walking route, is the free: Thieves Wood South Car Park located off the B6139 between Ravenshead and Kirkby in Ashfield.

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

David Rose

The short walk on Thursday 17^th April starts from the large lay by next to Greasley Church.

Church Road Greasley NG16 2AB

Meet at 9.30 am for a 9.45 am start

The route has some gentle undulations but no long steep ascents.

At the end we pass through the church yard with an optional visit to the ‘Parish Oven’

café which is run by volunteers for a drink and maybe more.

David Rose