Wollaton

Long Walks

LONG WALKS

John

Walks will be 6 to 9 miles, up to an hour away by road. Monthly walks are planned in the first week of each month, but on varying days.

The Group has a few places available. if you are interested in joining us, please contact using the link below.

Contact Long Walks Group

2019

• 11 group members enjoyed the first walk on April 15th, led by Peter. A 7 mile circular walk from Gotham Village.

• 9 walkers had a great day out on Tuesday 7th May, walking the Baslow and Curbar Edges and returning along the River Derwent and through farmland.

• Peter led the walk on June 5th, following the Robin Hood Way from Nottingham Castle to Bramcote Hills. We walked along the Nottingham Canal to Highfields Park, before visiting the ancient oak in Wollaton Park, Finally through Alexandrina Planation to Bramcote Hills.

• We had a great day on July 2nd, with perfect walking weather. The route was a circular walk from Bradgate Park, with varied scenery and a good coffee stop!

• Another great day on August 5th, following the second leg of The Robin Hood Way from Bramcote Hills to Kimberley, with a coffee stop at Strelley Hall.

• 7 walkers enjoyed a glorious, if challenging, day on September 3rd, climbing up to Derwent Edge from Derwent Dam and following the edge and the various rocky outcrops from ‘Lost Lad Hill’ to ‘The Horse and Carriage’, before dropping back down to Ladybower Reservoir and the lost village of Derwent.

• A gloriously sunny day on October 2nd as the group completed the third leg of the Robin Hood Way from Kimberley to Bestwood. Again led by Peter.

• The November walk was postponed until the spring due to heavy rain.

• 11 group members enjoyed a fabulous sunny day on December 9th, following Stage 4 of the Robin Hood Way, from Bestwood to Burntstump.

2020

• 12 members had an easy 7 mile circular walk from Cossall on Tuesday 7th January. We followed the disused Nottingham Canal past the Bennerley Viaduct, returning along the Erewash Canal.

• 14 Group members enjoyed a great day’s walk on Stage 5 of the Robin Hood Way, including a visit to Papplewick Pumping Station.

• 12 group members enjoyed a very enjoyable and friendly 9 mile circular walk, led by Liz. Starting from Terversal, we followed mostly easy terrain, often following disused railway tracks, with a stop for packed lunch at Hardwick Hall (NT).

• The Long Walks Group resumed its programme on Tuesday 1st September. Fabulous weather meant a record turn out of 15 group members enjoyed a 7 mile local walk, led by Peter. The walk started at Bramcote Park and followed the Erewash Trail to the Tram Terminus on Toton Lane. The return followed the tram track and went through the Beeston Fields area to the start point. It was great to get back to walking as a group.

• The best weather of the week made the October walk on Wednesday 7th very enjoyable. A six mile circular walk, starting at St Mary’s Church Greasley, took in the Brinsley Coffin Walk, Colliers Wood Nature Reserve, Moorgreen Reservoir, High Park Woods and open countryside. Walking in the steps of D.H. Lawrence and enjoying the countryside which was his inspiration for novels such as Sons and Lovers, The White Peacock, Women in Love and Lady Chatterley’s Lover, 15 walkers had a great morning’s walking.

• 12 groups members were glad to be able to walk again on Monday 7th December, after having had to cancel the November walk due to Covid 19 restrictions. Peter led the group on a circular walk, starting at Bramcote Hills car park, Although rather muddy in places, the six miles went by enjoyably, taking around two and a half hours.

2021

• The Long Walks Group resumed its programme on Tuesday April 6th 2021. 13 members enjoyed a six and a half mile walk from Beeston Lock around Attenborough Nature Reserve, taking in Attenborough Church and Henry Ireton’s birthplace. Under clear blue skies with a biting cold wind, the group enjoyed the walk and the companionship.

• Wednesday May 5th. Another gloriously sunny day, if still chilly. 11 members set out from the Parkside entrance to Wollaton Park and followed a circular route through the park, the Jubilee Campus and the University Park. After a coffee stop by Highfields Park lake, we returned through the University Gardens to Wollaton Park, walked through the bluebell woods and along the lake to our start point. A very enjoyable and social event.

• Monday June 7th. 10 group members had a great circular walk in Bestwood Country Park of about 5.5 miles. The weather was warm, the company enjoyable and the varied scenery interesting. We visited: Big Wood, the Bestwood Colliery Winding Engine, Mill Lakes and Alexandra Lodge, before returning past The Bestwood Lodge Hotel.

• Thursday July 1st. Peter led a small group of five on another local circular walk. Starting from Highfields Park the route crossed the Dr Stewart Adams Bridge (2019), continued to the Beeston Canal and followed the canal to Beeston Lock. The return was along the River Trent to Clifton Bridge and back to Highfields Park. Hopefully if Covid restrictions are eased we may be able to go a bit further afield in August.

• Monday August 2nd. John lead an interesting circular walk from the centre of Southwell. 11 members enjoyed an excellent morning in good walking conditions, enjoying the magnificent Georgian houses along Church Street and the birthplace of the Bramley Seedling apple in Easthorpe before entering the countryside to the south of the town with distant views of the Minster, before returning via Westhorpe, Norwood Park, the Southwell Way, the historic area of Burgage and The Minster.

• Tuesday September 7th. Peter led a small group of seven members on a linear 7 mile walk from Farnsfield to the A60 by Portland College, following another leg of the Robin Hood Way. Travel was entirely by bus, using our free bus passes! An enjoyable walk in very hot conditions, through fields of crops and welcome shady woodland, with a lunch break in Blidworth.

• Wednesday October 6th. Plans for the walk were amended to a local one, due to the fuel supply shortages. Nine members did a circular walk of 7+ miles starting from Beeston Lock, following the River Trent, River Leen and Nottingham Canal, with a coffee stop in Wilford Village. A glorious sunny autumn day.

• Thursday November 4th. The group passed the mid point of the Robin Hood’s Way during an excellent 7.3 mile walk from Farnsfield to Brackenhurst College. Despite a chilly wind, the day was bright and sunny allowing the eight walkers to enjoy great views over the Nottinghamshire countryside. Peter led the walk, which included a diversion to visit the Halifax bomber memorial, commemorating the crash of the bomber in July 1944 as it returned to its base near Selby, killing all the crew. A lunch stop in Halam churchyard fortified us for the last few miles.

• Monday December 6th. Nine stalwart members braved the elements to explore the ‘other’ side of the River Trent around Clifton Village. Despite it being a bit chilly and rather wet, the group enjoyed a walk through Clifton Grove, then back along the Trent to view Beeston Weir from the other side. On to Barton in Fabis, where a coffee break was taken under shelter by Manor Farm, before returning to the cars through Clifton Wood. The first walk in nearly 3 years in the rain!

2022

• Tuesday January 4th. Our first walk for the New Year, led by Peter. 13 members did a 7 mile circular walk from Beeston, through the University Parks. It turned into a cold but glorious sunny day with clear blue skies, Including a short coffee stop by the lake in Highfields Park, the walk took us about 3 hours. A very enjoyable walk, in excellent company.

• Wednesday February 2nd. 11 walkers met up at Skylarks Nature Reserve and enjoyed an interesting 6 mile circular walk around the Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Watersports Centre. We were never too far from a stretch of water - the 2km long rowing course, the River Trent, the white water canoeing course and various small lakes and fishing areas. After a coffee stop we visited St Edmund’s Church churchyard with views of Holme Pierrepont Hall, before returning past the Hackett fishing lakes to our cars.

• Thursday March 3rd. Peter led another stage of the Robin Hood Way. 7 members of the group met up at Victoria Bus Station to catch the Pronto, travelling up the A 60 to near Newstead Abbey. Conditions were good and the dry weather was a welcome break between the rainy days either side. With no cold winds, the group enjoyed the route, mainly through wooded areas, with a glimpse of the Abbey. With a stop for coffee and another for our lunches, we completed the 6 mile route and caught the return bus from Portland College after a great day.

• Monday 4th April. 11 walkers met near Bennerley Viaduct and walked along the old Nottingham canal to the Gear Northern Basin at Langley Mill - the only place in the UK where three canals meet. After a coffee stop, we returned along the Erewash Canal and crossed the Viaduct to reach the car park. The weather stayed dry and after the cold days of the previous week, it felt quite warm. The group enjoyed the seven mile round trip.

• Wednesday 4th May. 9 group members męt up to catch the 10.10 route 26 bus towards Southwell, getting off at Brackenhurst College. The light rain stopped and we followed another stage of the Robin Hood Way in pleasant conditions. The route took us across fields with views of the Minster into the town and then along the winding River Greet to Maythorne. A final long straight stretch following the route of a disused railway led us to the return bus in Farnsfield. Another enjoyable and successful day for the group.

• Tuesday 7th June. 9 members met up in Cromford Wharf car park at 9.45 on a warm and pleasant day for an interesting and varied circular walk, involving a couple of fairly stiff climbs. After crossing the River Derwent, we climbed up towards Starkholmes Village, with views back across the valley and over Matlock Bath. We then dropped down, past the gondola station and through woods to the north bank of the river, crossing a footbridge to The Derwent Gardens for a coffee stop. We then faced about 300 rough stone steps on the other side of the gorge up to the pretty village of Upperwood, before dropping down into Cromford Village, past Arkwight’s Mill for our picnic lunch by the canal.

• Thursday 7th July. Peter led a small group of 5 on the first section of the Nottingham Clock Walk - a 60 mile circumnavigation of Nottingham City, split into twelve sections, which Peter is modifying to lengthen each stage to give fewer sections and to enable us to utilise public transport. This first section was from Sandiacre to Kimberley. It was a fabulous day, initially following the quiet Erewash Canal for about 5km, then heading across the fields to the attractive village of Cossall, with views back over the countryside, before continuing on footpaths to Kimberley, where we had our packed lunches.

• Monday 1st August. On a glorious day for walking, the group tackled a varied and interesting circular walk of seven miles in Charnwood, North Leicestershire. The walk took in three country parks, The Outwoods, Broombriggs Farm and Beacon Hill, with three climbs affording great views - Windmill Hill, Broombriggs Hill and Beacon Hill. Although popular parks, we met few other walkers once away from the car parks. The paths were well maintained and route finding was straight forward. Highly recommended. We parked in The Outwoods (£1 all day), which is about a 30 minute drive from Wollaton. .

• Tuesday 6th September. 13 group members met up at Kimberley war memorial for a linear walk covering almost two more sections of the Nottingham Clock Walk, led by Peter. The weather was kind with pleasant walking conditions and none of the forecast showers. The walk took us through Kimberley and Watnall, following field paths and crossing the M1 eventually stopping for a packed lunch at Bulwell Park Golf Club. We then crossed through Bestwood Park, with a couple of stiff climbs before dropping down to the A60 at Redhill and the return bus. It was a very enjoyable walk of nine miles.

• Wednesday 5th October. 10 members of the group met up at Calton Lees Car Park (Chatsworth) for a 9.30 start. The weather was not too kind, with light rain on and off for the whole walk. However, we enjoyed a slightly reduced circular walk of about six miles. After crossing Beeley Bridge we climbed to Beeley Heights and onto the moors above Chatsworth House, before stopping for a group photo in front of the C16th Hunting Tower, built for Bess of Hardwick to designs by Robert Smythson. We then dropped down through the park for a welcome coffee and our sandwiches in The Courtyard. A short walk along the east bank of the River Derwent took us back to the car park for about 2 p.m.

• Thursday 3rd November. 10 group members met up outside the Ram Pub near Arnold to tackle the next stage of the Nottingham Clock Walk. The weather was kind, getting sunnier as the day progressed . The route, of about 7 miles, took us along various paths and minor roads across Arnold, before we headed across fields to Lambley for our lunch stop. The final leg took us up a hill with views to the South, to catch the return bus from Button Joyce. Another enjoyable day.

• Monday 5th December. The walk was led, at short notice, by Peter. Despite last minute apologies from a number of the group due to Covid and other issues, sixteen members of the group tackled a 6/7 mile circular walk around Shipley Country Park, starting from the Mapperley Reservoir car park. We welcomed some new members on the walk and we now have 25 in the group. Luckily Peter knows the Park well so the walk went well and was enjoyed by the group.

2023

• Thursday January 5th. 15 Long Walkers followed the next section of the Nottingham Clock Walk, led by Peter. The weather was mild with no real rain and the group enjoyed an interesting walk of about 7 miles in the Trent Valley, from Burton Joyce to Bingham. The route followed the River to Gunthorpe, crossing the bridge and then on onto East Bridgford, where we stopped for lunch in the very well maintained Churchyard, before crossing fields past the site of RAF Newton to Bingham and the bus back to Nottingham. Another great day’s walking.

• Tuesday February 7th. A record 20 group members met at Rushcliffe Country Park at 9.30, on a frosty but bright morning. As the day progressed the temperature increased until it was more like a sunny Spring day than Midwinter! The route took us through the park to the line of the Heritage Railway, which we followed South for about a mile, before crossing the railway and followed an attractive path along Fairham Brook. After about half a mile, a local Farmer/Landowner objected to us following the path as it was not a public footpath, so we retraced our steps to the railway and then headed East towards Bunny on a ‘genuine footpath’ Reaching the attractive and historic village of Bunny, we had a lunch break in the Village Green, before taking a Group photo in front of the Village School, built in about 1700 , with its Latin inscriptions over the door. We then walked through the graveyard of the 14th Century Church (St. Mary’s) and the old part of the village, resuming our route back to the Country Park, via the village of Bradmore. An excellent circular walk of about 7 miles, enjoyed by all.

• Wednesday March 1st. 12 group members met up in town and took the bus to Bingham. Peter then led us on another leg of the Nottingham Clock Walk to Cotgrave, via Cropwell Butler, Cropwell Bishop and the Grantham canal. The weather was mixed, with sunny intervals, light showers and a chilly breeze. However the group had a great walk in fairly flat and not too muddy conditions, with no real rain. The route was around six and a half miles, providing an enjoyable and friendly day out.

• Monday April 3rd. The group travelled to meet up at the new Sherwood Forest Visitors’ Centre. The 11 members on the walk enjoyed a fine day, which was sunny and pleasant. The 6.5 mile circular route took us through Edwinstowe village and across fields along the River Maun, before heading back into the Forest. After a stop for our coffees, we walked past the mature ‘Central Oak’ and into the older part of the woods, with birch and ancient oaks, before crossing the heathland and re-entering the Forest. We stopped for our lunch break and a photo by the ‘Major Oak’, before returning to the Visitors Centre. A great day enjoyed by all.

• Thursday May 4th. 14 group members met up in Ticknall Village Hall Car Park on an excellent day for walking. Conditions were dry and despite the East wind, pleasantly warm with sunny intervals. The walk was led by Jane and Judith and took us across fields and through wooded areas to Milton village before heading on towards Foremark. We stopped for lunch by Foremark Church, built in 1662 and in its original condition with closed pew boxes, situated outside the village in a field. After our break we walked through the grounds of Foremark Hall, now housing the Repton Prep School. The final stage took us through Heath Wood, an ancient Viking burial site with bluebells in bloom, before crossing more fields back to Ticknall. Thanks to our leaders for a great day out.

• Tuesday June 6th. It was hardly flaming June, but never the less, walking conditions were very pleasant and the paths dry. Peter led us on a further stage of the Nottingham Clock Walk from Cotgrave to Keyworth, accessed using public transport from town. A straight forward walk on good paths and minor roads, with one initial climb. 14 members enjoyed a very sociable walk, of just over 7 miles, across pleasant countryside to the south of Nottingham. Lunch was taken in the churchyard of All Saints Church, Stanton on the Wolds, a small but ancient church founded in the 11th century. Thank you Peter for planning and leading the walk.

• Wednesday July 5th. Charlotte led a group of 10 members on a circular walk from Greasley Church, through the countryside of West Nottinghamshire and DH Lawrence’s youth. After open fields the route headed back along Moorgreen reservoir and through Colliers Wood Nature Reserve. The conditions were good for a very pleasant walk which was enjoyed by the group. Thank you Charlotte for leading the walk.

• Monday 7th August. The group of 10 members were fortunate to hit a good weather window in the recent wet few weeks for a circular walk from East Leake. It was sunny at times and very pleasant walking conditions with no rain! The 7.5 mile walk took us uphilll to the West Leake Hills, with views across to Nottingham, then through open countryside to West Leake, where we had our picnic, before returning to East Leake. A very enjoyable day, led by John.

• No walk was held in September, instead the group met in Wollaton library for a review of the operation of the group after nearly 4 years. More members will take on the role of walk leader in the future and Stephen will share the role of Convenor with John.

• Wednesday October 4th. Elizabeth led a very enjoyable circular walk of about 7 miles, starting from Markeaton Park just to the west of Derby. The walk was mostly across open undulating countryside, to the south of Keddleston Hall. 11 members were able to enjoy the fine autumn weather and great views, with a lunch break near Maynall Langley.

• Thursday November 2nd. John cancelled the planned walk from Trent Lock, due to local flooding and on-going concerns about further rain. He plans to hold this walk in 2024. Peter offered to lead a more local walk, starting from Bramcote Hills Car Park. This was a repeat of a walk done during the lockdown three years ago. 9 members braved the elements, which in the end proved not too bad. Some light rain and one heavy, but brief, shower did not dampen the enjoyment of the group. Thank you Peter for stepping in at the last minute.

• The 4th December walk was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Liz hopes to lead this walk in 2024.

2024

• We were very lucky to have a sunny and pleasant day, after weeks of rain, for our first walk of 2024. John led the walk on Thursday January 4th. 17 walkers enjoyed a circular walk of just over six miles from Trowell garden centre to Cossall village, via Trowell Moor. We had a lunch break in Cossall churchyard, before returning along the Nottingham Canal. A bit muddy in places but fine walking and great company.

• Despite dire weather forecasts for high winds and heavy rain, the Tuesday 6th February walk, led by Julie, was rewarded with good conditions and the occasional glimpse of sunshine! 16 walkers met up in the car park of Ticknall Village Hall and completed a varied and interesting walk, basically circumnavigating Calke Abbey estate. We followed the old tramway which used to service the lime pits, before passing close to Calke Abbey and then on to cross an arm of Stanton Harold Reservoir. We visited the old lime pits and finally negotiated the second, dark tramway tunnel to return to Ticknall. A good day out.

• 17 Group members met up by Stanford on Soar Church on Wednesday March 6th. After looking around the 13th Century Church and putting on our boots and gaiters, we set off. The early mist and cloud lifted and we were treated to sunny spells. The walk took us through the fields with a few undulations to near Hoton, before returning along Kings Brook to Stanford, with views of Stanford Hall. Conditions were vey muddy in places resulting in heavy going and a few slips! However it was a very enjoyable day out. Thanks to Charlotte and Elizabeth for leading the walk.

• Thursday April 4th. Peter led another stage of the Nottingham Clock Walk from Keyworth to East Leake. Only 6 group members tackled a challenging 9 mile walk, in extremely muddy conditions. Luckily the weather proved kind again, with no rain or cold winds and quite warm. The route was almost entirely on field paths, which were very muddy and slippery. The walk took us via Wysall, with a lunch stop in Bunny. Despite the conditions an enjoyable outing. Thank you Peter.

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