Stabol two

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I walked from Bolsover on a nice sunny day, as part of a circular walk from Chesterfield. The route begins on the quiet road to the castle (pub here, but its a bit early to stop !) and then follows a footpath round the woodland and down the fields to join the A632 at Carr Vale. After a short stretch along the pavement, past the former colliery, a cycle way takes us off the roadside across the River Doe Lee and provides a pleasant surfaced trail to Long Duckmanton. There is another pavement stretch before we turn off northward along the pavement adjoining Rectory Road. There is a mile of this residential road before we reach a derelict pub and turn left. Not long after that the route diverges from the road and follows a footpath towards Poolsbrook Country Park. I was using the 1:25000 OS map and would otherwise have missed the footpath which turns sharp left through a small gap in the hedge before descending to the Country Park. A narrow muddy path northwards soon joins a surfaced track which takes us to the cafe and playground (refreshments at last !). I tried to follow the RoW on the 1:25k but it doesn't exist. Just follow the cycle path towards Staveley and after crossing the Pennine Bridleway trail, joins Inkersall Road for a short walk to the hub.

I enjoyed this route. There are scenic sections and the roadside segments are safe. It is direct and effective.

I walked from Bolsover across the sloping meadow below the imposing castle this is direct and avoids some roadside walking. A short section of pavement crosses an old rail route which may eventually offer a more direct route to Staveley. After the roundabout take the unsigned cycle track which has an excellent bonded surface and little use so it makes a relaxed and safe alternative to the narrow pavement.

At the motorway bridge we are forced back close to the traffic for a short walk to Rectory Road, the filling station on the opposite side of the main road has a shop if required. A pavement offers safety along this estate road to Duckmanton and buses here serve Bolsover and Chesterfield. The large inn at the end looks shut for good and I could see no further shops in this area.

The Methodist Chapel is an interesting and well maintained building opposite where our faded signed route takes a track. While this initially is the route shown on Ordnance Survey the two soon part company and we stay on the track. Care is needed to spot the narrow gap and stile in the hedge which offers access to a less used link path which can be overgrown and muddy.

Again this path doesn't follow the definitive path but stick with the walked and plotted route and all will be fine. Our link ends opposite a small lake and a well walked path and I felt like Alice in Wonderland entering a new world by a hidden passage. From here it's easy walking with a careful eye on navigation through a meadow of buttercups, ragged robin and orchids. The park was busy with families, anglers, joggers and men playing with radio controlled boats plus customers at the cafe. Our route heads to the Trans Pennine Trail passing the busy campsite on the way.

The cycle trail has two routes to the town centre the first is more direct and passes the leisure centre and bus stops before entering the deserted marketplace and a pleasant seating area which is the meeting place.

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