Selhuc one

Verified Slow Way

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First part of a two route walk from Hucknall to Eastwood via Selston, both previously reviewed by Ken walking in the other direction. This one is mostly quite pleasant, but does rather suffer from road noise as it runs close to the M1 for several miles. I would also recommend doing it in springtime when the bluebells in the woods are out. I am a little conflicted about the rating - most of it is fine but it really needs redrawing to avoid the private allotment path west of the A611 that Ken mentions in his review, which is padlocked at both ends.

Starting at the meeting point at Hucknall (the tram terminus and rail station), the route initially takes us up the steps to Station Road - a step-free alternative is possible through the car park to Ashgate Road, but there are other unavoidable steps on the M1 crossings, so this may be a futile amendment. Initially we walk through Hucknall town centre, which has plenty of pelican crossings. There is no crossing on Yorke Street, but that is not too busy. We then follow Derbyshire Lane and a short footpath to the A611, where there is another pelican crossing. Unless you want to view the locked gate (see first picture), just turn right along the far pavement of the A611 and follow it to the roundabout and turn left long Nabbs Lane then follow Whyburn Lane to the farm and continue up the hill on a well marked but sometimes muddy field path.

Eventually you will reach a stile leading into a grazing field - the path left is indistinct - if in doubt bear right and you will find the exit in the corner by the trees. A narrow lane with a few steps and stiles leads down to the motorway bridge, which has steps on both sides.

Beyond the bridge the path leads right. We follow the right edge of the field to an obvious path through the wood, which crosses a couple of bigger tracks before emerging onto an open field with a wide gravel track around it - we follow that right and under the M1 through a bridge. A little beyond the bridge we turn left into Kennel Lane, which leads along the edge of the wood and past a farm to a T-junction where we turn right onto Weavers Lane. We follow this lane to the gates of the Annesley Hall estate, and a little gap in the hedge leads to the A608.

The A608 has a pavement on the south side, which we follow left to the roundabout. Here we cross to the north side of the A608 and cross Willow Drive. The footpath is not signed, but goes up the bank and crosses a gap in the wooden fence, then skirts the edge of the field and turns right beyond a hedge. It continues through a little wood to the M1 bridge, which is reached up another flight of steps. Cross the bridge and follow the track to Annesley Lane, which leads to Nottingham Road and the Selston meeting point, passing a large Co-op.

Not a bad route, but one which would benefit from a very minor tweak, and one which is not really suitable for anything wheeled that can't be carried up and down steps. I am happy to snail it.

Overall, I enjoyed this walk. I walked from Selston to Hucknall in January. There is a pavement beside the roads leaving Selston. One downside for me was the long section beside or near the motorway, where traffic noise was considerable. The steep stepped footbridge and rickety stiles at Misk farm would make this unsuitable for some users. Most of the muddier sections were easily sidestepped. The approach to Hucknall town centre was on quiet roads with pavements.

Generally the paths are on tracks often with a firm surface. Around the motorway stepped crossing at Misk Farm there are stiles and mud otherwise gates or gaps throughout. A few niggling map issues see below but not worth a new route. I enjoyed this walk which passes through varied countyside with views, although the noise of the motorway is often intrusive.

From Selston there is a mile along the main roads before a farm track path avoids field crossings. The track crosses the motorway then the path takes an alternative route over a boardwalk that is in need of repair. Here the noise of the traffic is in competition with hissing of a gas distribution complex, working hard perhaps on this cold frosty morning.

Approaching the A608 by junction 27 a footpath is signed in the field but it's better to use the roadside pavement because it's not clear how the east end of the the path joins the road. Is it the broken down fence at Sherwood Park? I found no official way out. A safe path leads roadside to the next path.

Advertising signs at the lane end suggest business traffic but it was quiet during my walk, keep an eye on the plot so as not to miss the turn left onto Kennel Lane. A farm complex offers some remote homes but the traffic noise is always present. Passing under the motorway a track left could offer a good surface but would miss the view west across Underwood seen from the right of way. The signed path between the tress is not quite as shown on OS through Park Springs. A gate and sign prohibits access to Big Stainers but not an issue we stick to the right of way, which may be a little muddy along the field edge.

The next bridge has steps, stiles and mud then a narrow holly lined path around Misk Farm but it's short lived. Rolling fields make the approach to a covered reservoir and onto Whyburn Lane where the ever spreading town is soon met. Approaching the A611 along Wood Lane the plot attempts to use a private allotment access road so continue to the island then use the pavement to cross at the lights for a quiet roads walk into central Hucknall.

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