Todwick Ramblers Club Walks: 2026
9th April 2026
Our luck was in with the weather, a glorious Spring Day of sunshine, a perfect day for a ramble.
Ten walkers plus 2 dogs made it to the start point near Elkesley, a small car park by the River Poulter. The good footpath led us through mature woodland then fields from which our picnic spot at Hardwick came into view. This footpath is part of the Robin Hood footpath trail. Hardwick, by the Clumber Lake, is a perfect stop, toilets, cafe and seating all there. Also, it was exactly at the halfway point. The total distance I clocked at 5.4 miles.
Refreshed we walked through the village then joined the return footpath. This led back through woodland and at times close to the River Poulter. Unfortunately, I developed a cramped calf muscle and had to retire at the A614, about 1.5 miles short of the finish. Grateful thanks to Brian White who led the gang back to base and then to rescue myself. I think everybody enjoyed the ramble.
19th March 2026
Nine fit looking Todwick Ramblers and Oscar assembled at Lower Bradfield for this gentle stroll round Dale Dike Dam, the scene of the UK’s worst water disaster.
There was interest straight away for our two birdwatchers seeing a couple of mandarin ducks. Next came the eight foot tall pot elephant – quite an unusual sight. We picked up the track at the side of the old Water Works that are now being made into luxury apartments. We then came to the first of the stone styles just easy one for a start. After crossing a sloping field, we came to the back lane that leads up to the dam, this was a steady climb but there were some great views looking back to Bradfield.
We had a coffee stop as we left the road and entered the forest on a handy wall. By this point the sun had come out and one Rambler was already stripping off. This track starts higher than the Dam so affords some good views across the water and the surrounding hills. There were more stone styles and streams to cross before we came down to the water level. There was a slight diversion here to take a look at the Strines Reservoir great views towards the Strines moors where controlled burning was taking place. There was also a view of Boots Folly. A row of stone blocks made this the ideal place for the lunch stop.
It was a job to get the group moving again as they all sat talking in the sun. Then it was back down to the water’s edge that follows the edge of the dam, some parts were a bit muddy but could have been worse. A couple of toads were spotted as we followed the track eventually coming to the new dam wall, no leaks here today. Then just a short walk up to the COB stone (Centre Original Bank) but there are no obvious signs that this was the site of the original dam that burst.
It was then a walk along a quiet back road and into Bradfield – just 6 miles.
5th March 2026
On a dry but, initially, misty Thursday morning fourteen ramblers assembled with Oscar on Church Lane in Carlton in Lindrick.
Leaving Church Lane, we took a left turn to head along High Street and crossed the road to follow Low Street onto The Cross before picking up the footpath off Greenway.
Following the footpath across the fields we had the challenge of a series of stiles as we headed to Hodstock Lane. Exiting the last field onto the lane also presented us with our muddiest challenge as rainwater had pooled at the fields entrance.
The Lane afforded us a much firmer footing as we headed towards the Priory. This part of the walk coincided with the sun breaking through the mist leading to several coats being unbuttoned or in a few cases removed.
After passing the Priory we stopped for a short break alongside a horse’s paddock.
Suitably refreshed we followed the path along the edge of the paddock and soon passed another walking group heading in the opposite direction.
Shortly after passing the edge of Horse Pastures Wood we took a left turn onto the path that would lead us back into Carlton.
We entered the village via the The Green and headed onto High Street for the final steps back to Church Lane and our cars.
18th February 2026
A group of 22 Ramblers (including 3 new members) & 4 dogs set off on a rain free, but cool morning for our Welbeck/Creswell Crags circular walk.
After leaving the main Welbeck car park and crossing the A60 we strolled through the Harley Art Trail. We then stopped briefly to read the Memorial Stone to mark the loss of five Canadian aircrew who crash landed in 1944 near Cresswell. We continued past the visitor centre through the Crags admiring the impressive limestone gorge.
Halfway round the Crags we said goodbye to 3 fellow ramblers who had chosen the shorter 2 mile walk. We then walked away from the Crags, successfully climbing over the stone stile & walking up hill to take in the views of Creswell, Elmton and beyond. Our walk then took us through fields, taking in a section of Robin Hoods Way towards the village of Holbeck. This is where we took a short coffee break.
Afterwards we walked along the tree lined path to St Winifred’s Church taking a brief stop to look at the church and some of the gravestones. Walking on from the church, the road took us to the other side of Holbeck, we then crossed the A60 returning to Welbeck & the car park where we began.
Approx 3.9 mile walk.
5th February 2026
What a surprise it was when sixteen Ramblers and one dog turned up for the walk on a miserable February morning in East Drayton. Among the walkers we had Sue Parker, her first walk in many years, hopefully not the last.
The fields we walked on were well sodden but not too muddy for this time of year and the amount of rain we have had lately. We had a short coffee stop at the wonky bridge which gave Brian White a chance to indulge in his new hobby of Geo-Caching. He did find the cache with some help although it did look like he may finish up in the river at one stage.
Off again and past more Willow plantations of various degrees of growth. Unfortunately, the rain came early but not too heavy. We did have some shelter from the wind provided by the Willow. A couple of plank bridges to cross but no problems for our seasoned Ramblers.
We did the walk in less than two hours, not bad going for 3 3/4 miles in these conditions.
Thanks for everyone that came and look forward to seeing you on Ann’s walk.
23rd January 2026
Our walk began at the RSPB visitor centre immediately to the north of Edwinstowe.
The day was cloudy, overcast and promised rain. Undeterred ten ramblers set off in a north westerly direction into Sherwood Forrest. After half a mile we turned left and through a part of the forest that contained some of the very ancient oaks for which Sherwood is famed.
Approximately a mile further on we came to a wide fire break running from north to south which marks the boundary between the Welbeck and Thoresby estates. Here we turned due north to the Centre Oak at the end of the fire break and an area where naturism is practised. Fortunately, we did not witness any of it being practised.
Carrying on north then north east we arrived at a junction half a mile south of Budby where we had a coffee break. We now followed the northern boundary of the country park before turning south back to the visitor centre. Just as we came back to our start point the rain came gently down.
A lovely walk enjoyed by all especially as we had the best of the day.
8th January 2026
A surprise that 17 ramblers turned up at Hollingwood Hub for our walk down the Chesterfield Canal to Tapton Lock, Todwickers not put off by a bit of Winter.
A good level path, but covered in ice, was safely followed down to the cafe at Tapton, this was our picnic stop and coffee break. We returned on the same route, again safely, a few slips but no falls thankfully. Not much to see on the Canal except ice, there were a few clear spots where the Mallards collected.
Hollingwood Hub has a large car park plus a cafe operated by the Chesterfield Canal Society. We’ll look for an another walk from here in the opposite direction.
Thanks to everyone for turning out, a good start to our rambling year.