Wornew two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Wornew here.

My first Slow Way walk of 2023 and what a great start. This walk is easy to follow has a good firm improved surface along many paths over ground that is sandy and well drained so no mud but do read on. One field at Clumber had some interesting looking cattle but otherwise stock free and no claggy cross field paths to find or deal with. No stiles, as I recall, as most paths are bridleways. A five star route even though I was forced to divert on three occasions more on that later but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this hike which has refreshments half way at the National Trust's popular Clumber Park.

I started at New Ollerton a Slow Way hub I'd used some time back see https://beta.slowways.org/Route/Marnew/5144#reviews The route takes us quickly into the countryside with a well surfaced path alongside the River Maun. The tall brick chimney of Boughton pumping station can be seen, this once used impressive steam driven pumps to lift drinking water from deep wells for the folk of Nottingham.

I had anticipated flooding along this river side path but all was well until approaching the first road here I found a firm route under the footbridge then a scramble up to the quiet road. The next section brought back memories of a Boy Scout camp that I attended some (I refuse to quote how may) years back. The map marks another Robin Hood cave but the erosion caused by visitors feet has worn away much of the feature.

We now share the route with the Robin Hood Way (RHW), it's a wide fenced track so easy to follow and popular with dog walkers. Approaching the confluence of the rivers Meaden and Maun just north of Blackcliffe Hill Plantation I hit a snag. The path was flooded and impassable and I suddenly realised I'd walked this way before and on that occasion the area was flooded. A local reminds me of a way around to the east, see the map included in the pictures, and we discuss the cause which is not just related to heavy rain but mining subsidence.

The route meets the busy A614 but it's a good safe segregated path before a light controlled crossing. We then enter the huge National Trust Clumber Estate and for those on foot it's free admission. The bridleway approaching Hardwick village is across pasture where docile cattle grazed.

Issue three. The bridleway over the ford at Hardwick was officially closed and has been since September 2020 because the footbridge is in need of repair. I assume this will eventually be completed and in the meantime an alternative signed route is available. Refreshments and loos are available here before a walk alongside the lake.

This is a popular part of the Estate by the manmade expanse of water so the walking is on yet more firm paths, my boots remained clean for the whole walk. There a climb in Ash Tree Hill Wood to the meeting of five tracks take care to take the correct path.

As they say 'You think it's all over' but we are soon walking across a large field used for parking where the line of the footpath plays second fiddle to the marking out of parking areas. There is lots to explore here so it's best to make this a day walk and spend some time at this well provided halfway point.

My exit was eventually following the main approach drive but there is plenty of grass either side for safe walking. Finally leaving the park, although not the estate we continue along the RHW another well surfaced path through woodland.

We eventually meet a quiet road at the impressive buildings of Worksop College. A bridge offers a safe crossing of the busy main road before a few domestic 'estate' roads at Manton, approaching Worksop. The priory and Canch Park provide a good approach / exit but yet again I must moan about the meeting point location although The Mallard is well worth a visit.

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.