0.0 miles - 15 of us set off from the Castle and walked down to the River Don then along the bank heading upstream. We then walked through The Crags, a pleasant area with a miriad of tarmac paths. Over the road and dropped down through Denaby Wood and into Old Denaby village.
3.3 miles - Down Ferry Lane, we reached the railway crossing footbridge - a substantial structure - novel. We had the coffee stop sitting on the steps of the footbridge. Across the River Don and onto the Mexborough Canal where we followed the tow path, eventually reaching the Bottom Lock, where we crossed the canal.
5.0 miles - We joined the TPT heading east, passing the former Earth Centre complex.
6.0 miles - Lunch stop. The weather so far had been fine and we managed lunch in the dry. Almost immediately after we set off again the rain arrived, as had been predicted. Fortunately it was not too bad and only lasted for an hour. We crossed the Conisbrough Viaduct and continued along the TPT.
7.0 miles - We turned off the TPT and headed for Martinwell Lakes, then a right and along field edges to Drakehead Lane and back into Conisbrough.
9.4 miles - Back at the cars.
Welcome replenishment fluid was taken at The Terminus micro-pub in Conisbrough.
Todays walk in detail
26/01/2025
Conisbrough, Old Denaby, Edlington circular
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23/01/2025
Trans-Pennine Trail
Seventeen brave members set off from Finkle Street car park despite the horrendous weather forecast. there was only light rain, at Green Moor we had a stop at the viewing garden in drizzle but with good views. Next was a look at the Old Mill House and on to Hulthwaite hall where we attracted the attention of 3 large frisky horses, with the sight of such brave souls they seemed to leave us alone (almost). Then onto Thurgoland and down to Lower Toad Hall where the rain was getting heavier this lasted through Wellhouses and back to the cars. The problem of our wet gear was alleviated with Chip Butties and a drink in the Commercial pub in Chapeltown. A big thank you to everyone who came on this walk and who conquered above normal conditions and terrain.
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19/01/2025
Wentworth Monuments and Follies Circular
20 people set off on a very cold morning, as we approached Elsecar 3 herons were spotted, they took flight, which was a wonderful sight. coffee break was taken at The Needles eye, we carried on past Hoober Stand towards Greasbrough lake's where lunch was taken, we didn't linger there, it was so cold!! Walking towards the house we saw another heron, and a wonderful group of deer, as we neared the house we saw 2 stags on the lawn in front of the house, many of our group took 'photos of this, so picturesque worthy of 'Country Life'. We arrived back all intact. Many thanks to my backmarkers. It was lovely to meet Andrew, Shirley and her dog Bryn, who are our now our newest members.
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16/01/2025
Wath Wood
On a chilly frosty morning, 21 members of the, including 3 new; Sandra, Stephen and Shirley, set off across the fields to Wath Wood. Onto Wath and the Mausoleum of the Payne family, where refreshments were taken. Everyone in good spirits, continued across more fields up to Hoober Lane, a steady climb, with views to Brampton Bier Low, Wombwell and Barnsley, some lovely pictures were taken. Onwards and upwards to our favourite spot of Hoober stand, where a second sneaky break was taken back across the fields to Rawmarsh, to the Marquis, where everyone resisted the giant Yorkshire puddings and settled for drinks. A good time was had by all, thanks for joining me. Judith.
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12/01/2025
Whiston, Ulley Circular
Cancelled due to icy conditions.
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09/01/2025
Rother Valley
24 people set off on this walk on a cold, icy but gloriously sunny day. From the start at Elmwood Farm we entered Rother Valley Country Park and followed paths through woodland and over the footbridge to come out at the northern lake. We were met with a lovely view of the frozen lake bathed in sunshine. After walking around this lake we made our way to the courtyard/visitor centre area where we enjoyed a drink and snack whilst viewing the main lake with a host of bird life including herons, swans, and geese. We then walked around the main lake, back across the footbridge and retraced our steps back to the start point. Some beautiful photos were taken along the way. Although the terrain was mostly flat, the ice made it particularly challenging in places. However, we survived to enjoy the hospitality of the Elmwood Farm pub/restaurant including some delicious looking carvery meals and chip butties! Thanks to all for your support for me as a first time walk leader.
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05/01/2025
Hardwick, Ault Hucknall, Newbound Mill
Walk cancelled due to bad weather.
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29/12/2024
No walk
Merry Christmas
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22/12/2024
Finkle Street, Wortley, Crane Moor Nook, Eastfield Farm, Moor End, TPT, Pule Hill, Hulthwaite Hall
Fourteen hardy souls chose to spend a few hours on a cold, windy day with the odd shower in the great outdoors rather than in a warm, jam packed, frenetic load of lemmings in Meadowhell. We had a brisk start encouraged by the weather via Wortley, Crane Moor and Eastfield Farm where we had a brief stop for drinks them on towards Berry Moor where we were joined by two lonely horses who joined our group and when they realised they were not being fed decided to block the next style after some persuasion they moved and we passed through, although one horse decided to put its snout into a coat pocket but again did not find any Christmas treats. We them continued against the strong cold wind to Moor End and lunch was taken on the Dove Valley Trail. Knabbes Farm was negotiated with help from Phillip Bullens and with a following wind passed Pule Hill Hall and Thurgoland then through the tunnel at Huthwaite, Merry Christmas was echoed through the tunnel, the finished at Finkle Street car park. Refreshment was taken at the Commercial at Chapeltown. A very enjoyable day despite some muddy patches. Thank you to all who braved the forecast and a Merry Christmas to everyone.
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19/12/2024
Firbeck Circular
The most wonderful time of the year according to the song. The last Thursday walk of 2024 was blessed with a sunny bracing day. Twenty four walkers and Jake the dog set off from Firbeck onto Salt Lane. Unfortunately the night before hadn't been quite so wonderful cos it had chucked it down and we had a walk through about 100 yds of boot covering puddles. Perhaps we need a Christmas song about rain and puddles. We then crested the hill towards Langold before turning off towards the pretty village of Letwell. Coffee was taken at the church with a few chocolate biscuits. We then headed across the fields towards Throapham which is a long incline and had a very strong headwind to make it interesting. Extensive views from here towards Lincolnshire on the very clear day. We then had the extreme sports section of the walk, crossing the busy road, before the downhill section of the walk passing Lingodell farm and back into Firbeck a total of 5.5 miles. Rehydration occurred at the very festive King William pub where we all had a giggle.
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