Newstead Abbey, Blidworth and Fountain Dale, 29th April 2018

Seventeen ramblers (three from Chesterfield) on Roger's pleasant walk starting in Thieves Wood near Ravenshead and following the Robin Hood Way firstly south through the grounds of Newstead Abbey, then skirting Ravenshead and back up to Blidworth for lunch at the Church of St Mary of the Purification. The RHW was rejoined and we walked back via Harlow Wood, Fountain Dale and Rainworth Water.

Thieves Wood car park

Distant view of Newstead Abbey

Grounds of Newstead Abbey

Carrot field

Church of St Mary of the Purification, Blidworth

Will Scarlet's supposed gravestone (apparently a cornerstone of the old church)

Friar Tuck's Well?  Well, one of them is!

From Robin Hood and the Curtal Friar.
The frier took Robin Hood on his back
Deep water he did bestride
And spake neither good word nor bad 
Till he came at the other side.

Looking across the fishing lakes at Fountain Dale House, a Grade II listed country home

And so back to Thieves Wood

.  

Cropwell Bishop, 22nd April 2018

A good turnout (34) for this 5½ mile walk starting at the Memorial Hall in Cropwell Bishop and ending with tea and cakes provided by the Bingham branch of the NSPCC.  Thanks ladies (and one boy), over £150 raised today.

Blackthorn in bloom suddenly at the start of the route

Lock 9 (or 10)

Crossing the canal at Cropwell Locks 9 and 10

Along the Notts Wolds Way to Cropwell Butler

Back past St Giles's Church, Cropwell Bishop

Returning along the Grantham Canal.

Ashover, Ogston Reservoir and Cocking Tor, 15th April 2018

Sue's route explored the upper reaches of the Amber Valley starting at Ashover Parish Hall and followed the river's left bank down to Ogston Reservoir.  Then back up the right flank of Cocking Tor for lunch amongst the spoil from the old Gregory Lead Mine (please wash your hands).  The area has a rich industrial past with many quarries, mines and old railways and some interesting geology - limestone, gritstone and shales and lots of radon gas apparently.

The start at Ashover Parish Hall

A bit of a come-down after last week's zip-wire

Fallgate Quarry, limestone and fluorspar

Near Ogston Reservoir

 Descending the spoil heap of the Gregory Mine (1758-1804), once one of the most productive lead mines in England

Overgrown Ambervale Quarry (sandstone)

The way back to Ashover ....

... blocked by the farmer

Crossing the River Amber near its source

Wood anenome - Anemone nemorosa

All Saints Church, Ashover

North Wheatley, Chesterfield Canal and Clayworth, 8th April 2018

 

Nineteen on Jan's 8-mile walk from North Wheatley to the Chesterfield Canal at Hayton, then along the canal to Clayworth for lunch and a look at the magnificent Traquair Murals at St Peter's Church.

The start outside the Sun Inn

Easier going than expected after the wet weather

Coffee stop near Hayton

Busy day on the canal

Nacissistic swan

Butterbur, Petasites hybridus

Moorings near Clayworth Bridge

St Peter's Church, Clayworth

Traquair Murals

Ladies who lunch

Swithland Wood, Thurcaston, Cropston Reservoir and Bradgate Park, 1st April 2018

Steve D led thirteen ramblers on an eight-mile walk starting from Swithland Wood, an important ancient woodland for nature conservation.  Heavy rain during previous days had flooded many local roads and countryside so, due to the challenging conditions, the walk was shortened slightly but nevertheless was enjoyed by all.

The walk passed through Bradgate Park and the villages of Cropston and Thurcaston.  The park covers 850 acres and contains Cropston Reservoir opened in 1870 to serve Leicester.

Here are some photographs taken on the walk by Steve and Maggie.

Coffee stop at Cropston Reservoir

Bradgate Park Visitor Centre

All Saints Church, Thurcaston

Lady Jane Grey's House, Bradgate Park

 

We told you it was wet!