Todwick Ramblers Club Walks: 2025

1st December 2025

Thank you to the 9 members and Oscar for supporting our 5.5 mile walk on a damp and drizzly day. Most of us felt over dressed as it was a very mild day.

We met at Kiveton Waters and then followed the path around the old Pit spoil heap. Our walk then took us through Harthill village and then to Harthill reservoir arriving at 11 am. Here we were joined by Rosemary for the next 2 miles.

After a brief stop we walked around the first 2 reservoirs, then back through Harthill led by our new walk leader (Oscar) who headed straight to the Beehive. We then retraced our steps back across the fields to Kiveton Waters.

I think it is fair to say that given the conditions everyone enjoyed the walk.

23rd November 2025

Flockton Park and Shirtcliff Wood

In spite of heavy rain early morning, 9 intrepid members met at Woodhouse Station for our walk.

As we set off through Flockton park the weather was dull but it wasn’t raining. We soon crossed Beaver Hill Road and entered Shirtcliff Wood taking the path alongside the stream. Avoiding the very steep paths to our right which led to the plateau above, we took a more gentle route, eventually curving right through a small section of Smelter Wood and arriving just below the plateau where a bench was conveniently placed for our first coffee stop with excellent views over the valley below. Unfortunately, almost as soon as we stopped, the rain started and the break turned out to be shorter than planned.

Then, walking briefly north, on a path through high hedges on both sides, (which I referred to as the secret alleyway since is so easily missed), we came to an open area with good views over to Handsworth, with the church plainly visible.

Off again, taking a path to the east now we walked downhill, enjoying views over Flockton and Woodhouse Mill and soon came to a gated entrance back into Shirtcliff Wood. At this point, 2 of our members took the left path, taking a shortcut back to Flockton Park and our start point, whilst the rest of us went right, back down to Shirtcliff Brook and took another circular route to the higher path on the other side of the Brook, now heading back to Flockton Park.

The plan was to stop for another coffee break but once we stopped at the planned spot it was still raining steadily and we decided to keep going, soon crossing back into the Park – taking the lower path through the Park this time arriving back at our cars just as the rain stopped!

A nice, enjoyable walk, in spite of the rain.

Brian

6th November 2025

9 walkers and Oscar, a four-legged friend, met at Crofters Close, Killamarsh.

It was a pleasant day, ideal for walking. We made our way down Boiley Lane crossing the floodplain which luckily was fairly dry.

We then passed under the Railway Bridge which led through a wooded area leading to Pipworth Lane where we crossed the first busy road, continuing along the lane we eventually entered Eckington Woods. Following the perimeter across the bridge we shortly reached the Seldom Seen Engine House built in 1855 which was for Plumbley Collieries. This was the site of a tragic drowning of 3 children and a watchman in the frozen pond behind the building in the late 1800’s.

The decision was made to stop for our break in this area as there were numerous large logs to sit on.

Continuing through the woods we passed Castle Hill which was the site of a Roman Fort (Encampment). Proceeding along Mill Lane we reached Eckington Church and noticed in the church grounds a lovely display of handmade poppies. Taking the steps down the side which led to the field we crossed earlier, we then retraced our route back to the starting point.

The walk was approx 5.25 miles.

16th October 2025

The walk started from the Anston Parish Hall car park on a still, cool and cloudy day. 13 Ramblers plus 3 dogs followed the footpath on the northern side of Anston Stones Wood, always a great site to enjoy the countryside. Eventually reaching the A57, which was crossed safely, this road is a nightmare.

We continued down Lindrick Dale taking our picnic before climbing the stiles to Anston Grange Farm. Apologies for the stopping spot, I couldn’t find anywhere better.

The old stiles here were useless, now improved but very basic. A bit challenging for some of us but safely clambered. We passed the farm shop here which looked good, also a field full of Pumpkins if you need one later.

The footpath continued alongside Tarmac Quarry, busy reducing the limestone rock to aggregate on a big scale. Then, for a change, we followed the woodland path to join First Lane which took us back into South Anston.

Another hairy crossing of the A57, helped by some considerate drivers, took us to the track by the side of the garage, across the rail line and Anston Brook to rejoin our original path and so back to the cars.

4.8 miles a good local hike I think enjoyed by all. Thanks to everyone who supported the Ramble.

4th October 2025

Gathering near the cafe at Thrybergh Country Park, seven hardy walkers (eight including Amy, aka Stormy 😊), set off on the level, western side of the reservoir. We then tackled the 100-foot rise of Thrybergh Lane to reach the small hamlet of Old Ravenfield and took a short break on benches outside St James Church.

The settlement of Ravenfield is thought to have been founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The name may be less to do with ravens and more to do with Hraefn who owned the field. This small, interesting church was built in 1756, replacing a medieval building that was demolished a year earlier. One feature that amused one of our party was a missing minute hand on the church’s clock. I assured him that it wasn’t broken: it had been designed that way. He wasn’t convinced though and said he would look for a “second-hand” minute hand!

After crossing a large field, we arrived at Ravenfield Park. Much of the Park consists of six large fishing ponds owned by the Phoenix Sports and Recreation Angling Club. Lying in a secluded valley, the route around the ponds is wooded and peaceful and necessitates some descending on wooden steps in places. Stopping at a small stone bridge over a brook after circumnavigating the ponds, we took our second coffee and snack stop.

After this, it was just a matter of retracing our route back on Thrybergh Lane. On reaching the reservoir again, we took the path on the eastern side, noting the good quality of the slightly springy surface, to reach the cafe where some of us enjoyed a coffee to conclude our walk.

Despite the Met Office warnings, Amy behaved well, in general, with only some infrequent light rain. So, we were reasonably dry when we ended the walk. We definitely felt the force of the wind, however, mainly on the return leg across the open field.

3rd July 2025

Nine walkers plus Oscar and Milo began our walk from Woodhouse Lane, Beighton at 10 am.

The walk was approx 6 miles, no stiles with 1 steep hill, good paths, fields and woodland.

We began our walk towards the bridge over Mosborough Parkway, turning left and then next right heading toward Linleybank Meadows. Following this path we proceeded down a steep incline turning right onto Stone Lane. After a while we took a detour into Shirebrook Valley making our way towards the car park before rejoining Stone Lane, crossing over the B6064 entering the Trans Pennine Trail to the edge of Stradbrook. Crossing the main Stradbrook Road we carried on the Trail turning right into Smelter Wood. After a short walk we crossed over Shirtcliff Brook coming to a steep incline which took us to the edge of Handsworth.

Walking a further half a mile we decided to take our break with a panoramic view overlooking Richmond in the distance. From here we made our way along the footpath to the edge of the fields turning right until we reached Shirtcliff Wood eventually approaching and crossing Beaver Hill Road and entered Flockton Park. We continued on the lower path which led us to Woodhouse Train Station and Bus Terminal. Taking Junction Road we followed the railway tracks on the left until we reached the turning into Beighton Marsh. A short walk through the Marsh brought us out onto Beighton Road. Crossing over the busy road we entered the edge of Shirebrook Valley bringing us back to the bridge over the A57 retracing our steps back to the starting point.

After a pleasant walk in warm sunny conditions everyone decided to take advantage of a visit to Joe's ice cream which we all enjoyed. The hardest decision was choosing which flavour to pick from the large selection.

25th June 2025 – an evening walk

The first time for years that we have had an evening walk, and this turned out to be an ideal evening for one, still comfortably warm but not as hot as earlier in the day. 15 people obviously thought it was a good idea and turned up at the Parish Hall car park in Anston. Just as we were setting off, Bobbie, the dog, trod on something that hurt her foot, she was obviously in some discomfort and Sue had to abandon ideas of walking and take her home. You will be glad to know that the dog is now fine.

The rest of us set off and walked into Anston Stones woods, initially taking the top path. We were interested to see quite a lot of wild orchids at the edges of the paths. Down to Anston Brook, taking the zigzag path to avoid the steep steps, we stopped for a drink and were able to sit down on a low wall. Then we followed the path besides the brook back to the park in Anston.

An easy 3 mile walk, enjoyed by all with plenty of opportunity for people to talk as well as walk.

Marion Brassington

5th June 2025

Twelve walkers and Oscar set off in a light drizzle from the car park at Clowne for our walk of around 5.5 miles. Within minutes, we were heading south on a gentle hillside with extensive views to the west overlooking North Chesterfield and the Peak District.

On reaching Oxcroft Lane, we said goodbye to four of the group who had opted for the shortened version of the route. With a strong recommendation not to veer off the main track, they arrived safely back at cars and headed for lunch.

The rest of the party continued to the historic and attractive village of Elmton. There, we viewed a number of information boards scattered around the hamlet to find answers to the 13 questions on the sheets handed out at the start of the walk.

After a pleasant coffee and snack stop on a picnic bench on the village green, we left Elmton and followed a broad lane and a narrower footpath though fields and, passing farmhouses, back to the outskirts of Clowne. By now, it was dry, warm and even sunny at times.

The final section of the walk was on the wooded, former railway line now called the Clowne Linear Park. This line can now be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders but was once part of a railway system that carried passengers and coal products. We soon dropped off the trail onto an urban path that led to the car park through a small estate of new housing.

27th March 2025

14 Todwick Ramblers turned up for this extra walk to see the new £1/2 million Trans Pennine Trail bridge.The warm sunny morning was just right for a leisurely walk. We walked up the old railway line that is now the TPT to the new bridge and had an early stop for snacks.

Several members had not seen the new canal basin so walked up for a look, most were impressed by the new cafe and shops being build there. We retraced our steps and stopped for a photo shoot under the bridge, Brian gave us demonstration of stunt riding on an abandoned bike very impressive. We then walked along the original route of the canal which will be reinstated in the future. We had a chat with some of the canal trusts volunteers who are doing some clearance work who gave us some information about the canal.

20th March 2025

On the first day of Spring and the warmest day of the year so far, sixteen lucky walkers and two dogs set off on a walk of around 5.5 miles from Bolsover Castle.

After descending on field paths, we soon arrived at the model village of New Bolsover. This was one of the country’s first mining villages built in the late 19th century on garden city lines. The philanthropic coal mine owner aimed to give his workers good housing standards and sports outlets. We then continued into the Peter Fidler and Carr Vale Flash nature reserves, stopping briefly at the monument paid for by the citizens of Canada in honour of Mr Fidler, born in from 1769 and originally from Bolsover. He was a highly respected map maker, surveyor and Chief Scout for the Hudson Bay Trading Company.

We passed a number of ponds and viewing points in the reserves and then joined the tree-lined Stockley Trail, a former railway line, for around a mile. Then leaving the Trail, we tackled the gradual, at first, climb on field paths up the valley side. Nearing the top of the now steeper climb, we paused a few times to admire the views and recover our breaths before emerging at the hilltop village of Palterton where we stopped on benches for our snacks and drinks.

The final 1.5 miles were on level field and urban paths, with distant views, taking us back to the Castle and to well-earned refreshments in the local pub restaurant.

8th February 2025

It was a grey, drizzly day when 12 of the regular walkers, plus Oscar the dog, assembled on Main Street in Sprotborough. Fortunately the cold wind of the previous day had abated and the skies cleared. We took a footpath down to the river, the flight of steps the easiest and best I have ever encountered on a walk.

Then a very pleasant stretch of path alongside the River Don, with snowdrops flowering amongst the ivy of the hill. We were interested to see how trees had fallen into the river and taken a considerable part of the river bank with them.

Steps took us up to a disused railway line, we had a short break and looked down on the river. This path is now part of the Trans Pennine Trail, a broad level path which is well surfaced and shaded by hedges and trees on both sides, so easy, comfortable walking. After a mile and a half we left the path and headed towards Cusworth Hall. A short, steep hill took us up to the Hall, where there were toilets and a cafe, also plenty of seats, a convenient place to stop for lunch.

After about 20 minutes we set off again, down to the lakes and over a field path to Sprotborough, passing through a tunnel under the motorway. Then along various streets in the village back to our cars.

An interesting and varied walk of just over 5.5 miles.