Glaman one

Verified Slow Way

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Walked from Glapwell to Mansfield Woodhouse on a showery summer afternoon after a lot of rain. A fairly good direct route, with a few steps and some slightly slippery field paths. No major issues. I did wonder if more interesting lines through the two ex-colliery country parks could improve the route, but as it is most of it is enjoyable even in the rain.

From Glapwell we follow Rowthorne Lane south (stay on the right hand side as the left hand pavement stops earlier). Beyond the village there is no pavement but the lane is quiet. Dale Lane is even quieter, and where the road turns sharp left we go straight on on a good track through fields to the edge of the old Pleasley colliery country park. We stay out of the park, following the aptly named Longhedge Lane down to the second old railway path, where we turn left. This route takes us into Pleasley easily enough, but we don't see very much, especially from the railway path which is in a cutting throughout. Eventually we leave the railway to take the path past the Miners Welfare club to Chesterfield Road, which leads us to the A617. There are central refuges on both sides of the junction - I used the one on the left (west) side and it is safe enough as long as you wait for suitable gaps in the traffic. We then head up a steep staircase and then bear right to reach the first of a series of wide well cut field paths. The final field path goes further north than the right of way line, so there is no need to turn left to reach the path into Oxclose Wood - this path is straight ahead.

Oxclose Wood is another former colliery country park. Our route through it is easy enough, but there are shorter ways to get to the Mansfield Woodhouse meeting point, though anyone planning to leave by train who is not too pedantic about visiting meeting points will probably be happy enough to take the bridle path across the railway and reach the station from the north side.

Most of this route is very easy walking with the exception of a slope and steps at Pleasley. No cattle and some excellent cross field reinstatement. Two pubs and a cafe at Pleasley plus buses. Pleasley to Glapwell makes a first class walk for all with a return bus link.

I walked from Woodhouse, this walk makes best use of the poorly located meeting place. The initial track dips under the rail bridge and looks to have heavy use but was quite quiet on the day of my walk. The mid level path around Oxclose Wood offers some good views without too much of a climb.

Leaving the wood the walked and cleared path is not on the definitive line as shown on Ordnance Survey but is well defined on the ground. Walking north offers a view of Pleasley Colliery, engine house, chimney and headstocks which stand in the country park.

The ground drops steeply to the road so the steps are essential and would improve things if extended. Safely down there are traffic lights to assist crossing. As I passed the two pubs were closed but the cafe door was open. I didn't see any useful shops here.

The route out was a surprise, I expected to walk beside the winding building but didn't even see it as the path uses an old rail line in a cutting. I think the route here could be improved by using Pit Lane.

The Skegby Trail has a good surface and this links to Longhedge Lane a traffic free route where I met a mobility scooter user out walking the dog. Even the field edge path is surfaced leading to a quiet lane towards Rowthorne and onward to Glapwell. No pavement initially but the road has only occasional traffic.

Slow Ways are walking routes so I'm happy to give this one five stars because I've walked far worse paths and few better.

I walked this route from Glapwell to Mansfield W'hse in February a few days after rain. The route is on lanes to begin with before reaching the well made track passing round Pleasley Country Park. Pleasley has shops and public houses. Up to now there were no steps and no muddy sections.

Once you cross the busy A617 (carefully !) the gloves are off. A flight of steep concrete steps leads to muddy field paths. Great views though and the route was easy to follow. When I reached Oxclose Wood (formerly known as Sherwood Colliery tip) I followed the path right and left to climb to the top (a) because its shorter, and (b), because the views are excellent. A somewhat muddier path drops you straight down to the car-park where the route ends/begins.

I found this a very enjoyable countryside walk, but appropriate footwear is essential in my view.

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