Category: Short Walks

In July we did something a little different and it was our shortest walk to date- 1.5 miles.

It was in fact a ‘walk and talk’ based on the heritage of Wellow village. We met in the Wellow Church Schoolroom .This was built in 1854 in response to Queen Victoria’s Education Act of 1842. It now houses the village heritage centre.

Before the walk Denis a heritage consultant gave a short talk and slideshow about the village which set the scene for the walk.

Our walk guide, Heather, together with Denis led us around the various points of interest and historic buildings including her own home Cuckstool Cottage. At one time there were 11 farms and 5 pubs and 6 shops and was known as the thirsty village.

A centrepiece in Wellow is the magnificent maypole dating from 1835. The current pole is 20m high and was erected in 2011.Maypole Day with dancing is celebrated on Spring Bank Holiday Monday.

After the village tour we returned to the schoolhouse for part 2 of the talk about things we had just seen. In traditional u3a fashion we ended with tea and biscuits.

Before leaving we thanked Heather and Denis who is secretary to the Wellow Heritage & Tourism Group for their time and expertise. This visit is free and is suitable for other of our Interest Groups (e.g. History, GOD.Grumpies). If you are interested contact me for details.  David Rose

Our next walk is on Thursday September 21^st – no walk in August

June 15^th was a very warm day for a walk but 8 intrepid short walkers set off from Jacksdale Garden Centre with walk leader Roy Brown.

Their destination was the ruins of 13th-century Codnor Castle.

The land around Codnor came under the jurisdiction of William Peverel after the Norman Conquest. The building is registered as a Scheduled Ancient Monument a Grade II Listed Building and is officially a Building at Risk.

The Intrepid Walkers

The next walk is on Thursday July 20^th for the Wellow Heritage Walk. Details will be sent to all group members

David Rose

On the 18^th May starting from the centre of the ‘Rolls Royce’ estate we had an interesting and pleasant walk over the old airfield towards Bulwell Golf Course via Blenheim Lane.

When we were close to the crumbling Bulwell Hall Phil Attenborough shared his knowledge of some of its history.

We then took a short break for drinks at Bulwell Hall Golf Club House.

The return was back via Farleys Lane, the ‘yellow brick road’ footpath and the adventure playground that proved too much of a temptation for Roy ‘Tarzan’ Brown who leapt onto the zip wire.

Thanks to Phil and Liz Attenborough for leading and planning the route.

Next Walk Thursday June 15^th 

The 4.5 mile walk led by Roy Brown starts from Jacksdale Garden Centre to Codnor Castle and back. Meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am start.  Please park on the right side of the car park.

Address: 99 Main Road, Jacksdale, NG16 5HR

In March Roy Brown led the group on a circular route from Jacksdale Garden Centre.

They were rather windswept but despite the forecast of probable rain it was a dry morning.

Understandably several felt the need to recover in the friendly recommended cafe afterwards.

Thursday April 20^th

On Thursday 20^th April we are walking some less frequently visited areas from Bestwood Country Park visitor’s car park. (Near the winding house)

It includes a visit to a viewpoint in the park which is named after one of our current active u3a members

Prior to the walk we are invited to visit inside the winding house courtesy of u3a member Bob Gow who leads the volunteer group at Bestwood.

On your tour around the building you will use the newly installed lift to move up the various different levels of the building to the top where you can experience the sheer size and power of the winding engine. On the way back down via the steps you will hear the story of the mine during its years of operation until its closure in 1967

Park Road Bestwood Village Nottingham NG6 8TQ

Please note the earlier starting time 9.30. 9.40am at the Winding House

David Rose

On Thursday February 16^th on a damp and dull day eight intrepid walkers completed a full circumnavigation of all the lakes in Annesley and Newstead Country. On leaving the park via Annesley Junction we entered Annesley Woods for about half a mile before returning through the village to the car park. The ongoing transformation from pit lagoons to conservation and fishing lakes is worth a look.

March Walk

On Thursday 16^th March we are walking some less frequently visited areas from Bestwood Country Park visitor’s car park. (Near the winding house) Park Road Bestwood Village Nottingham NG6 8TQ Meet 9.45 for a 10.00am start. It includes a visit to a viewpoint in the park which is named after one of our current active u3a members

David Rose