Todwick Ramblers Club Walks: 2021

5th December 2021

In spite of the threatening sky and the cold weather, twelve members and Isla met in the Cresswell Crags visitors’ car park. Initially our walk took us due East to the A60 where we turned North along the roadside path to the beginning of a Bridleway. Following this in a northerly direction brought us to the perimeter of the Lafarge Quarry which we had to skirt round on a path that lead us to the lovely village of Belph. From here we continued our northerly course across a couple of muddy fields to the outskirts of Hodthorpe. Here we turned right and then almost immediately left to a farm where we had a coffee break. We then struck due East through a field where a number of horses were grazing. They all came to greet us as we passed through, but their main interest was Isla who showed no interest in them whatsoever.

Crossing the A60 we continued East for a while before turning South down a wide unmetalled road from where we got a good sighting of Welbeck Manor. Eventually the track took us into Sherwood Forest eventually bringing us to the South Lodge where we stopped for lunch. It is here where the tunnel from Welbeck Abbey emerges through a pair of large black doors. Continuing South we crossed the bridge across the Welbeck Lakes and found ourselves at one of the many entrances to Welbeck Abbey. We then followed the eastern boundary around Welbeck until we gained the road that took us West back to the A60. We then crossed the road and made our way back to Cresswell Crags.

This was a most enjoyable walk especially as we experienced only a few drops of rain during the whole day, even having blue sky and sun for periods.

Anne and Neil Hawksworth

19th November 2021

18 Ramblers and 2 Dogs met at the Church car park on a beautiful sunny and warm November morning for our local ramble. We walked through 3 ginnels to the Mill Fields gate and the footpath to Wales, fortunately quite dry and mud free. The ramble progressed along Storth Lane and Manor Road to re-join footpaths across farmland to Goosecarr Lane. A stroll up the road and along the old A57 brought us to the footpaths back to Todwick, near the Red Lion. To finish we walked the footpaths alongside Greenscene eventually to emerge by Manor House and so back to the car park.

A Ramble of about 5.5 miles, we said 4.5 miles which was a miscalculation – sorry for that. The sun shone for most of the time, it's great to have so many good footpaths to enjoy roundabout the village and appreciate the great views across to and beyond Sheffield.

Rosemary & Brian Chambers

2nd November 2021

The Budby South Forest RSPB nature reserve is a paradise for the walker with many good paths crisscrossing the area. The reserve once used by the MOD for tank training is claimed to be the second largest area of low land heath in the UK after the New Forest, and was the starting point for our early November walk.

On a sunny morning 11 members and 2 dogs commenced the walk with a stroll through the reserve on tracks originally formed by the tank activity to emerge on the edge of Sherwood Forest.

Following a rest, we continued on an old right of way through the forest, passing many old oak trees to reach The Centre Tree which marks the centre of the ancient forest of Sherwood. Here we joined the long-distance path of Robin Hoods Way for a short walk to our lunch stop.

Leaving the Robin Hoods Way, we continued along paths lined with Beech trees resplendent in their autumn colours to reach Holburn Plantation and back to our start point.

The walk all on easy paths of just under 6 miles was enjoyed by all, especially the dogs.

Helena & Terry
Walk Leaders

21st October 2021

It was a glorious day for walking, cool, but with a blue sky and bright sunshine, when eleven people met behind Shireoaks marina. We set off besides the marina and saw the “Dawn Rose”, a unique replica of the original “cuckoo boats”, the working boats that plied the Chesterfield canal.

We followed the canal towpath in the direction of Worksop as far as Haggonfield lock, here we crossed the bridge and doubled back on the other side of the canal. Through a few streets at the edge of the former mining village of Rhodesia and past the village blacksmith, an area new to most of the group. Along a track with hedges on both sides to Lady Lee Quarry Nature Reserve. After a brief look at the pond, hidden by vegetation we stopped for a coffee, unfortunately there are no seats at the reserve.

A little further down the lane we came to Manor Lodge, a tall building with 5 stories, which dates back to 1590, when it was built for the Earl of Shrewsbury. We marvelled at the fact that it is now a private residence, a lot of rooms to clean!

Then across the fields by a farm track, a short walk along Steetly Lane then another good track towards Shireoaks. We walked around Shireoaks Hall, which dates from 1615 and was designed by the same architect as Manor Lodge and Hardwick Hall. Then between the lakes and past the Hewitt Arms. Arriving in the village we stopped at the garden area to eat our lunch, finding there were just sufficient benches for all the group to sit comfortably. After lunch we continued by the river until we re-joined the canal and then back along the towpath to the marina and our cars.

A level walk of just over 5 miles with good paths that was enjoyed by all the walkers, several of whom said they would like to walk that way again.

16th October 2021

18 Ramblers and 3 dogs – Isla, George and Poppy – took part in this locally based 4.5-mile walk.

We set off from Todwick Church car park on a glorious autumn morning across the fields to South Anston.

Entering the village at Axle Lane we continued east turning up through the church grounds to the far end of the village.

We then took the field paths down towards the canal and over the railway line. At side of the canal we had a well-earned coffee stop. Once refreshed we followed the canal path towards Kiveton Station, where we crossed the road re-joining the canal path to Hard Lane.

We turned right here to follow the main road back to Todwick.

Anne Hawksworth
Walk Leader

5th October 2021

Despite a miserable weather forecast, we enjoyed a more or less rain-free ramble with a few periods of bright sun. 13 members joined the walk including 4 new faces.

We met at Anston Parish Hall car park then followed the main pathway through Anston Stones Wood, always a pleasure to walk through this woodland.

The route then took us over Lindrick Golf Course, crossing the busy A57 through the club’s two tunnels. During the picnic stop by the second tunnel we had just a few drops of rain. The return route to the car park followed Rackford Lane and the footpath from Little Stones.

A good local ramble of about 5 miles.

Brian Chambers

23rd September 2021

On a warm, fresh and quite breezy day 12 members set off from the top of Goosecarr Lane for the late September walk.

A 5.3 mile route taking in Todwick Common Farm, Low Laithes Farm, Aston church and back via New south Farm Aston and Hardwick Lane Farm.

All in all, a good day’s exercise with a group of friendly and interesting people to chat with.

Janet Tompkin
Walk Leader

23rd August 2021

North Nottinghamshire countryside

17 members and one dog met at Budby Water Treatment Works on a sunny morning for an easy walk of just over 5 miles in the North Nottinghamshire countryside.

Our walk commenced with a stroll through Holborn Hill Woods to join a bridleway which took us over the river Meden by a stone bridge before crossing Netherfield Lane to enter Gleathorpe woods.

Following a short break, further bridleways were walked before again crossing Netherfield Lane at Meden Vale and re-crossing the River Meden by a wooden footbridge, the step up to which being high required help from the gentlemen for some of the ladies.

Crossing a stubble field and field of potatoes, Assart Farm was reached, and the walk continued on the farm track along “The Bottoms” to reach two conveniently placed seats for our lunch stop.

Fully refreshed, an easy walk along the bridleway of Broomhill Lane took us back to Holborn Hill woods and our starting point.

Helena & Terry
Walk Leaders

5th August 2021

Stavely – Chesterfield Canal – Hartington Harbour – Staveley Town Lock – Poolsbrook Country Park – Stavely

It was a lovely morning on Thursday, 5th August 2021 when a group of 19 people and 3 dogs met in Stavely at Morrison’s car park. Regular walkers were delighted to welcome a new walker and several other members whom we had not seen for a while.

We walked down to Chesterfield Canal and then along towards Killamarsh, past the new Hartington Harbour and Staveley Town Lock. Work on the canal then finishes pending final decisions on the route of HS2. A short climb up to the Trans Pennine Trail and stop for a drink before we continued to Poolsbrook Country Park.

When we reached the cafe in the park there was an opportunity to buy refreshments and use the toilets, about half of the group elected to remain there, whilst the rest continued around the lake. When we were reunited and suitably refreshed, we made our way back to Staveley, this time walking up past the church and hall, then down a narrow path to reach the canal and return to our cars.

Despite black clouds we did get back before it rained. A pleasant walk of 4 or 5 miles on comfortable wide paths which allowed people to chat.

Marion Brassington

25th July 2021

Clowne – Elmton – Clowne

Ten members of the Todwick Ramblers enjoyed a 5-mile circular walk from Clowne on Sunday, 25 July. The group was thankful that the heatwave earlier in the week had passed and that the thunderstorms in the south of the UK had not reached Clowne.

Beginning from the car park in Church Street, the route passed the leisure centre where one member recommended the swimming pool there. The route then headed south and crossed a few fields with good views west towards Staveley and North Chesterfield. Turning east and passing a radio-controlled aircraft flying club, the route used green lanes and small country roads to reach the attractive village of Elmton.

This village is steeped in history going back to at least Anglo-Saxon times. It has a number of interesting features and information boards. The group’s break was at the old village well which was in a small grassy area enclosed by a stone wall and with handy wooden benches. The small community orchard adjacent provided an overspill for socially-distanced lunching. Some members made a note of the nearby popular village pub restaurant for a future visit.

The final section of the walk was on well-surfaced lanes over farmland and on hedged paths leading to the outskirts of Clowne. Finally, we turned onto Church Lane, passing the impressive large church of St John the Baptist and back to our cars.

Neil Hawksworth

6th July 2021

Clumber Park

13 Club Members met in the main car park of Clumber Park for a 5 mile walk around some of the quieter parts of Clumber. The weather forecast was not great, suggesting heavy showers could arrive at any time. It was great to see so many returning after about 16 months of Covid restrictions.

The walk took us past the Walled Kitchen Garden and through Ash Tree Hill Wood before joining some of the many cycle routes within Clumber. The tracks took us through heathland and woodland before emerging onto Clumber Lane close to Truman’s Lodge. Some interest was shown in a signpost indicating distances to Dover and Inverness along National Cycle Network Route 6 which passes through Clumber. A lunch stop was taken close to Clumber Lane. This was where our luck ran out as just as we were finishing lunch the heavens opened meaning a very wet return to the car park.

Thanks to all who turned up for the walk.

Ernest and Judy
Walk Leaders

24th June 2021

Ramble to Hardwick

We didn’t expect a big turnout on the first post-Covid ramble, so the 15-member response was great. All pleased to put Covid behind us and our best feet forward.

Just a short walk to start the new programme, starting in Todwick and following the footpath from Kiveton Lane past the fields of barley to Goosecarr Lane. We negotiated the hazard of the A57 traffic lights to cross the dual carriageway and then followed the bridleway to Hardwick Ponds, an excellent picnic spot by the water. The return was via Hardwick Lane, another crossing at the lights, a right turn to walk the path by Aston Farm which returned us to Goosecarr Lane and back to our start.

About 4.3 miles on some pleasant local footpaths which everyone enjoyed plus the chance to meet up again.