Mid-length walking group, 16th March 2026
After two amazing walks based within Nottingham City, our third walk of the year was centred within the Hidden Valleys area in the countryside north of Hucknall. Despite wind chill temperatures of 5 degrees and the prospect of muddy conditions 21 walkers assembled at Brinsley Lodge Inn.
As promised, we were soon presented with mud; tractor ruts compounding the issue. Ascending the path to the top of the rise we turned East and were again confronted with boggy conditions; (“How can it be so wet up at the top of a hill?”. “A lot of rain!!!”.
Proceeding through fields, along gravel tracks and farm tracks we accessed the mineral line that used to serve the Brinsley colliery, eventually arriving at the infamous Yew Tree pub. (closed in 2010, converted to an Indian restaurant, derelict, a cannabis farm 2017; now a private dwelling). Taking a path North we arrived at our coffee stop at Underwood Hill. At this elevated point we were amazed at the number of landmarks that could be identified on the horizon; – Radcliffe power station, Eastwood church and the Jessop monument to mention a few. Many such vista were appreciated along the walk as we continued through Westwood and Jacksdale. We also had horse’ encounters, inquisitive steers and the ever-present mud.
After 6 miles several walkers had a well-earned pub lunch; all took home two souvenirs – muddy boots and mucky trousers.
An enjoyable rural walk.