Todwick Ramblers Club Walks: 2018
6th December 2018 – Christmas at Hardwick walk
Lady Spencer’s Wood – Norwood – Rowthorne Trail – Hardwick Estate – Rowthorne Lodge – Hardwick Hall
13 Club Members met in the Hardwick Hall car park on a damp but mild morning for a relatively easy 3.5-mile walk. The forecast was for rain showers during the day but fortunately they never arrived.
The walk started through Lady Spencer’s Wood before a short road section took us to the first field and on to Norwood. By this time our boots were far heavier than when we had started the walk, having become covered with clingy mud. Over a steam and through a further field brought us to the Rowthorne Trail and far easier walking conditions. A short stop was taken at the end of the Trail before making our way back into the Hardwick Estate via the Rowthorne Lodge entrance. Here we had a choice of either walking back via further muddy fields or keeping to the roadways. A show of hands indicated we should use roadways and paths back to the car park. Obviously most of the group had had enough of mud!
After changing out of our muddy boots it was off to the café for lunch where a further 2 Club Members joined us for the rest of the day. Following a very nice lunch it was off to the Hall to view the Christmas decorations. This year’s theme was Advent and as in previous years the decorations were beautiful, particularly the model of Hardwick Hall. A number of comments were made stating that they had again enjoyed the pre-Christmas at Hardwick day.
Ernest and Judy Wraith (Walk Leaders)
21st November 2018
Somersal Park – Lovers Walk – Westwick Lane – Chander Hill – Windy Hill – Holymoorside – Somersal Park
Somersal Park, west of Chesterfield, was the starting point for our latest walk. The park was gifted to the people of Chesterfield by the Robinson family, once one of the largest employers in Chesterfield and manufactures of surgical dressings, disposable nappies, Smarties tubes, cornflake packets and other cardboard containers.
Leaving the park and crossing the river, we entered farmland to continue along Lovers Walk to emerge on the main Chesterfield to Baslow road. Safely across, we again walked along a number of field paths to join Westwick Lane crossing the river over the German Bridge, so called due to being built by German prisoners of war, the names of which are still visible on the underside of the bridge.
Stopping at Westwick Farm for coffee we then continued up the lane, along Chander Hill road to regain field paths at Windy Hill and down to Holymoorside for our lunch break.
A stroll alongside the river through a number of fields then took us back to our starting point.
An easy short walk of just less than 5 miles was enjoyed by ten members, plus a guest from another walking club, who joined us as she was the only one of their group to turn up.
Terry, walk leader.
26th October 2018
Eckington Parish Church – Renishaw Golf Course – River Rother – Renishaw – Killamarsh
13 Todwick Ramblers met at the entrance of Eckington Parish Church for a 5-mile stroll along a Chesterfield Canal Society suggested walk. The first part took us through a new galvanised gate, previously a difficult stile, onto Renishaw Golf Course, this time quite dry compared to our last attempt when the walk had to be abandoned as this section was under a foot of water in parts. Having avoided any stray golf balls, we left the fairway and crossed the River Rother and shortly afterwards the rail line. Here the line of the canal, now overgrown, could be seen. An interesting little section as early remnants of the re-routing of the canal during the railway construction could be made out.
We next followed the canal towpath to Renishaw; this section is awaiting restoration. At this point remains of the rail station and slag waste from the old steelworks were visible, the site of the steelworks now, I believe, is a housing estate. The walk took us back towards Killamarsh on the disused Staveley to Beighton rail line eventually to re-join the canal, here quite visible with water in and fishing platforms. We then had to retrace our steps a little as the intended Rother bridge crossing was undergoing repairs. So a slight detour took us back across the golf course and a return to base.
A pleasant stroll, mainly in bright sunshine and a visit to parts of the Canal which were new to most of the group.
5th October 2018
Wentworth – Scholes Village – Keppel’s Column – Scholes Coppice – Remains of the Iron Age fort – Wentworth House
The weather could not have been better for our walk around Wentworth Estate, not too hot, dry and with occasional periods of autumn sunshine. Fifteen members, including 2 new ones, Gladys and Denis Thorpe set off across the fields towards Keppel’s Column, the highest point on the walk. After two short detours to avoid cows we arrived at the village of Scholes. Here we met the farmer who owned the second herd and he told us their names and that they were very friendly prizewinning highland cattle. Next stop was at Keppel’s Column, for a well-deserved coffee break.
Walking downhill we passed through the ancient woodland of Scholes Coppice, an area where wood had been harvested for use in Sheffield’s early iron and steel industry. Passing by the remains of a well-preserved Iron Age fort we finally emerged from the woodland into open fields. After crossing two large fields, with a police helicopter circling overhead, we arrived at our lunch break spot, a bridge separating two lakes.
Moving on the track led up towards the Wentworth House through the deer park complete with a large herd of deer. With the house as a backdrop we gathered for a group photo taken by the driver of a passing car and witnessed by two police officers who described us as “a suspicious looking bunch”. Something was obviously going on with so much police activity in the area. From here it was just a short walk back to the carpark. Total distance was somewhere between 5.7 and 7 miles!
David and Anne Warburton
September 2018
Anston Stone Woods – South Anston – Turner Wood – Lindridge Dale
Thank you to the 14 members and one dog who accompanied me on my first walk. Although a rather blustery day the weather was warm. A pleasant walk through Anston Stone woods led us through South Anston and on to the canal path where we had a short stop for coffee. We then carried on to Turner Wood where we had lunch. The cafe was open, and some members indulged in ice cream and made full use of comfortable seating in the summerhouse. We then carried on across the fields and through the woods at the head of Lindridge Dale.
Through Lindrick Dale brought us back to our starting point on the A57. Only two incidents of note, Poppy the dog slipped into the canal and very quickly realised her mistake and Graham our trusted back marker fell into a drainage channel, he has since been demoted (again). Suggestions have been made that we now include a buoyancy aid in the first aid pack.
Thanks everyone,
Anne Hawksworth
9th September 2018
Langold Country Park – Dyscarr Wood
A total of 20 Club Members plus 4 guests met at Langold Country Park on Sunday 9th September 2018 for the third annual Todwick Ramblers Charity Walk. This year’s charity, chosen by Club Members, was the Alzheimer’s Society.
On a bright morning the walk initially took us through Dyscarr wood before going by the side of a couple of fields and then crossing where the first St Ledger race took place. A coffee stop was taken by the Gally Knight Estate entrance close to Letwell before again entering Dyscarr wood and returning to the car park. An easy walk of about 3 miles. The option was given to extend the walk by a further 1.25 miles by walking around the lake at Langold Country Park and 16 of the original 24 ramblers took up the option.
A pleasant morning’s walk in ideal conditions was enjoyed by all who attended, especially the two 4-legged friends, Poppy and Sasha. To complete the walk a number of us continued to Andy’s café in the Country Park for lunch.
A total of £163 was collected. Many thanks to all who came on the walk and also anyone who contributed without attending.
Ernest and Judy
Walk Leaders
24th August 2018
Concord Sports Centre – Firth Park Centre – Wincobank Common – Enchanted Chairs – Iron Age hillfort – Posh Pillar and her Daughters – Brendan Ingle’s Glove Garden – Wooley Woods – Concord Park
A journey to hidden places in and around Firth Park and Wincobank
Fifteen walkers met in the car park of Concord Sports Centre and set off down the hill to Firth Park centre. Five minutes after setting off, the heavens opened and we had to stop whilst people donned waterproof trousers and coats. In Firth Park we viewed the Map Rock, a fascinating 3D map of the area and then went to Henry’s café. The sun was shining when we set off again, but this was the pattern for the day, sharp showers alternating with warm sun, certainly a change from the previous two months.
After crossing the park and climbing through the woods and Wincobank Common, we made a detour to visit the Enchanted Chairs, a cluster of seven chairs, each individually crafted.
Another climb up to the site of an Iron Age hillfort, obviously a great defensive position with views out across the surrounding countryside. This area was also used in the Second World War for a searchlight and anti-aircraft guns, a good cobbled track remains from those days. Our next point of interest was Posh Pillar and her Daughters, the former being inscribed with a very moving poem about wartime written by a 9 year old.
Down into Wincobank, where we passed through Brendan Ingle’s Glove Garden, with a community orchard and boxing glove seats. Some road walking before we entered Wooley Woods and on finding the Lost Gateway were able to rest and eat our lunch. We then continued through the woods and across Concord Park to return to our cars. The walk was about 5.5 miles, with a lot of points of interest.
Marion Brassington
Walk Leader
6th August 2018
Southwell Trail – River Greet – Southwell Community Orchard – Westhorpe Dumble – Southwell – Minister – Westhorpe – Halam – Goldhill Farm
Our walk started at the car park on the Southwell Trail a half mile south of Kirklington. The way lay south along the Southwell Trail which is an old railway route. The day was hot but fortunately much of the trail lay in the shade of trees lining both sides of the track which was both flat and well maintained giving 3 miles of easy walking.
At the end of the trail we turned left and followed the course of the River Greet through the Southwell Community Orchard until we reached the A612 where we had to take to the pavements for a short distance as we headed towards the centre of Southwell. Fortunately, we were able to turn off the streets of Southwell into hidden green spaces to follow the Westhorpe Dumble right into the centre of Southwell and so to the Minster. Here we stopped for a spot of lunch, ice creams and for some of us a guided tour of the Minster.
After our break we ventured forth onto the streets of Southwell for a short distance before we regained the banks of Westhorpe Dumble and so into Westhorpe itself. From here we headed up the hill towards Halam passing through a large fruit farm with strawberries, raspberries and blackberries growing in its polytunnels. After exiting the farm, we turned right down a hill to the church in Halam where we had a short refreshment break and a look round the deserted church. We headed north along the main road until it bore left when we left it continuing north along a very overgrown path to Goldhill Farm. We then took the country lanes back to our starting point. The walk turned out to be 8 miles but it was for the most part on good paths and so easy walking.
7th July 2018
Poulter Country Park, Nether Langwith – Scarcliffe Woods – Whaley – Cresswell Crags – Nether Langwith
A small group of committed (mad?) ramblers braved temperatures or around 28 degrees and the risk of missing the start of England’s quarterfinal World Cup match for a walk on Saturday, 7 July.
The route started at the car park at the Poulter Country Park in Nether Langwith and headed north through the edge of Scarcliffe Woods to the small hamlet of Whaley. Following quiet country roads and a broad track which was a section of the Archaeological Way, we came to the impressive Creswell Crags where we took our lunch. Some walkers made use of the visitor’s centre facilities there whilst others took advantage of the shaded sections of the picnic area to eat their packed lunch.
The second half of the walk simply retraced our route back to Nether Langwith. The route originally intended was found to have some obstructions during the pre-walk making it difficult to undertake our usual circular walk. This change also reduced the length of the walk to around 6.5 miles rather than the 8 miles shown in the programme.
We regained our cars hot but not too bothered and in good time for those of us wanting to catch the start of the England football match.
Ken Whetter
Walk Leader
20th June 2018
Birchover – Druid Inn – Rowter Rocks – Uppertown – Stanton Moor – Stanton Edge – Nine Ladies Stone Circle – Cork Stone
9 intrepid walkers gathered at the car park above Birchover for a 5-6 mile ramble round Birchover and Stanton Moor.
After a descent through woodland into the village we came to the Druid Inn. No, we didn’t go in, but at the side of the inn are Rowter Rocks. We clambered up a rocky path to where, 300 years ago, one Thomas Eyre, the local vicar, spent his spare time carving the rocks into a bizarre formation of caves, rooms and on the top, stone settees and armchairs. Can’t see much time left for any vicaring.
The walk then started in earnest, climbing to farm pasture with views over many miles. We reached Uppertown and its village stocks. Soon we had completed the first loop of the walk and, as nobody wanted to go home, we climbed to Stanton Moor. Stopping for lunch perched on Stanton Edge gave us fabulous views over Darley Dale.
We then went on to reach Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a Bronze Age megalith, not very mega so maybe just a lith. As we approached we noticed tents galore and hammocks strung from trees and lots of happy people. Then it twigged. Tomorrow was the summer solstice and these people were there to celebrate it. We chatted with them and, I think, learned a little. 9 stones and 9 of us. Cue photo opportunity.
Leaving the circle and skirting the remains of numerous old quarry workings we arrived at the Cork Stone, shaped like a cork. After Neill had, to great applause, climbed it we descended from the moor and back to the cars. I think we all went home with a smile.
Jude and Nigel – walk leaders
8th June 2018
Carlton Church – Gateford – Owday Wood – Wallingwells – Carlton Wood
17 members plus Poppy the dog set off from Carlton Church towards Gateford. The original plan to walk to Woodsetts had been changed due to a lack of a grass verge on the busy road from Fox Covert to Carlton.
We rambled through woodland and alongside grain fields to Gateford accompanied by Yellow Wagtail song. At Gateford we passed by a new wetland area, great to see habitat being made rather than destroyed, then over grassland alongside the large urban estate. The return path took us through Owday Wood, the site for a coffee etc. break, and on to Wallingwells. We followed some rather narrow footpaths and by some very smelly cow sheds back into Carlton Wood and a return to the start point. Approximately, after the usual discussion, a walk of 5.5 miles was agreed.
Brian & Rosemary Chambers
Walk Leaders
21st - 24th May 2018
Well here it is, the Todwick Ramblers Newsletter from Goathland!
Day 1
16 of the very best walkers arrived at the starting point in the beautiful village of Levisham.
Everyone’s nerves were strained and the atmosphere electric in anticipation of what the next 4 days would bring.
The weather was wall to wall sunshine and certainly NOT walking conditions.
We set off on time as the group were getting excited – and the photographer from Harthill with his faithful Box Brownie camera set about capturing the 1st episode of Heartbeat...
After a short walk through the village we began our ascent towards Levisham Railway Station, the views and our spirits were high and on descending and reaching the booking office we were pleased to see the steam train arrive on time.
A short coffee break was taken before we set off on the 2nd stage which was to get us up to base camp, during this part of the walk a few choice words were spoken or aimed at the day’s organisers.
Certainly, it was a shock to the system and inhalers and oxygen were given out to reach the summit.
At the top lunch was taken and handshakes all around and a small Flag placed (in Matt’s back).
Continuing on, a small group of schoolchildren had turned out to applaud our arrival and get our autographs, and another short stop was taken.
We then continued our trek and although the going was over rather rough ground and the mood was will this walk never end, we reached our goal a good 1 hour later and a well-deserved pint was taken at the Horseshoe Public House.
Day 2
We were given a taste of things to come and, never failing to disappoint, Neil had a pleasant surprise for everyone.
The weather was a total opposite from the previous day – mist, cloudy, very windy and bitterly cold.
NOT Walking Weather!
We set off from the agreed starting point and the views were spectacular, and it was an easy walk downwards.
The mood was light hearted and although cold and windy we set off at a good pace.
It had been agreed from day one that stops should be frequent and we were not in a race so that we could enjoy the scenery.
Brian Chambers kept everyone on their toes with sightings of birds etc, and Anne Hawksworth kept everyone in line and in step.
A short coffee stop was taken and again the steam trains were running on time.
We continued our journey along the base of the mountain and occasionally greeted by a short glimpse of the sun.
After a further 2 miles we stopped for lunch a well-deserved rest after battling the elements and some strong language from Margaret...
We continued after a 20-minute rest and no one expected the slight incline that greeted us to reach Mt Kilimanjaro!
Eventually everyone conquered the climb and Matt was pleasantly surprised to find that Margaret had missed him (he had unfortunately set off on his own) and she set about telling him how much she loved him!
That evening a meal had been arranged in The Restaurant of the Mallyan Spout Hotel and the room had been set out so we could all eat together.
The food was 1st class and everyone enjoyed their chosen meals, a silly quiz had been set by Matt but unfortunately it included the Questions and Answers.
What a banana!
So, a raffle was organised and the winner (once again Terry Calladine) won a bottle of the most expensive Shiraz available from Pound Land.
Day 3
A short walk had been agreed by the team and we set off from the hotel through Goathland village towards Levisham Railway Station.
A prize for guessing who had been arrested and put in the Police car?
And spot the cast of Heartbeat outside Scripps Garage.
Again, the weather had changed, the wind had stopped, and it was quite warm and an ideal way to start.
On reaching Goathland Station there was a party of over 60 schoolchildren who were enacting the evacuation journey taken by children during the 2nd World War.
The walk took us over the Railway line up a slight hill towards the local Stepping Stones over the now dry river!
Again, the train was on time and more photos taken, and the scenery was stunning.
We had a slight hill to climb to reach the top, compared to the previous day it was a piece of cake and a short stop taken for coffee.
On our decent we passed a Model Railway Centre and a short stop was taken and to Ernest and Mark it was the highlight of the day.
We then continued into the village of where we sat and enjoyed our lunch, I think everyone had eaten so much at their breakfast it was another coffee break.
A local sweet shop was hidden around the corner of the village selling anything pre-1940’s sweets, the most popular sweet being liquorice and for some reason Caroline bought the lot and shared it with Margaret! (She suffered for the next few days. ;-)
Our walk continued through the village along a well-trodden path to the Mallyan Spout Waterfall (the highest waterfall in England) being over 70 feet.
At this point Mrs Anne Warburton wanted the day’s guide to bare all and stand beneath the gushing torrents.
She had asked her husband to do it first (the Brad Pitt lookalike) but he refused point blank saying he had no underpants on.
It certainly was well worth the scramble over the rocks to get to see the falls.
We then returned to our base camp, and everyone was left to their own choice of evening meals.
Day 4
Our final walk and yes, the weather had changed again. For the worst!
Neil’s chosen walk, I think he is jinxed, only joking.
Anyway, this turned out to be a lovely walk along some well-laid paths and even parts that had been laid with wooden boarding.
It took us through several fields and even though there were several large cows in some of them even those who have a fear of them continued and so well done to them!
After a good hour or so we reached a lovey spot for our coffee break photo and it was well worth stopping at.
We continued through some wonderful countryside and at one point stopped at a manmade cave with two chairs carved out of stone at the top.
Legend has it that if you sit on them both and make wish it will come true (I sat on them but No Luck)!
We then had another stop for lunch on the Bank of the river and reflected on the previous few days,
Continuing we passed through the village of Littlebeck and a Tree had been planted outside the Church to Commemorate King George V.
We then continued up a small incline, Oh Oh Oh..........
And after taking a few short stops to reach the top managed to get back to our starting point...
Personally, Margaret and I would like to thank Anne and Neil for their input and help during our exploratory visit and everyone for making our four days away so enjoyable.
And hope everyone enjoyed their short break.
Lastly, we would especially like to thank Brian for his help in getting the AA out to us to start our car, and a special thank you to Anne and Tony for insisting they stay with us until the breakdown vehicle arrived and ensuring we got off on our journey back home.
More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7AeA9IRFxMklkvt33 (Day two photos are missing as Mark and Cal escaped to Whitby.)
Many thanks.
Matt, Margaret, Neil & Anne
16th May 2018
Blyth – Spital Farm – Hodsock Priory – River Ryton – Briber Hill – Blyth
The temperature was half that of the day before with a cool northerly wind but dry when sixteen ramblers met in Blyth at the appointed time to enjoy a leisurely walk through Spital Farm crossing the River Ryton and on to Hodsock Priory. Farm animals were about in abundance with many trees and bushes in bloom at last in this topsy-turvy year.
Within Hodsock grounds we took a coffee break at the at the Diamond Jubilee Wood a small plantation of English oak trees planted in February 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
We continued through a number of fields hoping to cross the River Ryton but the wet weather over the weekend raised the water level over the floodplain making this impractical and we instead followed a circular route back to original crossing and made our way back into Blyth via Briber Hill.
Wendy & Keith Eyre
Walk Leaders
18th April 2018
Elmwood Farm – Waveley – Smallage Lane – Hail Mary Hill woods – Treeton Dyke – River Rother – Trans Pennine Trail – Woodhouse Washlands
In very welcome sunshine and warmth on Wednesday, 18 April 2018, a group of Todwick ramblers set off on a circular walk of around 6 miles from near the Elmwood Farm pub restaurant.
Ken Whetter had promised an absence of ankle-deep mud on the route although some members of the party were determined to find some! Ken also told the 17 members on the walk that there would be some pools of water in the appropriately-named Washlands section of the walk – not surprising after the weeks of rain and snow recently.
The route began through a smart looking housing estate with views over the valley to Woodhouse and ahead to the Waverley development. After crossing two small fields, the path dropped over the brow of the hill into Smallage Lane and on into Hail Mary Hill woods and the edge of Treeton Dyke. Arriving at our lunch stop at the playground near the Cricket Club in Treeton, a groundsman kindly offered us use of the club’s sunny veranda complete with benches and picnic tables and access to a toilet. The only things missing were a game of cricket to watch and an open clubhouse with drinks and snacks! Just as well perhaps, because the temptation to linger would have been irresistible!
The second half of our walk took us onto the lakeside and riverside paths that have been created as part of the Waverley housing development. Although still a work in progress, the recreational value of this area is obvious and is already attracting a range of users including bird-watchers, horse-riders, joggers and walkers.
The final leg followed the River Rother briefly before picking up the Trans Pennine Trail through the Nature Reserve of the Woodhouse Washlands and back to our cars.
Ken Whetter
Walk Leader
8th April 2018
Goldsmiths Centre – Cusworth Estate – Cusworth Hall – Sprotborough – St Mary’s Church – Hull/Liverpool Canal
Margaret and Matt would like to thank all the members who kindly showed up for their maiden walk on Sunday, 8th April 2018.
A total of 19 of us showed up and we had a guest appearance from a potential new member Jackie Who celebrated her ???? birthday on her first walk. Cakes and ice cream were appreciated by all!
The walk was a Linear walk from the Goldsmiths Centre through the Cusworth Estate into the village of Sprotborough. The Gods were on our side as the weather stayed fine and although it was mainly a flat walk and the parts which we had expected to be muddy had dried out.
The first part of the walk took us to the Hall itself, which a number of our group explored and were delighted we had had a short stop for them to visit the interesting remains of life in the late 1800s. Many saying they would return for another visit, possibly because entry was free?
We then continue through the parkland up a slight gradient into the village of Sprotborough taking us another 40 minutes or so. Another coffee stop was taken outside St Mary’s Church, another ancient landmark having been built over 800 years ago.
We then continued down towards the Hull/Liverpool Canal passing the Rectory, the home where Sir Douglas Badger had once lived, to the canal basin, taking a brief look at the Waterfalls and the nature reserves at the Locks.
We then made our way along the canal back to our starting point and after conflicting agreements over the distance walked, decided to use Terry Calladine’s version being 6.222227 miles
Once again many thanks for your support and Margaret says she will volunteer Matt to do another one soon. AH AH (well after Goathland).
Matthew Meek
27th March 2018
Hardwick – Rowthorne – Pleasley Country Park – Teversal Trail
On a wet morning on Tuesday, 27th March 2018, 13 club members met for a walk starting from Hardwick Hall car park. As the walk was about to start the overnight rain stopped and we were able to commence in cloudy but dry conditions.
The first 30 minutes took us through some of the extensive Hardwick Estate parkland before reaching Rowthorne Lodge and our exit from Hardwick. The Lodge now belongs to the National Trust and is let out to guests. The route then took us along quiet country lanes in to the village of Rowthorne where two of our party left to wander back to Hardwick themselves as planned.
Leaving Rowthorne we eventually came across the first field which meant that at long last we all had the opportunity to get our boots muddy.
Entering Pleasley Country Park we skirted the main lake before arriving for our lunch stop at the Pleasley Pit café. It was here that Mr Calladine was able to repay a long-standing debt owed to Mr Barraclough, namely a sausage and egg buttie. Some of the group were so shocked at seeing Mr Calladine with a £10 note in his hand that photographs were taken of the event for future records.
After lunch we had hoped to have a look around the Pit Engine House Museum but unfortunately it was closed. The walk back to Hardwick took us along the Teversal Trail, a former railway line.
The weather was better than forecast with only a couple of quick showers spoiling the day. The total walk length was 6.3 miles.
Many thanks to all who came on this enjoyable walk.
Ernest and Judy Wraith
10th March 2018
Chesterfield Canal Walk – Hollingwood Hub – Tapton Lock – Bluebank Loop – Hollingwood Hub
Despite a very wet start to the day 10 ramblers turned up to start this walk, meeting at Hollingwood Hub, just beyond Staveley.
We set off towards Chesterfield, the rain had now stopped and although there were plenty of puddles the paths were well surfaced.
This is a very pleasant stretch of the canal with a lot of trees and wildlife, we saw a dabchick, otherwise known as a little grebe, swans and geese as well as many other birds. After just over an hour and two and a half miles we reached Tapton Lock, here there was a toilet, coffee machine, and indoor and outdoor seating. We had a half an hour stop, some chose to have a coffee, others ate a packed lunch.
We then set off on the return journey, this time leaving the tow path for some of the way to take the Bluebank Loop and arrived back at the coffee shop at Hollingwood Hub having completed a pleasant 5 mile walk without any rain.
Marion Brassington
21st February 2018
Sherwood Forest Walk
We met at the art and crafts centre at Edwinstowe to begin our 5.5-mile forest walk. The weather was dry and pleasant, and 11 ramblers set off with a spring in their step.
The walk took us around the boundary areas of Sherwood on relatively dry paths. After a coffee break we passed “the centre tree” on our way back to the heart of Sherwood and the Major Oak where we were greeted with rain for the final stroll back to the cars.
A walk enjoyed by all!
Jude and Nigel Singleton
Walk Leaders
11th February 2018
Todwick – Todwick Common Farm – Hardwick Lane – Aston – Church Lane – Aston Ponds – Nickerwood Farm – Low Laithes Farm – Upper Common Farm – Todwick
Despite the early morning snow showers and the poor forecast, 15 enthusiastic walkers plus Poppy the dog met at Todwick News for a 6.5 mile walk on local footpaths.
Starting up Kiveton Lane we soon negotiated the only difficult stile on the walk to cross fields to Todwick Common Farm and out to walk along the old A57. Crossing the new A57 by the pedestrian crossing we continued down Hardwick Lane and field paths to reach our coffee stop at the motorway bridge.
Very muddy paths then took us to Aston where we emerged onto the road all 3 inches taller due to mud on our boots. Down Church Lane we continued to arrive at Aston ponds for our lunch stop.
Fully refreshed, a short climb took us via Nickerwood Farm, Low Laithes Farm, and Upper Common Farm to arrive on Goosecarr Lane and back to the start.
A cold but dry and bright walk with splendid views of the snow-capped hills over Sheffield throughout was enjoyed by the walkers who returned home for a session of intense boot, and for one, dog cleaning.
Terry and Helena Calladine
26th January 2018
5 Weirs Walk Sheffield – River Don at Meadowhall – Lower Don Valley steel industry sites – Commercial Street – Tram ride back to Meadowhall
14 ramblers managed to follow the pre-walk advice and assemble by the pedestrian bridge over the River Don at Meadowhall.
We followed the well signed 5 Weirs walk to the Canal Basin in the City Centre, most of the time in glorious sunshine. The route is a stroll through the Lower Don Valley Steel industry sites of recent times. Meadowhall itself occupies the former Hatfield’s Steels site, names from the past such as Jessops, Sanderson and Hecla works are passed as we walk alongside a much-cleaned River Don. Gulls, Goosander, Kingfisher and Cormorants are all present and must be finding fish. The river authorities have installed fish – ladders at the Weirs to assist fish migration.
The canal basin was a good place to picnic, have a look at the canal boats and a well-earned sit down. The walked concluded with a stroll into town over the overhead walkways to Commercial street and a tram ride back to Meadowhall.
The group photograph was taken by the Bailey Bridge over the Don near to the Wicker.
Brian & Rosemary Chambers
13th January 2018
Church Warsop – Welbeck Estate – Robin Hood Way – Norton – Cuckney
Meeting at the car park at Church Warsop, seventeen members of the Todwick Ramblers set off for a circular walk on Saturday, 13 January 2018.
Although, it was chilly and overcast throughout the walk, there was no sign of rain thankfully. The route took us through relatively flat countryside on forestry tracks, farm access lanes and fairly quiet country roads bordering the Welbeck Estate. Much of the route was on the Robin Hood Way, passing through woodland and the former estate villages of Norton and Cuckney with views of Carburton Lake at one point.
Our lunch stop was on a small hillside overlooking the church and historic river meadows at Cuckney. Excavations in the churchyard in the 1950s revealed hundreds of skeletons from the Anglo-Saxon era, thought to be from a battle in the area. The final sections of the walk took us past the old mill and pond at Cuckney, down a farm lane and a short section of forestry before descending over fields and back to our cars.
Ken Whetter