Victoria Embankment to Hucknall Road. 30th July 2011
Risk assessments have been removed after the walks have been completed.
If you would like copies, do contact me; O77O9977684. If you consider yourself vulnerable or at risk, please do let me know previous to any walk (this will be kept in confidence).
Risk assessments have been removed after the walks have been completed.
If you would like copies, do contact me; O77O9977684. If you consider yourself vulnerable or at risk, please do let me know previous to any walk (this will be kept in confidence).
Continue until more lights at the junction of London Road and busy traffic (watch out; a lot of drivers I saw don’t worry about waiting on the crossing space). Once across, turn right and head towards the bridge (you’ll have seen the County Council Offices). Cross the bridge (no diving in!) and reach the open space just beyond The Riverbank Bar/Kitchen. Careful of turning traffic. We’ll meet there at 12noon and set off at 12.30. This short part of the walk (The Hook to Trent Embankment) will be twenty minutes.
Cross Ainsworth drive along Anmer Close (signed on the fence) -Look at the Whitebeam and the Rowan – phwoar!
Cross at Risley Drive.
With the Meadows Police Station on your right cross the main road to gap in hedge, slope and then steps. This will take you through and you’ll be able to see Experian)
Cross the main road (two sets of lights here) and head towards the Garden Centre to your right (these have toilets by the way).
At the far corner of the garden centre, turn left on to Castle Bridge Road (signed Castle Marina). There is quite a slope over the railway. You’ll find yourself walking via a retail park.Cross Kirtley Drive – carry on
Cross Lawrence Way
There is a slope over the Marina and you’ll see MFI in the near distance.
When we get to the T Junction, we’ll gather and check everyone’s here.
Turn Left and cross Cecil Street, Chippendale Street and Aldernay Street. Cross over at the lights and turn left.
Go round the bend and cross Park road at Roundabout and turn left along Sherwin Road.
Cross Harley St. Chilwell St, and go round bend to Lenton Blvd. After crossing several small side streets, you come to some blue falts and then a big juncion which is Derby Road.
Cross here and continue onto Radford Blvd.
Cross several Streets and continue, passing Hartley Road and passing a retail park on your right (Dunelm Mill has toilets) continue. At the far end off the shops, cross at lights when you’ll see Prospect terrace cross here and continue down and in the same direction onto Alfreton Road. Cross here and turn left. Continue on (passing Bobbers Mill Road (quite busy here). Turn right after Chadwick Road. The road you want curves round and you’ll see a series of factory units as you turn the corner.
Keep heading straight on past Garages and The Fireplace workshop.
Straight on until you come to a small bridge over a unit. Go under and continue past its high walls (when I walked it was quite damp and puddlesome). Carry on (it’s uneven and a little dark) until you’re out. At the crossroads, continue through the bollards and onto Plantation side. At the end, go on straight, by the river (the river will be on your left) for a about 100 yards. This is sloped.
There are two pedestrian ‘N’ bars at the top. Turn left. Through the housing estate (The Poplars). Go over Gauntley Street (passing garage) at the T junction, turn right then cross over the Tramlines at the lights.
Continue left onto Radford Road (very busy). Along Radford Road, we may be surprised (oops, I ruined the surprise) with refreshments near to Isandula Road
Carry on until we come to The Builders Warehouse were we’ll gather up again at their fire assembly point in the car park (there is a gap in the edge opposite the newsagents on the other side. Please be aware of traffic parking.
Carry on until a major busy road. Cross here (see Swandec Accountants opposite). Turn left and go up (sloped) Church Street over the train bridge. Follow the road and turn right (it swoops round) to the right. You’ll see a tyre on a stick as an advertising gimmick.
Turn right at the White Swan towards the Fox and Crown Pub. Carry on, passing the Pole Palais arts and dance centre and Nottingham Road. We’ll come to a play area where we could stop for a short break here (have you brought your sarnies?).
Carry on as before cross at the tram stop where Robin Hood was reportedly born). This is David Lane. Turn left past the church with the ‘Alpha course' banner. Follow the road round to the right and directly after the Murco Petrol Garage, turn right into parkland. Continue onto brown gravel path. There are two or three bridle stiles (some you have to squeeze through and others you have to step over – not very wheel chair friendly). Keep heading straight on. There is a sight slope somewhere along here. You’ll finally get to the Leen River which you follow with it on your right. Walk for about half a mile or so and have to (the path will naturally take you over cross the river). Keep heading straight on past two sets of childrens parks (called Bulwell Bogs). At the second set of playstuff, we’ll reconvene then cross the river and hence the busy road. (FYI, it will be roughly ninety minutes (if we stroll) from the White Swan pub to the junction of Bestwood Road/Hucknall Road).
Turn left and up (and diagonally opposite) along Bulwell High Road, going up the slope past Jobcentre Plus. Pass the bus station on your right then down a short gradient towards the pedestrianised precinct on your right. We'll probably meet up with the Wildlife in the City Group at the Lion Revived Pub (soon after 6pm). We then cross at the next road (Duke St).
Over at crossroads (with Tesco’s on your right). Turn Right down Carey Rd (you’ll see Wickes ahead) and cross the train lines. Turn immediately left onto Bestwood Road and continue until at the T junction of the rather busy Hucknall Road where we’ll meet up again. Well done folks! That’s the first bit over. Strolling it will take about four hours.
Walk number two (Linear Walkway to Linby). We'll gather at the Junction of Bestwood Road and Hucknall Road coming from Bulwell. Monday 1st August
From Bestwood Park Drive West on the opposite side to where the last walk ended on Hucknall Road, there is a pathway into a wooded area. This is the Linear Walkway. Carry on; immediately being aware of ruts, potholes, puddles, dog mess, dogs, horses/horse mess, cyclists, low hanging branches, slopes, uneven ground, walkers, nettles, brambles, runners and detritus. O happy walking.
Continue along here and when you get to a coloured totem pole, take a right. You come to a semi circular metal gate- go through – in 200 yards there’s a bench. You’ll get to a slope in front of you, don’t go up, turn left.
This is a very poor path; wheel ruts and mud and puddles especially. The path runs alongside another yellow one (gravel). Cut through the gap in the hawthorn on your right. Go through and continue the direction you were going. Slopes and horse poo along here. Follow the road to the left (slight slope). Watch for horse riders. Go up the slope then down and you’ll see a black rock to your left. This is an audio trail marker. Take a left downwards – this is bumpy with a forked path. Take the right and you’ll eventually see the old Winding House. Skirt left around another black rock and you’ll see the car park. There is a gate which can be accessed by those in wheelchairs with a scanning key. Otherwise there is a section which can be stepped over. On the main road, take a right, passing Broad Valley Drive . At the end, there is no sloped drop off the pavement and then the causeway runs out. This is farm road now; expect wide vehicles, cars and horseriders (and the mess). There is sometimes a café in the horse stables yard (if there are enough walkers, she will be there especially for us).
Continue along passing Bestwood Country Park Sign; you are now on Main Drive. Passing Woodman’s Cottage you’ll see an archway in front where the ranger works. Pass a gray looking activities building on the right. Just before the archway there is a slope near a notice board. Turn up and branch left. The pathway is precarious; sandy soiled, horse mess, stones and steep slope with ruts. Keep going up. It keeps getting rockier. After 50 yards it levels out. Continue along the slope; it then levels out again and we get to a bench on the left.
Just before a crossroads, you’ll come to a stile and a gap. Take the left at the crossroads. There’s a step over (a kind of half gate) as well as a semi-circle gate). there is farmland on both sides. You’ll be on fairly level (gravelled) ground with some potholes.
You’ll get to two types of metal gate and a narrow gap through. This takes you in to Lamins Lane, which is tarmac'd. You come to non pavemented road again – so watch out for traffic. You’ll pass a mushroom farm on left (there are some benches on the opposite side). You come to a barrier with a sign for Kiillarney Park . Go round it (through a narrow gap) and skirt left. Follow the main road down the slope. The area is very floral and has lots of those (non) mobile homes that look like bungalows. There is no pavement, but at least it’s not very busy. Continue down the tarmac and onto an uneven path at the end (look for a finger post on your right – with a yellow and a green arrow). Bear left and up the slope. Watch out for wheel ruts, bramble and potholes. The path bears right. Down the slope, at the white rusting gate, continue on path, passing farm buildings. There are some donkeys (if they’re out) on your left. At the bottom of the hill at the farm buildings, follow to the left. Up ahead, there’s a model aviation museum. On the left after 100 yards is a field of crops (brassicas). Over the road bump, follow on (there’s a gate to the conference hall on the right. Bear left and see sign for Goosedale and a cricket ground on right. Go to the end of Goosedale lane to the junction of Moor road.
You’ll have been walking for about three and a half hours plus your picnic time.
This is where it gets really scary. Take a right and onto the non-pavemented Moor Road. There will probably be some road crossing so it’s a bit safer. Bring fluorescent jackets if you’ve got them. After approx’ a mile of precarious walking and avoiding ditches, the pavement will re-appear, though this is just a line to denote one. This will run out again on your right; cross over where there’s a gate/gap into a field. Continue along the pavement. Watch out for pavement parkers and crossing any side streets. Pass by signs for Papplewick Trail and go over Papplewick lane. The footpath narrows here; watch out for horse poo and branches. Turn left at the major crossroads where you’ll see the Griffins Head on the opposite side.
Keep on the left side (after roughly a quarter of a mile, there’s no pavement on the right). Keep going (some residential area, so pavement parkers). It will chop and change between field and housing. Eventually you’ll get to Linby Cross, where we’ll gather ourselves and say well done for completing the second section. Those that wish to can come to the Horse and Groom (sorry, you’ll have to buy your own). Full walk is approximately five to six miles
Route three – Linby Cross to Annesley (via Church to Badger Box Pub). 29th August 2011.
A pleasant stroll, mostly flat with some occasional gradients along an ex coal wagon route. We’re hoping to be joined by members of ACCESS, currently fighting a planning application at Annesely.
Wear weather-appropriate walking gear, bring a packed lunch and some money for return bus fare as well as any medications/first aid you may need. If you turn lobster pink in the heat, bring sun block.
Here goes; at the far end of Linby, opposite Church Lane there is a stepped cross. We’ll meet here.
Walk away from the town and towards the roundabout. Keeping on the right hand side, at the roundabout you’ll see a pathway/cycle track. Go onto here and continue. There are lots of benches along the way….one of them, unfortunately, is at the back of a ditch. The initial route is fairly straight on.
There is a slope a after about half a mile and gravel at the crossroads (still a path). We’ll stop here briefly for folks to catch up. I think this is where there is a sign post pointing the other way with a pick axe, hammer and shovel painted red.
Carry on.
Eventually (after1 and half mile max), you are at the back of a large wooden sign saying ‘Linby Trail’ on the other side. We’ll wait here for any stragglers and strugglers.
Carry on; eventually you’ll see a Pit wheel in the distance with a playing field on your left. There is building work going on to the left – this is a new visitor’s centre. You’ll eventually get to a small stretch of open water and see a clump of trees in front of you. We’ll wait here for catchups.
Take the left hand path with these trees on your right.
You’ll come to an open space; in the distance you’ll see a graffiti’d wall and in the further distance a car park. Continue straight on this wide path to the car park (there is a drop kerb). In front of you is a recreation/cricket ground (we’ll probably stop for a picnic lunch here (bring your own). Please watch this chap.
If we don’t stop for lunch, then we turn right and go over a train line.
There is a community centre on the left. Straight up the Hill to Tilford Road. There is no pavement at time on the left so keep to the right.
At the top, the road bends to the left, veer off and go straight on instead. At the minor T junction, turn right onto a path. You’ll see a cycle path in fornt of you after 100 or so yards. Go onto this and through onto Hazelford Road (minor road). Turn left and at the next T junction, turn right. Keep right and up a fast road – either side is tree’d. Eventually you’ll come to a point where the road forks; The right fork is on the same level whereas the left goes uphill and over the main road again. Take the latter. At the end of the line of trees, (before the T junction) go right then right again and up a gravel path. At the top of the slope there’s the church where we’ll meet. When we’ve finished there, return to Annesely Cutting, head right and meet Derby Road.
There’s a bus top nearing the T junction. Turn right onto (busy) Derby road and find yourself looking at the Badger Box Pub on the other side. I’ve seen children eat here, so am presuming it’s family friendly. This is where we’ll finish for the day.Bring flower/tree guides and look for these on the way;
Willowherb, nettles, hawthorn, willow, hogweed, alder, oak, maple, scabius, evening primrose, ragwort, birds-foot trefoil, thistle, dandelion and yarrow.
Birdwatchers may want to keep their eyes out for red kites, black-necked grebes, blackbirds, magpies and sparrow hawks.
This can be, at best, bearable. At worst, unhealthy and downright tedious. There are some steep climbs with a few let ups if we go a little off route. The walk is about eight miles. Bring survival gear (jokes, blister plasters, tree-puns) as well as sandwiches, cameras, lemonade money and bus fare.
From the Badger Box, continue up Derby Road until on the left, you see the Shoulder of Mutton Hill on your left. Cross over and turn down here, following the sweep to the right, passing the collapsing wall on your left. 
Carry on, the Kingsway Pub is at a junction and a cemetery on the right through a shopping high street. Cross the junction of Station Street to a pedestrian precinct passing The Bracken Hill School Project Shop on your right. Carry on passing the Harold Larwood Statue and straight on up, going past the small chemist on our right then a GPs on your left.Pass bed warehouse on left and ‘Discount Groceries’ on right as well as the closed down pub, Longmoor Inn. Basically, this route contains more industrial estate than you can shake a stick at.
Carry on, passing the roundabout and heading up the hill to Sutton Parkway station.
When reaching the station go left over the major bridge (seeing signs for MI and A38) (Penny Emma Way), crossing over the entrance to the station about 20 yards on. Busy road and fast cars. O joy.
This is the bus route for the 143 Notts Bus if you want to meet us en route.
The path his narrow at times but ok for pushchairs/wheelchairs.
Eventually you’ll get to a T junction, turn left onto another hideously busy (A) road. You take your lungs in your hands here. The path is good but the breathing is limited. This is Kings Mill Road East.
After half a mile or so, cross the B6018 – you’ll see a pub to your right and a fire station to your left. Further up, there’s a pathway that goes up and away from the road; breathe (literally) a sigh of relief. A good waymaker for this is, if you look back, you’ll see Available Car on the opposite side of the road. Follow this path to the top and pass the bridge on your right. Head downwards on a narrow gravel path. Go through to Sutton Meadows on a series of boardwalks (laid on soft ground). Foll the pah in an arc to the right and anoterh stile. Go through to the open space and head left along the worn path.After 50 or so yards at the top of a gradient, turn right and fallowing the worm path, keep to the hedge, keeping left.
At the gap in the hedge, go through and turn right. The path is overgrown with dog rose and nettles etc. If it rains, this can get muddy. Go to the end off the path and trough the gate, up the ten steps and through to main road again, turning left. That was one of the few country breaks you’ll get.Turn left. In 200 yards or so, there’s a wide drive that splits. Carry on regardless. Come to a main junction and cross over this main road of purgatory at the lights (signs for Huthwaite industrial Estate). You’ll find yourself on Common road. There won’t be much resting here; no seats; not even at the bus stops. For bus-o-philes, the 9.1,9.2 and 9.3 pass this way. There is a sign for Polly’s Hot and cold food but no idea where it is. Keep to the right as there’s no pavement on the left. The road is a bit of a rollercoaster – down then up - quite steep at times and mentally exhausting. Bus wise – the number 99 (Doyles) on the other side and on yours, the N1 and the 99.
Keep heading upwards, over roundabouts and streets. Plenty of industrial area to grumble about. A the top of the road, you get to the Co-op in front and The Peacock inn on your left. There are signs pointing a Hydroponics Shop. There are no toilets here; something which surprised even two of its residents when I asked them. But there is a bench! Sit on it and wiggle as much as possible! Make the most of it. Carry on up the main high street (between Tescos and the Co-op passing closed or small shops. As the road sweeps to the left, there is a finger post marked public footpath. Turn down this (narrow) path, gawping at the waste of a mattress disposed of on your right. You’re heading dangerously towards some greenery again.
You’ll come out onto a small car park. Turn left and through a gate to continue along another footpath. Keep going straight towards a car park and play area. Go though/past some wooden gates an continue to Brierley Forest Park. Eventually it will open out to another play area and a pond (ex spoil heap) on your right. Keep going towards Stanton Hill. The path hits a slope with some rain ruts and bumps. Take the left fork at the top and then right onto the path towards Stanton Hill (again).
In 50 yards, there’s a big, metal, green stile; go through/over. Turn right at the T junction on to a road (there’s no pavement on the left). Eventually you’ll et to a housing area. Go straight on and over some traffic lights.
At the T-junction, turn right. Eventually, you’ll reach Skegby library on your left. The 141 bus goes from there every hour and it takes a long time to get back to Nottingham…bring War and Peace (or order it form the library)
Skegby to Market Warsop A delightful walk (especially if you like gravel through woodlands) but hell to navigate; listen close and listen good. There are variations in gradients as well as pathways and causeways and car parks. Bring your arborial key guides as well as your birders’ handbooks and flower spotters. Bear in mind this will be a long haul if you’ve not done it before. There are various types of stile, this walk tends towards the step over choice alongside going through bars narrowing at the top. Ok if you’re that shape (thin at the top and wide going down) I guess.
OK, hit me with it…
If you can catch one of the few and far between buses to Skegby library, start there. With the library on your left, continue down the road, passing a mini-market on your right. Keep heading down and turn left up Buttery Lane, there’s a sign for The Teversal Trail. About 15 or so yards, you’ll see a sign for Skegby Track. Go through here and continue along here for a long long, long time. There’s a mixture of gravel and sandstone; mostly the path is quite good, a few potholes along the way but all in all, fairly user friendly. More horse than dog muck; maybe horse riders should use poop scoops too? This is a multi use track – cyclists, walkers, twitchers et al. You’ll go under various bridges; look for the one with floral decorations on with a vehicle number plate affixed.
You’ll also go over a few bridges too. There’s plenty of benches along the route and (usually purple) signage. For now, always follow signs for Pleasley.
Eventually the road will fork, take the left hand path, going over one lane then a bench then over a bridge, 20 yards then another bridge. Watch out for cyclists. You’ll pass a set of steps either side of the path at some point. Maybe use this as a we’re here, let’s have a cup of tea moment.You’ll see a playing field on your left eventually and you’ll come to a finger post saying you’ve walked one and a quarter mile. Carry on –heading towards Pleasley. You then head up a slight gradient, passing a gate and head right at the top (signed Silverhill and Pleasely and The Miner and Highest Point. There’s a slight gradient.
You’ll get to a green metal bridge which goes over a road; straight on towards Pleasely at the right fork. This may be muddy. In two hundred yards there’s a railway bridge then bench. You’ll soon pass a stone butterfly (ornamental of course) on your right lying on the verge. This is where you’ll come to the bridge with the flower paintings on. Hope you’ve brought your camera. They’ve been doing some pruning around here; sycamore I think. After a quarter mil, the path changes to new gravel. It’s like seeing the light; the path will either zig zag or you can take the steps straight up. You’ll see what I mean when I get there.
At the top, there’s a gate to a minor (but fast) raod. Cross over and turn right. Turn down a similar zig zag path and continue (signed, Pleasley, one mile)
Again, still a multi-use track. After three quarters of a mile, there’s a bench (then another in twenty yards). A good stopping point.
You’ll eventually pass another purple sign on the right; go straight on over bridge, this is level then with a slight gradient.
At the top, go through a gate then a stile. You’re out of the woods now.
You’ll see a sign saying Pleasley Country Park. Head right on a wide pathway. You’ll veer to the left and pass a large open stretch of water on your right; carry on. You’ll see theold pit apparatus in the front. Through the double stile (then another in fifty yards). You’ll be passing the pit remnants by now. Don’t go too far! Turn right through the car park and follow the road round to the left. You come to a large wooden height barrier and a pedestrian gate. Go through. Pass Chesterfield Road on your left. Continue until a T junction on a main road; this is Chesterfield Road (continuing from the one that you passed)
Turn right. You’re in real life now. Pass the miner’s welfare. You’ll have been walking about two hours now I reckon. The pavement will run out on your side eventually; cross over and carry on down. This is a bendy road with fast traffic. In five hundred yards, there are two benches and a phone box. Taka break.
Then off you go again.
Continue over a thin chicken wired bridge in front of you. There’s a series of steps upwards eventually. Follow them and carry on. Let the path take you upwards and right then on to an ex railway cycle route. At the top, turn left.
Follow this for three quarters of a mile or so. When you get to a T junction, turn left onto a country road. At the fork, take a right to Pleasley Village (you’ll see a big stone marker and some houses in front of you). Take the next right and find yourself at St Chad’s Church. With the church on your right, follow the path round to the left and stop at the river,
Follow the river through a (quite narrow) kissing gate, up a bank and follow the path. You’ll pass ‘Little Matlock’ on your left; a set of rocks used for climbing practise. You’ll come to an old stone wall with a steep over. Over and turn right. This could be muddy and there may be horses in the field. Carry on and go up the slope until you come ot a slab of rock and a pole which doubles as a stile. Cross over and turn left an up the steep gradient (could be slippery here). Just as the path makes a sharp bend to the left, you’ll see a gap in the hedge near the top. Go through and over the field; straight on and you’ll come ot a stile over a set of train lines: BE VERY CAREFUL. There I’ve said it.
Go over the two sets of stiles and within five yards, easily, there’ll be a path to the left. This will be fairly overgrown and hugs the fence quite closely. Eventually, you’ll have to veer right a little and onto a gravel path. Turn left on the path and follow it round, eventually it will swing you to the left and a strange stile. In no circumstances, listen to locals who tell you to turn left. YOU TURN RIGHT; STEP AWAY FROM THE TRAINLINES, MOVE AWAY FROM THE TRAINLINES, ERASE THEM FROM YOUR MIND. 
This is Wood Land leading to Bath lane. Keep going. The road is potholed, cambered and in poor shape, but aren’t we all? 
Keep going until the end (this is probably about three quarters of a mile max. You’ll pass some horses (it they’re out) on your right, just before the corner.At the road (which swoops round fast, cross over and turn right. This is Sookholme and all manner of things shall be Sookholme.
Carry on until you get to a long and low building (a barn) advertising barn conversions, this is on your left. There is a parish council advertising board in front of it. Turn left down the path.
The lane varies from atrocious; rough, potholed, cambered) haven’t I said that recently?) to quite easy going and tarmac’d. You’ll see St Augustine’s on your right and eventually come to the River Meden again; more than likely you’ll want to tear open your tin foil and herald the dawning of a fifteen minute picnic break. This is stunning indeed.
Continue up the road and over a hill. Opposite Greendale close on your left there is a series of benches and pedestrian cut through; cross over0 the main road and, erm, cut through. Going down stome steps the other side. You’ll see the Market Pub with its own website above its doors. Go left now and downhill. Bear in mind there is a junction you have to cross; watch out for shwinging traffic Carry on until you get to the library on your left. STOP!!!!
In 300 yards, you get to Hetts lane, which turns round to the left. Come off and go straight ahead (you’ll see a school on the left corner and far ahead there is a playing fields/fenced football area.
In a hundred yards, there are no pavements and it becomes hedged. There’s a steep bend to the right and you’ll pass a green gate on the left then another sharp bend. No pavement with occasional traffic.
In 300 yards the road bends to the right (marked with a ‘Public Bridleway’ finger post. Don’t be surprised at the big mastiff at the gate.
You’ll go up a steep slope of a country lane, over a railway bridge (keep little ones and dogs close to as there’s easy access down the bank. When it was risk assessed, there were crop sprayers around.
Going past the sewage works, the path turns to gravel (who makes this stuff and why?). Watch out for horse-poo.
At the finger posts, bear left, with the fence on your left (you’ll see a bench at the junction.
More gravel (grey) down slope with a high hedge and quite high ferns too. You’lll pass a fence on your right overlooking a crop field. In 10 yards, pass through some poles and go up a (rutted and rocky) farm path. This will more than likely be muddy too.In 50 or so yards, there’s a junction, go straight over, with an open field to the right. This pretty much a tractor path with grass in the middle and gravel in the wheel ruts. You’ll pass a gap in the hedge on your left.
There’s a slight slope down with encroaching vegetation (especially nettles).
At a slight bend to the right, there’s a sustrans/nation cycle network sign and three metal posts. Veer left on the pink gravel into a forested area of beech, oak and hawthorn. This is Gleadthorpe New Plantation. The path meanders and ups and downs for a while. On the left, you’ll see a field through the trees. Lots of sweet chestnut appearing now.
In 500 yards with a finger pot on the left, turn left onto Robin hood’s way. This is a narrow woodland path which is already muddy in high summer. The finger post will also confirm this is the RHW. Start watching for tree roots and some natural pot holes. There are some slopes, gong upsies and downsies.
There’s a wide tarmac path. On the right, there’s a house set back. You’ll also pass a series of derelict buildings; I’ve no idea what they are.
Go through/round white gate and at a finger post in 50 yards, turn right. There’s a log to sit on, on the right. The path is wide but narrows to a tractor path. Watch out for quad bikes.
There’s barb wire on the left as well as butchered oak.
At the top off the slope, the path bears to the right with a cut through on the left (really, this is straight on). Go on and into the cut through. This is a narrow path which leads into a plantation.
Lots of nettles and an equal smattering of mud.
Eventually the path will veer to the left; ignore it and go straight on There are fields to the right. You’ll probably hear the noise of the traffic by now.
In about an eight off a mile, there’s a busy road; cross this very carefully. Some litter-louts have fly tipped here (be ashamed, be very ashamed).
Turn right through the green gate. The path then forks. Take the right fork (the Robin hood Way). You’ll se a green metal flag on your left as you go along about 10 metres.
The path runs parallel to the road (on your right). You’ll pass by some dog kennels (on your right) and lots of Himalayan balsam (on your left). The path will veer to the right then left with a slight gradient upwards. Plenty of broom, fern and hawthorn and crops to the right. There’s also an occasional yew (some heritage left, then). This where the walk becomes slightly tedious. Pink gravel all the way; very unforgiving on the feet and the eyes. It does slowly get more wooded (silver and downy birch with some overhanging deadwood). There’s about half a mile until a busy road. Cross over the car park on your right (more fly tipping). Go straight on and through the gate by the bench. You’ll see a sign saying ‘Welbeck Estate, No Access’. You are now in Duncan Wood (no relation) Plantation. Beware of dog poo. Eventually you’ll get to the red/pink tedium track again. The path will bend to the left and then wiggle a bit (that’s excitement for you). You’ll pass a path on your left. In 300 yards, there’s a bench on your left and in 300 more yards you’ll see South Lodge through the trees. Carry on.
You’ll pass (on your right) a signpost, ‘Permissive route – Thoresby Hall’. This will be opposite South Lodge.
Carry straight on to zig zg p(more red gravel) path (signposted Ollerton 6). There’s a blue arrow.
In 20 yards, there’s a sign ‘Clumber Lake 1’ Pass by the wooden post/signage and follow the blue arrow round to the left.
In 50 yards, turn left at the low level Forestry Commission sign.
You’ll pass a turning on your right.
Go down a gentle slope and come to pole barrier at the bottom.
At the T junction turn right and head over Clumber Bridge. There’s no pavement except on the bridge itself. There are gaps n the structure of the bridge, don’t stick you head through (stating the obvious). Follow the tarmac path round the right (again, no pavement).
At the cross roads, turn right into open parkland. Go over a pole barrier and veer left at the fence and right at the sign (Turning Point). You should find yourself at the quadrant of shops/restaurants and toilets (toilets locked at 5pm in the week)
Clumber Park to New Ollerton
Clumber Park to New Ollerton
There is a way to get to the start by public transport, if you don’t mind waiting…(follow the link above)
When you’re at the visitor centre/restaurant quadrant, find the gap that faces out towards the lake. This is just by the signs for the loos and (if they’re out) the tables and chairs. Go through the gap and head towards the water, not going into it of course.
Head straight over path or go round. If over the grass, watch out for low walls and slopes down grassy banks (you could end up with a grassy a**e as they say in Spain).
Turn right along the gravel path and head through low bollards (there are some bits of metal sticking up in the ground). Follow this with the fence on your right, until you meet another path, turn left, following the lake on your left. Watch out for bikes, runners and idiots with frisbees. Continue through the horizontal pole barrier.
In a hundred and fifty yards, you arrive at a main (B) road. No pavement. Turn left, signposted to Drayton A614. The grass verge is ok. Pass some great oaks and beeches. At the fork, keep left (there’s a slight slope down). there’s a raised wooden causeway; wothca mate! At the bridge, cross over the lake. Don’t let your kids stick their heads trough the gaps – they may never get out. When over the (Clumber) bridge, turn first right up the slope, signed for South Lodge. In ten yards, on your left, there’s a woodland pathway – take this passing the car park. Up you go until the top at the T junction and turn left.
This is a woodland path which can be rocky at times and changeable at others. After three quarters of a mile, you’ll pass a turning on your left. Follow the fence on your right, always heading straight on and soon within ear-shot of the traffic. When fence is gone, the path will bend to the left. Take the right turn (as if going straight on) and path will become grassy.
In ten yards there’s a T junction, turn right and head towards the noise off the busy road. Do not attempt to cross with out a zip wire or a set of traffic lights. Turn right, move along the side of the road (there is a path of sorts) until you get to the lights. Cross over and you’ll find a path to your right. This runs parallel to the road. Follow this and the traffic. It will meander in and out and if coming ontothe road, be prepared for some trees to be in the way. Most f it is narrow soft path, some gravel and some by the sides of fields. Early on there is a slope. At the top by a tree trunk (on your left, turn right; again, always remember to follow the road until I tell you not to. After five hundred yards, the roué offers you a chance to walk through woodland, take it; veer to the right then immediate left (as if straight on). This will bring you into a field again. Keep going. Munch crisps and notice the remnants of the ancient hedge-laying to your right.
Eventually you’ll get to a fast but not very busy road; continue to path (there’s a barbed wire to your left). The path will zig zag.Go over two sets of footbridges and at the T Junction turn right.
The woodland path is cambered with high amounts of vegetation. Go up a slope (o more horse poo!). At a T junction turn right and follow it to the left (signed for the Robin Hood Way). You come to a wide, uneven path. Beware the snicker snack of tree roots. At the fences, go straight on, following the blue arrow and head over path. Look for heather on your left. Go up the slope and take the sandy path up; where it levels out(ish). You’ll pass the Meden on your right (great photo opp’) and see a caravan site to your right upfront. Straight on.
At road, turn left, briefly and go straight over. There’s a path up through some woodlands (This is Boughton Break). Take the diagonal path and head straight on. Be aware of the slopes up and down. Once out, at the railings and the bench, straight on again. When you get to the road, turn right then sharp left into real live traffic. Carry on until you get to he corner of Whinney Lane (about half a mile or so). And ssssssssssstopppppp. And then watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7V7KfLHdY
New Ollerton to Bilsthorpe - At x roads of Whinney Lane/Forest Road, there’s ‘Paddy Fields’ on opposite left corner. Turn right down Whinney Lane into housing area; kerbed (barking dogs). Pass 2 streets on right. In 200 yards at T junction, turn right. In 100 yards, pavement runs out. Cross over, continue towards and under railway bridge where path narrows slightly; new houses/industrial estates. Path narrows again (some potholes). To right, there is high woodland verge. On right there is chain link fence with vegetation. Pass crematorium on the left. Continue under another bridge with overhanging hawthorn. Road bends to right; turn left onto fast road with fresh tarmac. Pass overhanging maple and allotments. Pass Wellow House School on right. Go over river. At pub, Durham Ox, turn right up Eakring Road. Maypole on right. Continue ten yards then up hill to right. Pass allotments then go up hill to left. Cross Potter lane. At Maypole lane, cross over main road, cross over and go along public footpath (going around red barrier gate). This is one of many farm tracks with dog poo and wheel ruts. Path will zig zag. for a while. After quarter mile, see rusty gate in front and area opening up. Turn left and immediate right as if going straight on; there’s old railway path; rutted and grassy. Path becomes rockier as bends to left. In 30 yards there’s water expanse on left. Turn right at top. There’s gravel slope upwards. At top, there’s big log pile, Tale left, go along path between 2 fields. Head towards the farm. Quadbike and potholes. In eighth of mile, at T junction, turn right onto minor B road. No pavement, little traffic except for horses. After 15 yards, turn left along fence, lined with limes. 
More gravel. Continue, skirting field on right and houses on left. Go over speed bump. Eventually pass pond on right. Continue past a gap on left, seeing another stretch off water, carry on and go over bridge. Path will snake right. Pass turning on right (I think this is a gap for Rufford Park). Continue ten yards and cross left over field. Path’s very faint, but there is finger post pointing over there. If too muddy or full of crops, you can always go round (hey, I’ve not risk assessed that though). Once over field, turn right, Go over footbridge and up grass path (horse poo). At top, follow yellow arrow over bridge. Follow green arrow veering right – this is steep grassy bank. There’s stile at top; go round or over. Turn right and follow field round to left. There is no path, it’s grassy and eventually you’ll be walking alongside steep bank. There is a jutting section of crops. Be v.careful. Follow long elder hedge round to left at top. At top, there’s a stone, tractor(?) path. Turn right. At top there’s T junction, with large gate opposite. There is fast traffic coming long here; be careful. When through gate, see series of farm buildings on left. Turn right along field edge and following hedge, continue, meandering forward. There’s some vegetation in way. Path uneven, bumpy, precarious and prickly. Follow path for third of mile max and come to path in front of you. At right, see faded red gate. Turn left up farm track (dog poo). Carry on to next field and carry straight on. In next field, go straight on. At other side, turn right. At corner of Eakring Woods, make left following tree line on grassy slope. Follow to left and in 100 yards, see green fence. Turn right, follow with it on your right; quite slim path. In eighth of mile, it will bend to the left. In 20 yds, see gates at road; cross over. Straight through other gate, and coming to Veolia Civic amenity site on the right; that’s where we’ll finish. Say hello to the staff – they’re lovely.Bilsthorpe to Oxton
On Brailwood Road with Veolia Waste Recycling on your left, continue up the road on opposite side (where there’s pavement). At roundabout at top, cross over. Go through housing estate (Forest Link). At end of posh estate; at roundabout, straight over onto Southwell trail (multi-use track with pink gravel). There are only a few benches. There are two or three bridges to go under. Always keep straight on, do not veer off to the right. After 2 miles, come to a fence after a small section of housing. Go through and down the steep (potentially muddy) slope to the small B road (Brookfield Lane) at the bottom. Turn right. Continue through housing area (keeping to left). Until you see library opposite. Cross now and continue same direction.. At T junction, cross over and turn right (seeing two small shops). Pass church (St Michael and all angels) on ‘Main Street’. 
Where Main Street bends to right, turn left at the sign post onto Blidworth Road (the Sherwood Arrow stops here. In 10 yards, turn left Church Side Cul de Sac. Cross over and see to the right a path running alongside a high wall. There’s a ‘Sewage Pumping’ power box to your left as you go down the path. It’s signed for Robin Hood Way. At end of path, cross over, go through kissing gate and onto grassy path (still signed RHW). Flanked by fences, there’s a bench at top.; keep heading on through a rusty gate then veering onto path heading slightly at an angle. Pass another sign to RHW and onto soil based (hedged) bridleway. At the end is a minor B road, turn right onto minor road (no footpath).
(At the sign for Halifax Bomber Memorial, we’ll have a detour and come back to this road).
Continue on this road passing a field. There’s a gradual slope upwards. In a quarter mile, there’s a gap through the hedge on left; go through (seeing woodland at the top of the slope). There’s a hawthorn hedge on left. At the top, at the left side of a bench, there’s a path going upwards into woodlands. Go up here; it’s muddy and steep and tree rooted. Keep following path until at the bottom, there’s a double red arrowed finger post. Turn right and go up gravel slope. The path widens and when it swings round to right at the top, there’s a gap in the hedge to the left. Go through (tall oak on left, hawthorn on right) to field and turn right, skirting its edge. On a light up-gradient. Follow the field round to left and in 20 yds turn right through hedge. Follow the path through the field. In 30 yds, turn left across a field (see undulating slopes ahead). At stile, cross over minor B road and to other side through another stile/gate. On wooded wide upwards path, wooded on left and with a field on the right. Path is gravel/wide/meandering. After 250 yds, turn right off the path just before it bends to the left. There’s a yellow arrowed finger post on left. Follow slope round to right (woodland on left and fields on right). At fingerpost on left (3 arrows) continue on same (undulating) path. 100 yds go through kissing gate. Undulations again passing Loath Hill and Robin Hood Hill.
Go through another kissing gate and follow grey gravel path. 50 yds at an old beech tree (finger post with yellow arrows), go through with tree on left. Down short slope and through field and narrow gap in edge. At other side of the field is a bench. Then god down a hedged path at the other end continuing when it widens into gravel. Pass a permissive footpath on left. Go down the slope ehading towards houses and into the car park off the Green Dragon, where you can make merry…
Go through another kissing gate and follow grey gravel path. 50 yds at an old beech tree (finger post with yellow arrows), go through with tree on left. Down short slope and through field and narrow gap in edge. At other side of the field is a bench. Then god down a hedged path at the other end continuing when it widens into gravel. Pass a permissive footpath on left. Go down the slope ehading towards houses and into the car park off the Green Dragon, where you can make merry…Oxton to Grimesmor Dyke
(risk assessment for Oxton through to end of walk is no at the end of the blog)
(risk assessment for Oxton through to end of walk is no at the end of the blog)
With the Green Dragon in Blind Lane behind you, turn right and head towards the |T junction. Turn left here towards Notttingham, passing Post office on your left (limited access on pavement due to display outside(. Continue on the left where the pavement is.). The pavement is good but not for passing. Pass St Peter and St Paul Church.Cross at New Road and then cross over the road you are on, due to no pavement. Wathc out for pavement parkers.
In 3-400 yards, at the T junction (the Bridge Inn is on your right) turn right. Some of the pavement is cracked due to tree growth otherwise it’s fine.
At LR servicing cross over on the same road (watch out for traffic swinging round) onto grass verge. There are sections of concrete. Follow the roundabout to the left and cross the A6097 to Leicester. This is a fast road.
On the opposite side off the road is a path. Go down here (this is a public footpath). You’ll pass through some green bars. The path is narrow and wooded. Watch out for overhanging vegetation. Follow the stream on your right. The path is narrow and tarmac’d with roots and possible trips and falls. In twenty yards it opens out to a field on your right and it becomes a soil path.
At the time of risk assessing (and I must mention this) someone had left a trail of pornography along the side of the path, so do be aware of all kinds of body parts littering your way.
The path wil lead to the left. Pass over a metal tube carrying water to the stream and continues away for the stream where it widens.
In fifteen yards, you come to open fields with a path coming from behind (to the right of) you . Continue straight on (as if at 11 o’clock through the field (containing sugar beet at the time of writing). The path will veer to the right and head upwards and onto stony worn grass path.
In fifty yards there’sa picket fence on your right with overhanging vegetation.
At the end of the path, go through the bars (sorry, this is very poor disabled access).
At the minor T junction, turn right onto a minor B road with no pavement. Wathc out for horse poo. The path does have a narrow verge but is sided with hawthorn. .
With Broom Farm on your right you’ll come to a T junction. Turn left on to Mansfield Lane (the pavement drop is about five yards on). Keep left where there’s pavement. Watch out for traffic and pavement parkers. At the cross roads, crossover.
Pass the cemetery on your right and houses on your left. Finally a good wide pavement. In 150 yards there’s a T junction, turn left. You’re still on Mansfield lane and you’ll pass the Working Mens Club on your right. You’ll pass a shopping are on your left and at the car park to the library on your left, turn left.
Pass St Wiflrid’s Church and watch out for pavement parkers again.
Eventually the road become Bonner Lane (on the right is Bonner Hill. You’ll also pass Catherine’s Bakery on your right and the Gleaners Pub on your left. At the ding for National Speed limit, cross over due to loss of pavement. This is a fast road and interestingly enough has a bench on witch to watch the traffic go by. Pass a stables on your left. In 150 yards the road bends to the left. Go over the Dyke and see the Clubhouse for the golf club on the right. We’ll gather at the Springwater Golf Club sign. Maybe we should pootle back to Calvo and have a cup of tea there…
Grimesmoor Dyke to Lowdham – 8 miles
At the sign for Springwater Golf Club, with the car park on your right, continue on the path way passing the Cantonese Restaurant on your left. In ten yards, the pavement ends and the verge walking begins. What was a Lido is now housing by the way.The ground is soft underfoot and is cambered at times. Pass a fish farm on left and right. In 300 yards, cross over at a T junction and turn right following the sign for Epperstone. Again, no pavement, just verge and very fast road.
Shortly, you’ll come to a roundabout; carry on over and then take the turning just after it to your left (signed to Epperstone). This is a fast country road, leafy with a fairly steep slope and no pavement again.. Watch out for cyclists and ditches. As you head towards the village, tale the slope upwards by Plantation Cottages. The path is bumpy due to root growth. This will take you back to the main road. Watch out for horse poo! Pass a church on your left then the Cross Keys Pub (and shop). In 150 yards, there’s a national speed limit sign and a wide verge. Pass the village hall; country road and bumpy at times. There is (from what I remember) a worm footpath
Watch out for bramble and nettles and some camber. The verge does narrow eventually and the path disappears after the sign post for Lowdham. The road does eventually get a lot more sedate with fewer trees and fields either side. Now watch out for this one…in a mile and a half, there will be a wide gap in the hedge on the right, then the left and then a public footpath on your right with a narrow plank bridge over the ditch on your right
This will lead to a kissing gate. Go through onto public footpath in field. There is little marking of a path so head diagonally across passing a house on your left. Go through the silver gate on the left at the end and turn right.
At the T junction, turn left then right at the next T junction (you’ll see a red phonebox in the distance). Pass the blacksmiths on your left and in 50 yards turn right at the T junction and cross over the fast A road. Turn right and look left. Go through the kissing gate (a bit of a scramble down the bank). After you’ve gone through the gate, cut diagonally across, watching where you put your feet (cow dung a-plenty). Cut across the ridge and furrow and you’ll see a woe gap in the fence ahead. Go through and there’s a large oak on the diagonal at about 11 o’clock. There’s also a line of trees covering the train lines. Head towards the tall oak; you’ll see a branch fallen off. With the tree on your right, keep walking forwards towards the hedge. You’ll pass a short stretch of hawthorn and get to the trainlines (after two steps and a short bridge). WATCH OUT FOR TRAINS! Cross over and over the stile. You’ll see a lagoon in front of you. Gawp in wonderment and head left along a wire fence. In 50 yards, pass over a ditch at some gates. Turn right at the gates and keep the water on your right.
In 50 yards look left for the bridge over the stream. Go over and continue on the grass parallel to the minor B road. Pass the newly planted hawthorn, alder, oak and beech. Follow the fence to the right with an arrowed finger post.At the next finger post (there’s a gate in front of you). Go through the gate on the left. In ten yards, go round the wooden gate to a B road. Turn right. No pavement. Walk by the bramble along the ditch and over a stone bridge. Pass the tennis courts into Hoveringham. The road will bend to the left and a pavement appears for 200 yards. And when you get to the T junction. Turn right signed for Ferry Farm Park onto a B road. There’s a pavement on the left. In 20 yards, go over a river. There’s a narrow path and overhanging vegetation. In half a mile, you’ll see the Trent. Follow the Trent, keeping it on your left. The path eventuallu runs out. Go past the Ferry Farm restaurant. After the car park go through the wooden gate and continue to follow the Trent. Watch out for wandering cows.
In three quarter mile just before a bridge and gate turn right at the hawthorn in the flood barrier (about 10 yards to your right). Go past the hawthorn and head towards the wooden gate at 2 o’clock. At the side of the wooden gate is a metal one. Go through onto a soil path, by the overhanging vegetation to open field. The path veers to the right. At the corner of the field go through (watch out for the jutting rock sticking up). At the T junction turn left into Caythorpe. There’s no pavement on the B road but at least a wide verge. Cross when appropriate for a path. Pass the Black Horse Pub on the right
In half a mile, see the sign for Lowdham. At the T junction, turn right. Over the train lines is the last section of the walk. Continue with the Railway Inn on the right and a small shop on left. Continue to main road. On the opposite side are the public loos and the bus stop (the bus failed us when we risk assessed the route). End here (opposite the Magna Charta). You’ve just done roughly eight miles. Well done.
At the loos opposite the Magna Charta Pub, with the toilets on your right, continue towards the roundabout. Cross over here and carry straight on with signs for Nottingham/Burton Joyce. This is a busy road. Keep on your right as this has pavement. Watch out for cyclists. In half a mile, there are signs for national speed limit and overhanging vegetation. In 300 yards, veer onto picnic area; full of detritus and with one bench and a picnic table. Come out of the area and back to busy road. Turn right again heading in the same direction. In half a mile, see Holy Trinity church on your right up a slope. When you see 'Burton Joyce Cars' up ahead, turn down Main St on your right. It starts as a leafy suburb then lots of housing. Continue straight through. In quarter mile, the Wheatsheaf Inn is on your left. Find yourself in the shopping area and gather at Cross Keys Pub.
Burton Joyce to Colwick Country Park
With Cross Keys on your right, walk away from the town. You'll pass Lambley Lane and the War Memorial. At the T junction (Church Road) cross over to Station road (you'll see a barber's opposite). Go over the train lines and into a tree lined avenue with no pavement. When the road bends to the right, you'll face the Trent. follow the Trent. In about 250 yards, there's the Ferry boat Inn. Walk until you see a mini roundabout near the car park. Take the public footpath off along the river. You'll go through various gates (weighted/swing/stiled etc) and round cattle grids. Watch for dogs/horses and their droppings. Near to the start are also cows. You'll get a mixture of gravel and tarmac here with mostly wide verges hiding precarious holes.
The route will become more wooded, keep following path near river. At one point, there will be.a gate through which you will see a lock. Continue through, following the Trent. Here comes more gravel and the cyclists.
In half a mile, go under the massive railway bridge and either up the slope or use the steps.
Carry on. The path becomes closed in 200 metres. Before you get there, take the path to your right and into the industrial estate. See where aggregate comes from!
Not very good disabled access/path ways. Road alternates sides having pathways. Not pleasant walking - it's through an industrial landscape with dust and lorries and cement. Watch for potholes. After a mile, turn left down Crosslands Meadow and wiggle your way to the bottom. At house nr 92, follow the hedge and turn right. follow over the grass on the worn out path and at the high panelled fence, go round the back with the grassy bank on your left.
Go up a slight gradient and come to the river and follow it on your left.
In a third of a mile on the right there is a playground. Turn left over the Trent (there are two white, metal bridges) and finish at the car park.
Colwick to Victoria Embankment
From the Mile End car park go over the white bridge (the pedestrian one of the two) and take the small turning on your left with low level bollards. Go through the bars and follow the river on your left (there are the backs of houses on your right). In 150 yards there's another set of bars for those with triangular bodies. Path will fork in 20 yards. Keep bearing left.
In 50 yards go through a fenced area and turn right. The path will fork; head left to open water and seasonal fishermen with their boats. In 50 yards the walk becomes wooded. Watch out for the red picnic bench and the, whoops, raised rocks in the ground. Follow the lake on your left. After the open grassed area on your right as well as the next red picnic table, you'll see a path to your left. Take it going past the stone bollards. In a few yards, there's an open green area in front of you; veer right on the worn path. This takes you to a tarmac path and some moorings; turn right and you'll see a car park. The top left corner of the car park is a path with a sign saying 'Emergency use only'. Go through and head left with the lake on your right and the river (though you can't see it yet) is on your left. pass by an activity centre on your left.
Continue following the river and moving away from the lake. There's a gate in front of you; go round it and carry on along the path.
You'll see a play area on your right. At the fork, bear left and at the T turn left.
Stay on the right where there's pavement. You'll see the race course through the trees. Pass the junction of Waterside way. continue with racecourse on right until you get to T of a busy road. Turn left signed as if you're heading towards A52, M1 and A453. In 700 yards, go straight over at roundabout. Pass BP on your right as well as the smell of KFC coming from the same direction. watch out for bikes. Head left.
Pass mini retail park on right soon after. Cross over major junction signed for city ground.
Pass Nottingham Auction Centre. When the road bends right, go straight on passing The City Ground. In a few yards, you'll go over a bridge. At the T junction, turn left and cross the major road on your right. Do this before you reach the major bridge. There is an open area with pay to pee toilets. gather here. finish and cheer.
Risk assessment - Oxton to Victoria Embankment
Burton Joyce to Colwick Country Park
With Cross Keys on your right, walk away from the town. You'll pass Lambley Lane and the War Memorial. At the T junction (Church Road) cross over to Station road (you'll see a barber's opposite). Go over the train lines and into a tree lined avenue with no pavement. When the road bends to the right, you'll face the Trent. follow the Trent. In about 250 yards, there's the Ferry boat Inn. Walk until you see a mini roundabout near the car park. Take the public footpath off along the river. You'll go through various gates (weighted/swing/stiled etc) and round cattle grids. Watch for dogs/horses and their droppings. Near to the start are also cows. You'll get a mixture of gravel and tarmac here with mostly wide verges hiding precarious holes. The route will become more wooded, keep following path near river. At one point, there will be.a gate through which you will see a lock. Continue through, following the Trent. Here comes more gravel and the cyclists.
In half a mile, go under the massive railway bridge and either up the slope or use the steps.
Carry on. The path becomes closed in 200 metres. Before you get there, take the path to your right and into the industrial estate. See where aggregate comes from!
Not very good disabled access/path ways. Road alternates sides having pathways. Not pleasant walking - it's through an industrial landscape with dust and lorries and cement. Watch for potholes. After a mile, turn left down Crosslands Meadow and wiggle your way to the bottom. At house nr 92, follow the hedge and turn right. follow over the grass on the worn out path and at the high panelled fence, go round the back with the grassy bank on your left.
Go up a slight gradient and come to the river and follow it on your left. In a third of a mile on the right there is a playground. Turn left over the Trent (there are two white, metal bridges) and finish at the car park.
Colwick to Victoria Embankment
From the Mile End car park go over the white bridge (the pedestrian one of the two) and take the small turning on your left with low level bollards. Go through the bars and follow the river on your left (there are the backs of houses on your right). In 150 yards there's another set of bars for those with triangular bodies. Path will fork in 20 yards. Keep bearing left.In 50 yards go through a fenced area and turn right. The path will fork; head left to open water and seasonal fishermen with their boats. In 50 yards the walk becomes wooded. Watch out for the red picnic bench and the, whoops, raised rocks in the ground. Follow the lake on your left. After the open grassed area on your right as well as the next red picnic table, you'll see a path to your left. Take it going past the stone bollards. In a few yards, there's an open green area in front of you; veer right on the worn path. This takes you to a tarmac path and some moorings; turn right and you'll see a car park. The top left corner of the car park is a path with a sign saying 'Emergency use only'. Go through and head left with the lake on your right and the river (though you can't see it yet) is on your left. pass by an activity centre on your left.
Continue following the river and moving away from the lake. There's a gate in front of you; go round it and carry on along the path.You'll see a play area on your right. At the fork, bear left and at the T turn left.
Stay on the right where there's pavement. You'll see the race course through the trees. Pass the junction of Waterside way. continue with racecourse on right until you get to T of a busy road. Turn left signed as if you're heading towards A52, M1 and A453. In 700 yards, go straight over at roundabout. Pass BP on your right as well as the smell of KFC coming from the same direction. watch out for bikes. Head left.
Pass mini retail park on right soon after. Cross over major junction signed for city ground.
Pass Nottingham Auction Centre. When the road bends right, go straight on passing The City Ground. In a few yards, you'll go over a bridge. At the T junction, turn left and cross the major road on your right. Do this before you reach the major bridge. There is an open area with pay to pee toilets. gather here. finish and cheer.Risk assessment - Oxton to Victoria Embankment
Hazard | Who might be harmed | How is this risk controlled? | What further action is needed to control the risk? | |||||
Getting lost | all | Alert them to the route and offer/take mobile numbers | Alert them to the route and offer/take mobile numbers | |||||
Slips, trips and fall/uneven pathways | all | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Difficult terrain | All esp’ those with some movement issues | Warn walkers | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Harmful/overhanging/low level vegetation | all | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Dogs and other mammals on loose | all | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Busy roads/narrow paths | all | Warn all participants/use crossings as much as possible | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Open/moving water | All, esp’ children | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Horse/dog/mammal faeces | all | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Quad bikes | all | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Train lines | all | Warn all participants | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Barbed wire | All | Warn walkers | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
detritus | All | Warn walkers | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
lack of pavement | All | Warn walkers | Warn as and when appropriate | |||||
Rough Weather | All | Be aware of forecast – inform others | Inform walkers | |||||
