Short Walk Group July 2015

On a bright sunny day 15 members took part in a 5 mile walk starting from The Festival Inn Trowell. Initially the route passed close to the garden centre before joining the Nottingham Canal. We followed the footpath for about a mile before leaving the canal to enter Bramcote Woods following an undulating series of paths to eventually reach the Walled Gardens opposite the Hemlock Stone.(This is formed from sandstone deposits from a time even before some U3A members were born…) The route then continued to pass close to the Hemlock Stone and up Stapleford Hill, which at 101m is one of Nottinghamshire’s highest points. This area known as Stapleford Woods was once a sandstone quarry and it was a surprisingly steep up and down over the top to the final easier section over a stream and railway bridge to rejoin the canal towpath and back to The Festival Inn.
Several walkers then enjoyed a good value traditional pub type meal and reminisced about the 60’s and 70s’ when they frequented ‘The Fes’ for dances and for wrestling featuring ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Giant Haystacks’ amongst others.

Our next walk is on Thursday 20th August starting at 10.00. After parking at the South Forest Complex, Robin Hood Crossroads, Edwinstowe NG21 9J, we will take the footpath to Rufford Park. The 4.5/5 mile walk will end back at the South Forest Complex for Lite Bites & Lunches at the Complex Bar [not the Cafe]. The walk will be led by Sandra & Tony Braithwaite.