Todwick Ramblers Club Walks: 2013
27th December 2013 – Local Walk
Annual Christmas Carol Service, Roche Abbey
Provided a bright, sunny, and windy morning for 19 walkers who set off from outside Laughton Junior School to enjoy a bracing ramble with the intention of taking part in an event that has become a fixture within the Club’s programme, namely the annual Christmas Carol Service held within the Roche Abbey grounds.
Everyone had arrived anticipating a muddy walk but in actuality conditions underfoot were much better than anticipated, due to the drying effects of the sun and strong winds. This allowed the group to quickly follow the footpaths that led up to and then along the Slade Hills edge before dropping down to the shelter of Kings Wood.
Soon Roche Abbey was in our sights and we were able to cross Maltby Brook by using the stepping stones that were just visible above the water allowing us to enter the grounds of the Abbey from where we could hear the Thurcroft Brass Band playing seasonal tunes.
By the English Heritage Lodge we joined up with other groups who had walked from Maltby, Firbeck, and Laughton Churches. Awaiting us there was a most welcome refreshment stop consisting of hot drinks and mince pies, provided for us by the volunteer organisers.
As 11.00 hrs approached everyone made their way down to the centre of the Abbey ruins to participate in the Carol Service, which always has a special resonance in this setting.
All too soon the Service was over and the large congregation reformed into various groups to walk back to their departure points, with everyone seemingly in good Christmas cheer and hoping to return again next year.
1st December 2013 – Local Walk
Harthill – Woodall – Norwood – Church Street, Wales – Low Laithes and Upper Common Farm – Goosecarr Lane
There was no programmed walk for early December 2013, it was decided that the members required additional exercise before the festive activities began. Hence on a lovely sunny December morning, 16 members met outside the Beehive at Harthill. The walk got off to a rather poor start when our leader, Mick, took the wrong path out of the car park (maybe he had just come out of the pub from the previous evening). However, once shown the error of his ways the walk continued over field paths to emerge on the road at Woodhall.
Following a short section of road walking we entered Norwood and a pleasant stroll through the fallen leaves took us to our coffee stop at a junction of paths at which a new sign post and stone circle ideal for sitting on had been built.
The walk then continued along grass paths, under the motorway and on to Church Street, Wales.
Our route back to Todwick was via Low Laithes and Upper Common Farm to Goosecarr Lane. It was good to note that following years of action by Todwick Ramblers Club, as well as others, the paths were now well signed and in good condition with the vegetation being cut.
All enjoyed the walk and now following the exercise, felt they could attend the Club’s next activity, The Christmas Lunch, without feeling guilty.
19th November 2013
Letwell – Firbeck – Dyscarr Wood – Langold Park
A lucky 13 walkers wrapped up well to set off from Letwell on a frosty but bright and sunny morning.
The walk was basically Rotherham Doorsteps walk number 3, which the leaflet describes as being “family friendly”. It is a flat and easy walk with good views over the surrounding countryside.
One of the most interesting things about this walk is that the path crosses an oval field, which was originally the private racecourse of Anthony St Ledger, who lived at nearby Firbeck. The oval shape of the racecourse is still visible both on the ground and on Ordnance Survey maps.
The path, which followed a field edge and crossed the old racecourse, was muddy and rather slippery, but thereafter the tracks were a lot better underfoot. It was pleasant walking through Dyscarr Wood with leaves still clinging to the autumnal trees and a brilliant, blue sky overhead. We entered Langold Park, where there are toilets and a café, and had a coffee/lunch break, some enjoying a coffee inside and others sitting out in the sun at the picnic tables.
The return journey was much shorter, but all felt better for a pleasant walk on a lovely morning. In total about 5 miles, depending on whether it was measured by a piece of cotton or modern technology!
Janet Tompkin
10th November 2013
Treeton – Waverley – Treeton Dyke – Treeton Marsh – Falconer Wood – Hail Mary Hill Wood – Trans Pennine Trail
On a cold crisp Sunday morning, 22 members plus 4 guests met at Treeton Cricket Club for the start of a 6 mile walk. A minutes silence was held at 11.00 AM.
After a gentle climb we reached a panoramic viewpoint from where we could pick out the conical shape of Catcliffe Glass Dome, Kepples Column and Norton Water Towers. After descending to Treeton we eventually joined the River Rother and crossed Treeton Lane to join a path to the new Waverley site.
Crossing the railway line we followed the path to Treeton Dyke, first walking along the lake side and then a path into Falconer Wood and Hail Mary Hill Wood before dropping down to the causeway crossing Treeton Marsh.
We then followed the Trans Pennine Trail for more views of the Dyke and reclaimed land beyond and back to the Cricket Club and home.
Anne Rusling
27th October 2013
Sunday, 27th October 2013 was overshadowed by the weather forecast which predicted bad weather and in particular strong winds. Nevertheless 9 members decided to accept nature’s challenge and met up at West Haddlesay, a village close by the River Aire in East Yorkshire.
We set off in brilliant sunshine that lasted for the duration of the ramble, to follow the towpath of the Selby Canal, which looked delightful with the sunlight glinting off the water that also reflected the Autumn colours of the trees, including an apple tree laden with fruit just waiting for people to help themselves.
After a short coffee stop we branched off the Canal to follow a bridleway which led us through the attractive village of Burn, best known for its old aerodrome now home to a gliding club.
Whilst skirting the runway we felt the full force of the strong but warm wind which buffeted us as we continued over open fields towards the River Aire where we stopped for a lunch break in the lee of the river’s flood bank.
The final leg of the ramble followed the flood bank as far as Chapel Haddlesay where the river tumbled over a weir with impressive force. From here we reached our last point of interest namely the lock which connects the Selby Canal to the navigational reaches of the River Aire, before returning to our cars to complete a very enjoyable day out.
20th October 2013
The Sunday, 20th October 2013 ramble started from Langold Lake car park on a pleasant Autumn day. 15 members took the bridle path towards Hodsock, comfortable walking on a flat gravel path. We then turned onto a cross-field path towards Hodsock Priory, again a flat well drained path. The mid-walk snack was taken at the Priory, a well positioned log pile providing a comfortable seat with a good view of the Priory building and just past a small diamond-shaped oakwood plantation in commemoration of the Queen’s Jubilee.
We then made our way past the Priory out-buildings and continued on another bridleway towards Carlton. A few stiles had to be negotiated before reaching Carlton. Here, we arrived by the village pond then took the quiet tarmac road back into the countryside. A left turn across a field led us back to our original route about a half mile from the start point.
A pleasant easy 5.5 mile stroll, this area is criss-crossed with footpaths all on the flat and well drained. A very good area for a bit of Autumn / Winter rambling.
Brian and Rosemary Chambers
29th September 2013
A small but hardy group of the Todwick Ramblers Club enjoyed a 6 mile circular walk from Holymoorside Village, Chesterfield, on Sunday, 29 September 2013. The walk was varied and undulating, following tracks through woodland, the edge of a golf course, and over Holy Moor, with glorious far reaching views in the sunshine. The area is characterised by old mills and the remains of the lead smelting industry which the walk leader, Ken Whetter, pointed out. The group felt that this was an attractive walking area that merited another visit in the next programme.
9th September 2013 – Local Walk
On a very pleasant September morning 16 members met at Todwick News Shop for our latest local walk.
The walk commenced passing along the field path towards South Anston in which harvesting of the oil seed rape crop had just been completed and tilling of the soil ready for the next crop commenced. At the midpoint we then took the path across the tilled field to emerge on the A57. Once safely across the road (one motorist actually stopping to allow our party to cross) we walked a short distance at the side of the road before taking a further field path to reach North Road at Anston.
A gentle stroll along the side of Anston Brook and through Stones Wood took us to our refreshment stop.
Fully refreshed the walk then continued down Lindrick Dale and round the open access land on Anston Common Farm. Our progress on this section was somewhat slow due to frequent stops to pick the many delicious blackberries.
Our return route was then via South Anston and the bridleway to reach Kiveton Lane past the Farm.
23rd August 2013
On Friday 23 August 2013 we made our separate ways to the popular village of Hathersage, the perfect location for the start of a circular ramble that promised good views of the Hope Valley.
The first half mile of the ramble took us through meadowland to Leadmill Bridge where we crossed the River Derwent. From this point the direction of the ramble was onwards and upwards through mature woodland and green fields, skirting the occasional farmstead along the way. After gently climbing for approximately one and a half hours we reached the hillside hamlet of Offerton and its fine mediaeval hall situated about 250 m above sea level. Still steadily climbing we then followed an ancient bridleway across Offerton Moor to eventually reach the Moor’s highest point, estimated to be around 300 m. This was the ideal spot to have a leisurely lunch break and enjoy the remarkable views of the Hope Valley and beyond.
Reluctantly leaving this vantage point we descended to the attractive village of Shatton via an ancient lane that cuts through the wild moorland. Once through the village we were reacquainted with the River Derwent as it flowed under Shatton Bridge. At this point we were able to access a section of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, a riverside path which we used for about 2 miles to return to Leadmill Bridge.
After re-crossing the bridge our return route to Hathersage gave us an opportunity to call into the David Mellor Cutlery Factory where we admired the fine displays of cutlery and other objects to complement an already enjoyable day out.
4th August 2013
On 4 August 2013, 9 members of the club set off from Maltby in fine walking weather to enjoy a circular ramble of approximately 5.5 miles.
Our walk leader conjured up expectations by advising us to look for an ancient example of Saxon architecture, a hidden hamlet, a mysterious camouflaged location, and a cluster of old ruins.
Our first port of call was Maltby Parish Church where we admired the tower which is recognised as a fine example of late Saxon workmanship. On leaving the church yard we crossed a bridge spanning Maltby Beck and climbed a hillside path eventually arriving at the small attractive village of Hooton Levitt. Despite being local to our Club few of our group had ever visited it due to its out-of-the-way location.
Our route now turned south, keeping to the high contour line of the valley that encloses Maltby Beck. From this vantage point we enjoyed views of Maltby and beyond.
Despite hints from the walk leader and passing close by the site, nobody spotted the hidden tanks and associated equipment of a large sewage works situated in the valley bottom due to the excellent screening provided by mother nature.
The old ruins of Roche Abbey provided the halfway house for our ramble where we enjoyed a pleasant picnic before returning back to Maltby through the attractive Norwood and Wood Lea forested areas.
Jim Tompkin
19th July 2013
It was a case of third time lucky, this walk had been cancelled twice due to snow, the opposite on the day with temperatures nudging 80 Fahrenheit (27 centigrade).
12 Ramblers met at the Underbank Reservoir car park, the other side of the water to the Stocksbridge Bypass road. The walk started with a steady climb towards Whitwell Moor and Millstones Wood, great views beyond Penistone from here if you ignored the ubiquitous windmills (Royd Moor Windfarm). We continued across fields to reach the Mortimer Road or Strines Road, an old turnpike route linking Penistone and Grindleford. Now was definitely time for a drink in the shade.
A good stretch followed across the Moor passing some old brick ruins, the remains of WW2 American Tank training activities. The track then descended back towards Midhope Reservoir.
We found some welcome shade on the path below Upper Midhope for our mid-walk snack, although a pleasant breeze had kept us cool on the moorland path.
The walk now continued along a quiet road to Midhopestones passing St James’ Church. This small church was founded around 1360 and is a Grade II listed building. It is well worth a look inside, the door being open – a refreshing fact these days. After passing the Mustard Pot Inn the walk continued through woods on the southern side of Underbank Reservoir back to the car park. Some ramblers returned to the Mustard Pot for a well earned drink and snack, a good 6.5 mile walk on one of the best days of the summer.
Brian and Rosemary Chambers
30th June 2013
The Todwick Ramblers enjoyed a 7 mile circular walk from the Poolsbrook Country Park on Sunday, 30 June. The walk, led by Ken Whetter, followed some little-used paths as well as main trails such as the Cuckoo Way and the Trans Pennine Trail. The walk benefited from long distance views over rolling countryside around the villages of Woodthorpe and Emmett Carr and a brief tea stop in sunny, recently-mown pastures. Ken said that “for anyone not familiar with it, this area is a pleasant surprise, with plenty of paths, industrial heritage and the facilities of a popular country park to start and end the walk”.
1st June 2013
Saturday, 1st June 2013 provided a clear and sunny day, just right for a ramble from the village of Eyam in Derbyshire. Having a cool wind behind us our small party quickly climbed the hill to Dunlow Farm above Eyam. From this vantage point our route continued through fields of pasture contained within the ancient limestone walls that are synonymous with the area.
Due to the abundance of stiles and squeezers our progress was quite leisurely giving us plenty of time to enjoy the far-reaching views that were available in every direction as we meandered through the hamlets of Brosterfield, Stanley House and Grindlow. An extended lunch stop was taken in the attractive village of Foolow, with our party sitting beside the village pond enjoying the sunshine.
On leaving Foolow the last leg of our ramble managed to provide yet another highlight in the form of wild flower meadows, bordering our path back to Eyam.
20th May 2013
A group of 12 walkers met on Monday morning, 20th May 2013 at the car park of the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, just off the A638 on the approach to Retford. This is a relatively newly developed reserve covering over 400 hectares.
We entered the reserve through a delightful willow arch, created from living trees and surrounded by a willow plantation. There was then a choice of different paths, we followed the Warbler Walk, which lead through woodland and then a trail alongside the River Idle, so called because it is in fact fast flowing. We then followed paths alongside fields where sheep were grazing and lambs playing to reach our lunch stop at Wetlands Waterfowl Reserve. Here we enjoyed a leisurely lunch break, some people eating their own sandwiches and others sampling paninis and toasties bought in the café. We had a pleasant view of the lake and enjoyed seeing, if not hearing, the peacocks.
Refreshed from our lunch break we rejoined the main trail and made our way back to the car park, this time taking a path, which brought us alongside Belmoor Lake. The walk was about 5 miles in length, easy walking on good level paths, and made a pleasant start to the week. Although the sky was overcast it did not rain and was quite warm, comfortable walking weather.
15th May 2013
On Wednesday, 15th May 2013 the Club held an evening ramble that commenced with a circuit around Kiveton Community Woodland concluding with a visit to the hilltop viewpoint. Despite the dull day, the vibrant spring growth evident on the trees and in the surrounding fields was a pleasure to observe, providing a welcome change from the stark landscapes of the long, drawn-out winter.
Our next point of interest was the Chesterfield Canal tow path. This led us to the Thorpe Bridge and its adjacent railway crossing enabling us to return to Todwick via South Anston, Axle Lane and the Red Lion Pub.
12th May 2013 – Local walk
On Sunday, 12th May 2013, 16 members gathered at a Killamarsh car park for a prompt 10 o’clock start; the BBC weather forecast was for rain arriving at about 11 o’clock.
The walk followed the path near the birding lake then proceeded up a slope to reach the abandoned Chesterfield Canal. We took the path through the housing estate, designated Killamarsh Greenway. This more or less tracked the line of the canal, now overbuilt by 1970s housing making the reopening of the canal impossible along its original route.
After a while the canal was rejoined and we followed it in the direction of Renishaw before crossing fields to reach the River Rother. This area is now threatened by HS2, the route ploughing alongside RVCP on its way towards Fence and Meadowhall. However, we picnicked in peace beside the Rother undisturbed by speeding trains.
The route then led through woodland, back across the road and on into the park. A short walk along the old railtrack, now a Pennine Way cycle route, took us back across the Rother onto the embankment which returned us to the car park. A gentle 3 hour stroll of about 5.5 miles and only during the last 10 minutes did we encounter any rain.
21st April 2013
The club’s 6.5 mile ramble on Sunday, 21st April 2013 centred around the Wentworth Estate using gentle well-defined paths and tracks that provided good views of the rural landscape, plus the follies for which Wentworth is well known.
Our day commenced as we walked through the ornamental gates of Wentworth Park to follow the traffic-free lane down to the Mill Dam, pausing to admire the Palladium-style frontage of Wentworth Woodhouse and the Doric Temple with the tip of the Needle’s Eye folly in the distance.
A pleasant surprise was to see the normally shy deer that roam the park grazing happily nearby, ignoring walkers who paused to admire the scene.
On leaving the Park we had a gentle climb towards Nether Hague, before joining the old cobbled miners’ track that leads up to Upper Hague.
From here we walked a field path, with good views that took us first to Low Stubbin, then on to Hoober Stand and the hamlet of Street, whereupon a gentle meander down through a system of fields brought us back to the outskirts of Wentworth and our cars.
14th April 2013 – Local Walk
On Sunday 14th April 2013, 19 walkers set off on a sunny but breezy morning on a 6.5 mile walk taking us from Todwick to Hardwick Pond where we had our very enjoyable coffee break. After being refreshed we continued down the “Monks Trod” to emerge onto Long Road which we crossed to gain a field path to the ruins of Brampton Common Farm. We then proceeded along further field paths to again cross Long Road before heading for home via Vessey Close Farm, Hardwick Lane and finally crossing the A57 towards common Farm over fields to Goosecarr Lane.
29th March 2013 – Brian’s Cancelled Walk, Local Alternative Walk
With Brian having to cancel his walk for a second time due to the weather, we decided to arrange a local walk as a replacement.
Six Ramblers met at the Church for a walk down the Chesterfield Canal. We took the road to Kiveton then across the muddy field where the horses and ponies live (sorry Rosemary). Onto the canal proper and a steady stroll along Cuckoo Way. We were joined by newcomers Mike and Jan from South Anston who the Ramblers met a few weeks ago on a local walk. A very nice couple who we hope enjoyed the walk and will come again.
We stopped at the first bridge for a lesson on Geocaching, with a big clue Terry was soon on his hands and knees peering into an old tree stump covered in ivy and with a triumphant grin he found the Cache. After a look in the Cache at the bits and pieces left by other finders we carried on down the canal.
We left the canal just before Turnerwood and crossed the railway line over the usually muddy field (it was dry) and along the track to Anston Grange Farm which has a collection of rusting cars mainly Minis but some three wheelers but not Morgan’s. The path we took runs alongside the quarry and this is where we encountered the deep snow and had to abandon the official footpath and take to the field (sorry Jim).
Mike and Jan left us at the Cemetery, no they don’t live there but just round the corner. It was then through South Anston along Axle Lane and back into Todwick about seven miles altogether although with the sun shining it was a very pleasant walk. Thanks to all who turned up and hope to see you all out soon.
Mick B
10th March 2013 – Local Walk
Following our previous walk on the relatively clean sandy lands of Nottinghamshire, we again returned to the mud of Yorkshire for our latest walk, visiting the historically interesting sites (well they may be one day) of Penny Hill Wind Farm and the A57 road works!
Nine brave walkers met at Todwick News Agency on a very cold morning to catch the bus to Aughton. We then walked along the field paths to reach the Village of Ulley.
Ignoring the great temptation to go in the pub, we continued along muddy fields to our refreshment stop at Penny Hill, which afforded a good view of the ongoing construction of the wind turbines.
Continuing along further muddy paths we emerged on Hardwick lane, passing the Garden Centre to the A57 to inspect the progress of the road works.
Passing Common Farm we again walked muddy field paths to Goosecarr Lane and back to our start point.
20th February 2013
For our second walk of the month we left the mud of Yorkshire and Derbyshire for a walk in the relatively cleaner sandy soil of Nottinghamshire.
On a dry but bitterly cold day, 18 members met at Rufford Abbey Park for an easy 6 mile walk. Leaving the park, we safely negotiated the busy A614 to join the Robin Hood Way path. This good wide path afforded us an easy walk as we followed it through a number of fields and a small wood before arriving at the River Maun.
We now turned off the Robin Hood Way to follow the river to the edge of Edwinstowe Village. Following a short section of road walking, we again joined a wide field path at which point we took our refreshment stop. Refreshed, but cold, we continued, crossing the A614 again, to re enter Rufford Park by the ford and old mill buildings. A number took advantage of the facilities for a comfort stop and also warm their hands in the hand dryers!
Continuing along the side of the lake we soon reached our start point at the Abbey ruins, which although still interesting, could have been much better if not for the neglect in the nineteen fifties.
12th February 2013 – Dale Dyke Walk
Twelve Todwick Ramblers turned up at the car park at Lower Bradfield on a cold but clear Tuesday morning for the six mile walk around Dale Dyke Dam the scene of Britain’s worst water disaster.
It is a short walk uphill on the road before dropping down through the snow covered woods and onto the path that goes the whole way round the dam. The going was tricky as there was a layer of snow on top of soft mud, but everybody made it to the coffee stop at the Strines Dam without falling despite a very icy stone stile. We had a good view of the Boot Folly built in 1927 by Charles Boot to keep his workers busy during the recession.
We then retraced our steps back to the Dale Dyke Dam and followed the muddy path along the opposite side where we stopped at the New Dam Bank and were given a few facts about the disaster. Then we moved along to the site of the original Dam Bank where there is an information board and also a stone marker known as the CLOB stone, this stands for Centre Line Old Bank. They have recently cleared the trees in this area so it is easy to imagine where the original bank was. It is not so easy to imagine the horror of the 250 people who died as 700,000,000 gallons of water swept down the valley and into Sheffield. A steady stroll down the road and back to the car park.
For six of the Ramblers a chance to test the food at the Old Horns Inn at High Bradfield was not to be missed and very good it was too. Thanks to all the Ramblers that turned up – we enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing you on the next walk.
Mick & Sylvia
PS. Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Sheffield Flood and there will be special events organised e.g. Walks and Talks. If you would like a reminder a few weeks ahead then email m.armitage@sheffield.ac.uk with REQUEST A 'REMINDER' E-MAIL in the Subject box and you will be sent an email with details.