Category: Short Walks

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

On Thursday, 19th January, 2023 on our third attempt on a beautiful sunny, cold clear day with frozen ground underfoot we completed the walk from Hollybeck Garden Centre. The previous failed attempts were due to torrential rain on the proposed days.

23 members enjoyed the walk which was extended slightly to the village of Halloughton to avoid an especially rutted field system making it nearer 5 miles than the original 4. It was nice to finish at the garden centre cafe for a welcome warm drink at the end.

The next walk is on February 16th, 2023, to Annesley and Newstead Country Park.

David Rose

The 15th December walk, in cold but fresh and sunny conditions was enjoyed by eleven members. En route Greg described the heritage of some of the buildings such as the Old Blacksmiths on Church Lane Linby and Grange Farm and cottages.

In Moor Pond Woods we shared information about 18th century Scottish entrepreneur George Robinson who built a system of mill ponds and channels (called leats) at Papplewick to store water for and to feed water to his six large spinning mills along the River Leen.

We then walked via Papplewick Dam to St James’s Church and we were fortunate to find it open and to meet the Reverend Trevor Raaff who made the group very welcome and took time to tell us about the history of the church.

The final section was a footpath in Linby Meadow to reach our starting point at Brooke Farm cafe.

January 2023:
On Thursday 19th, we try again for the walk starting from Hollybeck Garden Centre.

David Rose

Once again, persistent heavy rain led to the cancellation of our November walk.

We will be walking on Thursday 15th December whatever the weather. It is a local ‘Christmas heritage walk’ starting from outside Brooke Farm in Linby village. On this walk we will learn something about a Scottish entrepreneur called George Robinson who built six large cotton spinning mills along the River Leen.

The distance is about 3.7 miles, fairly flat with no stiles and with time to visit the Brooke Farm Cafe at the end of the walk.

I have arranged that we can park at the far end of their car park and reserved 2 tables for those wishing to enjoy a drink and snack after the walk. Their toasted teacakes and jacket potatoes are highly recommended.

Meet outside Brooke Farm at 9.45am for a 10.00am start. Parking is also available in the village car park in front of the pub.

David Rose

The October walk was a ‘wash out’ with torrential rain and flooding on several sections of the driving route from Hucknall. The seven members who braved the elements sensibly decided to walk the 25 metres from the car park to watch the rain pour down from inside the cafe at Hollybeck.

In November on Thursday 17th, 2022, we will return to Hollybeck and try again! Meet in the car park of the Hollybeck Garden Centre and Cafe at 9.45 am for a 10.00 am start. Circular 4 mile walk on good tracks and bridleways, no stiles.

Hollybeck Nurseries Oxton Road, NG25 0RW

David Rose