Vale of Belvoir Ramblers: July 2018

Stoke Bardolph, Netherfield, Gedling and Burton Joyce, 29th July 2018

This 8½-mile walk, a repeat of a similar one in Jan 2016, replaced John's linear walk from Nottingham Station to Radcliffe due to a clash with the Outlaw Triathlon. In fine, rainy weather we walked upstream from the Ferry Boat Inn, along the Trent to the Netherfield Lagoons, through Netherfield and Gedling, climbing up to the hills north of the Trent Valley before descending to Burton Joyce and the river and a (short) pint in the Ferry Boat.

The start, all kitted out

Stoke Bardolph

Even the heron was sheltering

Lunch

A pint?

Croxton Kerrial and Harston, 26th July 2018

Tina led this 4-mile walk from Croxton to Harston and back in glorious evening sunshine (like this date last year!).

The start - All Saints Church, Croxton

Looking over towards Belvoir

Water feature in Harston made from the local ironstone

Saint Michael and All Angels, Harston

Anglo Saxon interlace stone set in the wall of the church and displayed on the Harston road sign

Path between old ironstone workings and railway near Harston

Looking back towards Belvoir

And so to the Geese and Fountain in Croxton Kerrial for refreshments ...

... but not before an excursion to see Croxton's famous? landmark, the Croxton Water Spout, part of an old water system sourced from a local spring

Rowthorne, Hardwick Hall and Teversal, 22nd July 2018

Anny's 10-mile walk today started at the Rowthorne Trail car park and circumnavigated Hardwick Hall taking in the Geat Lake, Lady Spencer's Walk, Teversal and its trail, returning along the Rowthorne Trail.

The start on the Rowthorne Trail

Cracking up - like most us

Distant view of Hardwick Hall - foliage cleverly removed

Well dressing at Rowthorne

Well dressing at Ault Hucknall

Coffee stop at St John the Baptist's Church, Ault Hucknall

Entering Hardwick Hall Park

Duck decoy

Lunch stop

St Katherine's Church, Teversal

Back along the trails near the Nottinghamshire / Derbyshire border

Nottingham University Gardens and Woolaton Park, 17th July 2018

Starting at the Lakeside Arts Centre, on a beautiful evening, Hilary led us on this well-researched, 5-mile walk exploring the several and varied gardens of the University and the broad expanse of Wollaton Park.

The tranquility of the gardens and grounds of the University contrasted sharply with the noise from the 3000 athletes taking part in the European Touch Rugby Championships who joined our walk as they left the concert in Wollaton Park.

For a comprehensive description (and a more detailed map) go to the University Gardens Guide.

Trent Building across the lake

Trent Building

Highfields Walled Garden (1797)

Highfields Walled Garden

Millennium Garden

Distant view of Wollaton Hall across The Lake

The Lake

Wollaton Hall

The sunken Jekyll Garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll in 1911

Lenton Firs Rock Garden restored 2006-2008 by student volunteers and Friends of University Park

Lenton Hall, part of the Hugh Stewart hall of residence.
See the guide to the historic houses of University Park

Old Botanic Garden

East Leake, Kingston on Soar and Ratcliffe on Soar, 15th July 2018

Steve G and his dog Carrie led 10 ramblers on this 10½ mile walk from East Leake along field paths and tracks taking in local sights including the local gypsum industry and Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station, one of the few remaining coal-fired stations in the UK. The Leicester to Loughborough steam train was at the East Leake station at the finish.