Our January walk ably led by Steve Evans was a varied 8.5 miles circular which began at Parfitt Lane car park in Farnsfield.
We set out along quiet paths toward the elegant grounds of Hexgreave Hall. The route continued through open countryside to Edingley, with wide views and peaceful but slightly frozen farmland. From there our route led toward the Farnsfield Bomber Memorial, a poignant spot commemorating the crew of the crashed Halifax III (MZ519, LK‑U) of 578 Squadron.
All seven crew members were killed when the aircraft crashed near Farnsfield on 6 July 1944 after returning damaged from a raid on a V1 launch site.
The Parfitt Lane car park is fittingly named to remember Pilot Officer Reginald Parfitt, aged only 22 and his young crew.
Our final stretch returned through woodland and field paths, back to the car park.
The next walk is on Tuesday February 3rd.
During the period of short daylight hours and wet winter months we tend not to travel too far and try to avoid muddy agricultural routes as much as possible.
So, we are staring from The Nabb Inn in Hucknall.
It will be led by Angela Francis who has extensive knowledge of the area as she frequently walks it with her two lively greyhounds.
Currently the Long Walk Group Leader Mark Thornley is recovering well from a recent knee replacement and should be back in action around May or June.
David Rose