Todwick Ramblers Club Walks: 2022
5th November 2022
The walk on Saturday, 5th November 2022 from Laughton en le Morthen saw eighteen members set off on a route around 5 miles long.
Starting from Leger Lakes Tearoom, which was disappointingly closed because of an overnight problem, we headed towards St John’s Church before taking a cross-field path to Hangman’s Lane.
From there, the path skirted around the churchyard of All Saints Church whose tall spire can be seen for miles around. The churchyard also contains the “motte” of a Norman castle which is built on the site of an Anglo Saxon Hall, emphasising the historic importance of this village. The walk then descended by small road and field path to the Traveller Rest pub in Brookhouse where we took a short break in its car park.
Continuing to Slade Hooton, we crossed a large, cropped field which was relatively firm underfoot despite the recent rains. Arriving in Kings Wood, we then climbed steeply for a short while and then followed the ridge path back to our cars at the tearoom.
Thankfully, the weather forecast stating 80% chance of rain proved incorrect and we finished the walk fairly dry. The only downside was being unable to enjoy the highly praised tea and cakes of the tearoom.
26th October 2022
I led a walk on this route in July 2022 and decided to use it again when the expected walk was cancelled. This time 6 people started the walk accompanied by two dogs. After heavy rain overnight there were some muddy and slippery patches, but it was a lovely day, warm and dry with sunny intervals. We appreciated the autumnal colours of the trees, especially on the very attractive path following the disused canal bed.
This time we decided to stop at The Angel Inn in Spinkhill village, the ladies enjoyed coffee and cake and the men a variety of different drinks, whilst we sat outside in the very pleasant grounds. Continuing our walk we admired the far-reaching views, there was some discussion about whether we could see the Norton water tower, after consulting maps at home I am sure that we did! Then sit was downhill all the way back to our cars.
A very pleasant walk of just under 5 miles.
Marion Brassington
28th September 2022
Nine members and one dog set off from Todwick Church car park on a cool, late September morning. After an hour’s walking across the fields heading towards Manor Road we took the decision to have a coffee stop, the sun was shining, beautiful blue skies, the perfect day for walking.
Continuing the walk and stripping of a few layers we arrived at Kiveton Waters just in time for lunch. Seven members then carried on the walk along the canal and back to Todwick.
Distance approximately 7 miles but the walking conditions were perfect.
Thank you to all who took part.
Anne Hawksworth
8th September 2022
An excellent turnout of 18 people joined the ramble on Thursday, 8 September 2022. We parked on Booker Way to start the walk along the Old Mineral Line. It was described that the agricultural fields to the south of the tarmac path were intended for solar panels, subject to planning approval.
Unfortunately, there are no footpaths leaving off the Line so after about a mile we reversed course and headed back to the Thornberry Animal Sanctuary cafe. About half the party used the cafe, very satisfied, others could use the outside benches for picnics. The only problem was that they do not like pets on the premises, a possible health hazard to their animals was the explanation.
We then continued around the paths of Dinnington Community Woodland, still enjoying good weather including a good bit of sunshine. We had to pass through the ever-growing estate of industrial units, none appeared to have solar panels. The total roof area must be close to the agricultural land area we saw earlier, makes you wonder if things could be done differently.
The Community Woodland site is maturing well, it is a very popular walking area for the locals. We more or less followed the paths around the edge of the site and returned back via the same Industrial area route. A total distance of about 4.7 miles which seems to be a popular ramble length for most of our members.
Thanks to everyone, plus 2 well behaved dogs, for supporting the ramble.
Brian Chambers
25th August 2022
On Thursday, 25th August 2022, 16 members began a ramble on a drizzly morning, in high spirits, fully expecting the rain to stop in an hour or so. It never did, but it was welcomed anyway, after all the hot and sunny weather over the past few weeks. It was also good to see some members from way back in time, Christine, Brenda, Dave, and Matt looking more like his old self.
The walk was planned to go along the outer lesser used paths of Rother Valley Country Park, which initially led us through a wood and round the Southern section of the quieter lakes.
To accommodate a requested coffee stop, the route was diverted a little, to give a good view over the Nature Reserve Lake, where we were fortunate enough to see, and with Brian’s very good knowledge of birds, identify many of them. From here we had a gentle climb to the café area, of the relatively new Camping and Caravan Club site. Some members enjoyed excellent coffee in the café, while others found a very good vantage point overlooking R.V. Country Park, where lunch was taken.
After lunch the path from the café descended to lake level, and round the Northern section of the park, before climbing two railway bridges to access the Trans Pennine Trail on the West side of the park. From here the route followed the Trail through a wooded area back to the car park at the end of a very pleasurable 4.75 mile ramble.
3rd August 2022
13 intrepid walkers turned up at the Todwick Church car park on this glorious day, with no sign of the heavy showers that there had been the day previously.
We actually started with a short discussion, since the last section of the walk would involve using a path over the farmer’s field leading from Kiveton Park up to the Kiveton Hall barns and the pre-walk had shown that the farmer had recently ploughed and tilled the field, which made the path a little uneven. It was agreed that we should reverse the direction of the walk and get this section done first, making it easier for our walkers with walking sticks. Far easier to walk downhill rather than uphill!
With this behind us we proceeded down to Kiveton Bridge station and joined the Chesterfield canal heading west towards Kiveton Waters. Always so calm and peaceful.
There was a little excitement on the path leading to Kiveton Waters when 2 horses, bored with eating dry grass, came over to see if we had any titbits to offer but we didn’t want to encourage them and had to leave them disappointed.
The main stop for our picnic was in Kiveton Waters where we settled on the “druids circle of stones” – ample seating for all and so comfortable it almost needed a crowbar to get some of our members up and on the road again.
From there, across country for another rest by Wales cemetery, then onwards to Storth Lane, where we had another coffee stop at the railway bridge before coming across the fields to the bottom of Mill Fields and back to the car park.
Altogether a very pleasant day, good company, lots of banter and lots of picnic breaks (4 in total).
21st July 2022
After a week of exceptionally hot weather, Thursday was a pleasant day for walking, there had been a drop of rain, enough to freshen up the air and vegetation, but it was still dry underfoot.
Only 5 people turned up, meeting at a small car park next to the Sitwell Arms in Renishaw. The first part of the walk was alongside a partially restored section of the Chesterfield canal, soon after this the path continued along the actual canal bed, through a section which had been abandoned when it was diverted to accommodate the railway line. This was an exceptionally scenic and quiet part of the walk with trees growing up on either bank. After walking up past a farm we had a stop for coffee, then onwards to and through the woodlands created on the site of the former Westthorpe Colliery.
There was then a short section of road walking until we reached the attractive village of Spinkhill, past the church and downhill on the edge of the extensive playing fields belonging to Mount St Mary’s College. Across another field to the Trans Pennine trail, and after eating lunch we followed the trail back to the car park.
Altogether a very enjoyable and varied walk of just under 5 miles.
Marion Brassington
29th June 2022
The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust manages 42 nature reserves in the County all former industrial sites mainly areas of disused flooded gravel pits. These range in size from small lakes to the two large sites at Beeston and idle Valley which have visitor’s centres and cafes.
Our walk was all within the boundaries of Daneshill Lakes nature reserve, Torworth, an area with a large lake, multiple smaller lakes and mixed woodland. Fortunately the overnight rain had cleared being replaced by light cloud and sunshine as we left the car park to walk through woodland passing a number of small lakes and a river to reach the road.
Crossing over we entered the north reserve walking mainly through evergreen woods to reach the northern boundary, passing an old building on the way which was allegedly built to house the British resistance in the event of a German invasion in the World War 2.
Following a short rest we continued past the north side lakes, although due to the dry weather these were just mud, to again cross the road to take our coffee break at the side of the main lake. A short walk along the side of the lake took us back to the car park.
A short figure of eight walk of just under 4 miles was enjoyed by the 20 members and two dogs present.
Helena & Terry
Walk Leaders
7th June 2022
Although only 4 ramblers, all male, joined the walk from Kiveton Community Woodlands car park we had a most enjoyable brisk stroll. The weather was fantastic, sunny and warm, a big improvement on the previous cold and cloudy day.
The ramble took us through the parkland, spotting a Little Egret (White Heron) on the way, eventually joining one of the many National Cycling Routes near Wales. We proceeded through the M1 tunnel and into Nor Wood, a very pleasant established wood, stopping here for a light picnic.
The route through the wood took us back below the motorway to Woodall Village, then good footpaths back to the Parkland and the car park.
A very pleasant ramble, a good chat, good company and some good exercise on a lovely warm day. Hopefully there will be a better turn out on the next ramble.
Brian Chambers
25th May 2022
This local walk was put into the programme to replace Neil Hawksworth’s Derbyshire walk who, following a walking accident in Scotland, was unable to lead. I was planning to be on that walk, so let’s hope it will reappear in the programme at a future date.
8 members enjoyed the 5-mile ramble through Lindrick Dale and over part of the golf course to the village of Woodsetts. From here the route took us away left up to Dewidales Wood, and back to our cars through Anston Stones Wood.
The trees and bushes along the way were very green and lush, and the field crops looked to be healthy and growing well. Thanks, I suppose, to all the rain this last fortnight or so. Weather-wise the morning proved to be dry, although intermittent showers were forecast. A bit of a blustery breeze, but not too cold, made good walking conditions.
Janet Tomkin
1st May 2022
On a cool cloudy morning following a little overnight rain, 17 members plus one dog met at Shireoaks Marina for a Sunday morning ramble. It was good to welcome back some members who had not been on a club walk for some time, probably enticed to join us by the promise of an easy steady walk.
Leaving Shireoaks we walked by the side of private fishing lakes, before crossing over a bridge to join the canal path heading towards Turner Wood. On route we saw 7 small ducklings with “mum” and a couple of swans nesting, before entering Old Spring Wood to view the bluebells. These were truly magnificent and are as good as we have seen anywhere. We are so fortunate to have such a display so close to where we all live.
After a coffee stop we continued through the wood before returning to the canal path stopping for lunch on one of the many canal bridges. Continuing back a heron was seen in a field on the opposite side of the canal before a group decision was taken to stop for an ice cream at the small café at Turner Wood. The route back meant we kept by the canal and returned to our cars via the side of the Marina.
A walk of approximately 4.5 miles in ideal walking conditions.
Ernest and Judy, Walk Leaders.
21st April 2022
11 Todwick Ramblers plus 2 very well behaved dogs, Poppy & Bob, met in the Village of Letwell. The weather was perfect all the way, warm, plenty of sunshine and just a slight breeze.
We followed good field footpaths on our way to Firbeck, enjoying splendid views of the surrounding countryside. We stayed on the road through the village then to our first stop at Thwaite House Farm. Here we had the experience of watching three lambs being born, quite amazing after only minutes they were up on their feet and suckling. We followed the hedgerow to Thwaite Wood, here were good displays of Wood Anemone, and onwards to Leys Lane where we had a short coffee break.
The Ramble then followed the path back to Letwell, Lincoln Cathedral is just visible on the horizon, emerging by the Village Church. A notice board on Barker Hades Road is worth a look, produced by the local art club it details the many interesting local buildings.
A leisurely 4.5 mile local walk much enjoyed by everyone in the splendid weather.
Brian Chambers
9th April 2022
The long disused rail tracks which once connected the mines of northeast Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire now form a labyrinth of MUPS (multi-user paths) for the enjoyment of both walkers and cyclists. Our latest walk commenced at Rowthorne Trail car park, one of the many access points to the paths.
In sunny but cool conditions, 15 members plus Poppy the dog walked along the slightly elevated trail enjoying the views over the Derbyshire farmland until reaching the Teversal trail for a short coffee break.
We continued along the Teversal Trail until arriving at a short link path to gain access to the unsurfaced Pear Tree Lane which soon turned into a grass track with two convenient large logs to sit on and enjoy our lunch stop.
Our route was then along the lane and field paths, via the hamlet of Norwood to enter Hardwick Park through Lady Spencer’s Wood with the bluebells just starting to come in flower.
A short walk through the park with the first of the spring lambs then took us back to our starting point. An enjoyable walk of just under 6 miles on good paths with no stiles.
Helena & Terry
Walk Leaders
22nd March 2022
Unfortunately, our programmed leaders were Covided, so a local walk was hastily arranged.
11 Ramblers met on the A57 lay-by near Lindrick Dale. We walked down the Dale to the Canal then on to our picnic stop at Turnerwood. A warm sunny day, probably the best day of the year.
We then followed the Canal feeder to Brancliffe Farm, skirted the Golf Course, crossed the A57 and stopped near Woodsetts for another short break. The path then took us along Lindrick Common back to the cars.
A steady 4.7 mile ramble over some beautiful local scenery.
Brian Chambers
10th March 2022
8 members set off on the Rivelin Valley ramble on a mild March day. We climbed on the south side of the river towards the edge of Sandygate, taking a coffee break at a spot with views of the Rivelin Valley. We then descended through woodland eventually back to the river, passing a field with 4 grazing Llama.
The return journey was alongside the river, past sites of old water-driven cutlery grinding mills. A pair of Dipper birds were clearly visible, feeding in the river. At the picnic stop a pair of Treecreeper fed on tree trunks just a few metres away.
An attractive ramble back with the river in good flow. A round walk of about 5 miles with some welcome sunshine as we neared the car park.
Thanks to all who made the ramble, a good walk in one of Sheffield’s river valleys.
Brian Chambers.
22nd February 2022
After a week of gales and named storms I questioned whether this walk could take place, but it turned out to be very pleasant day, windy but dry with some sunny periods, we were very lucky.
Eleven of us met in the car park near the seated café at Langold Country Park. We set off through the wood to the lake and children’s playground, there we were joined by another walker and her dog. The water of the lake was being blown into choppy waves, but the path was fairly sheltered as we walked around. We heard that some organised groups do still swim there, but it didn’t look at all enticing! After a circuit of the lake, we sat at the picnic benches for coffee and some people made use of the toilets. The kiosk selling drinks and ice creams is not open at this time of the year.
We then walked up the drive to Dyscarr wood, taking the path to the left which lead us alongside the woods and then beside a field. When we reached the road we turned across the field towards Firbeck. This footpath crossed what was once the private racecourse of Anthony St Leger, although it is now farmland the oval shape of the course can still be seen in the surrounding trees and hedges. Many people believe that the St Leger was first run here before moving to Doncaster in 1776. As we reached the wood the sun came out and we wondered if sun cream and glasses should have been brought not woolly hats!
Into this narrow wood and out again on a good path leading to a farm track, which took us to Dyscarr Wood, which is a local nature reserve and site of Special Scientific Interest. The path through the wood took us back to the entrance to Langold Country Park. We again took advantage of the picnic benches for a lunch break. After lunch it was back to the cars by a slightly different route, passing some of the workmen who were clearing fallen trees and branches.
A very pleasant, fairly level, 5 mile walk in surprisingly good weather.
Marion Brassington
5th February 2022
16 walkers and Poppy the dog set off from Laughton Church on a cold but dry morning. Having plans A, B and C in place and two novice leaders what could possibly go wrong? Having taken the wrong turning in the first 50 metres we then found the correct path across a very muddy field, exiting at the Travellers Rest in Brookhouse. Turning right and walking a short distance along the road we turned East on the direct route to Roche Abbey. Conditions under foot were not good and were all pleased to have a welcome rest at the Abbey.
The route back was a Westerly path through King’s Wood onto the escarpment directly back to Laughton.
Having such a large group was not without incidents and we managed to misplace one or two walkers along the route from time to time and the possibility of Mountain Rescue did fleetingly cross my mind. Thankfully we all arrived back safely and were in fact complimented along the route by other walkers as to how well our group was organised.
There was controversy at the end of the walk regarding mileage from three males claiming anything between 5.5 and 7 miles. The actual distance measured on the OS map being 5 miles.
Anne and Brian would like to thank everyone for their support.
26th January 2022
Luckily, we had chosen a beautiful sunny winter’s day for our walk and conditions remained the same throughout the day.
We began at the Langold Lake cafe car park, heading west out of the park emerging onto the B6060. This was followed a short distance due west before turning due south along a bridleway. After about 0.5 miles we turned east through a farm and on into Wallingwells Wood, eventually emerging into Carlton in Lindrick where we had a short stop or coffee.
We continued east through Carlton and out into the fields beyond, eventually reaching Hodsock Priory. Here we stopped for lunch whilst admiring the architecture of the Priory, especially its amazing chimneys.
After lunch we headed north and west through open fields to Hodsock Lodge Farm. Our route carried on along good track back to the Langold Lake car park.
This circular route was completed by 11 ramblers in just over 3 hours covering 6.75 miles.
Neill Hawkesworth