Kirhuc two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked this route from Kirkby to Hucknall. I was quite impressed with it.

Like other reviewers, I also encountered that the route as drawn from Derby Road to Warren Avenue wasn't quite accurate. Once I got into the open field, it was obvious where the footpath was, which cut more diagonally south and cut off the sharp corner as drawn. No biggie, really.

There's at least a convenience store in Newstead, a perfect middle spot to stop for a rest halfway.

The long stretch to Linby is very nice. Sure, it's a bit bland, but I can't complain - it was perfect for walking.

Just south of Wighay Road, my only beef with this route is that you arrive at a junction of many paved paths at the park labelled The Ranges, and the route takes you up the steepest possible option! On a hot day, it was a brutal climb at the end of the route! (Especially as there wasn't much of a view at the top)

I wouldn't want to upload an alternative without having surveyed it, but it looks like you could skirt around the west side of the hill and avoid at least a lot of the incline altogether.

Note as well there is a level crossing near Hucknall.

Overall, a fantastic route I'd be happy to walk again. Good transport links and facilities on both ends, and a lovely, direct, and mostly off-road bit of walking between them!.

I walked this route in January. Even so there were very few muddy sections. The plotted route from Warren farm (the end of the Annesley track) and the road at the top of 'Shoulder of Mutton Hill' is not where the path actually lies. This is the only section which might present difficulties for less agile walkers. It is narrow, steeply graded and the section by the roadside falls away steeply. The overall route is enjoyable. Although the 'Linby Trail' cycleway has few views (as noted by Ken in his review), it is a nature conservation site with abundant wild flowers and wildlife in spring and summer.

This route is offered to avoid a section of path in the earlier plot that does not have public access. Because it is not the avoiding route that I used, a short section does not form part of this review. The walk is mostly along a cycle route from Hucknall to Kirkby. A section at Annesley is field path walking.

Leaving Hucknall I was surprised to be directed east of the railway which then involves a pedestrian level crossing of the line. Another surprise was Blatherwick Close, an unrecorded path between houses and waste land. Meeting a footpath which would offer level walking, while our route climbs the old colliery spoil heap. This should offer views but trees already obscure this advantage. Only the man walking his dog provides interest after the climb.

Back down to meet the easy path and a rail and road crossing to join Sustrans route 6 and a long straight drag with little to see but very easy walking. Approaching Newstead the cycle route turns right into the grounds of Newstead Abbey, during open hours only. Slow Ways turns left or you may have left the track sooner and followed a path created by locals which avoids the double back. No access here to the station but Nomads Cricket Club offers Beer and Banter at The Pit micropub. I wonder if it has to be cricket banter?

From here to Annesley I followed Kirhuc1 so hope this bit works.

Annesley pit closed in 2000 the last to operate in the Leen Valley and perhaps used the site of Annesley locomotive depot and Newstead colliery to dispose of the spoil. The route passes a row of terrace houses built for the miners then enters the only fields on this route. Locals have created other paths here so follow the plot with care.

It's a climb to the road then down the other side from a spot that once wrongly claimed to be the highest point in Nottinghamshire but it's a strange piece of ribbon development along the ridge. We cross over the Robin Hood line which has been followed from Hucknall and after a little more road walking take a strip of wildlife path that was one of many rail lines through Kirkby. This one was lost so when the line reopened as Robin Hood it had to be diverted, we can now enjoy it as a traffic free entry to the town centre.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.