Wornew one

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I walked this route in March, starting at Worksop. There are already good reviews of the route so I won't re-walk it step by step. The exit from Worksop is on pavements and the canal towpath. From the map the A57 crossing seems risky, but there are good sight lines at the crossing point and frequent long gaps in the traffic.
The Hardwick Ford Bridge is still not open (March 2023). There is an additional tea van at this end of the lake now - saves visiting the courtyard cafe..
I walked a bit farther around the shore , crossing the outlet stream (R Poulter). As the path enters the woods there is a good track which takes a loop around Tark Wood and passes Cabin Hill House before heading for the A614, where we meet the path from Hardwick Ford Bridge.
The Conjure Alders flooding is well covered by Ken (review1) and I used his suggested detour.
The route was enjoyable, but is over a mile longer with these detours and diversions.

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 four 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 routes 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. I can't comment on the plotted route through Hardwick village but the route I was forced to take was very pleasant and passed a refreshment and loo opportunity.

This is a popular part of the Estate by the huge lake so the walking is on yet more firm paths, my boots remained clear for the whole walk. There a climb in Ash Tree Hill Wood to the meeting of five tracks where the plot could be better so take care.

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 finally 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 and issue four where a route has not been available through the grounds of a modern church since 2009, but an easy road option is available, see Wornew-2 especially if leaving 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.

Four issues but three should be transitory and do not need a redraw but one does and things can be improved at Hardwick village so see Wornew-2.

This is a pleasant route taking in a few interesting places as well.
In Worksop after some streets you have a short section through a park then go past the impressive Worksop Priory and Gatehouse. Some more streets take you to the only deviation required from the official route.
From Pelham Street it is suggested you go through a churchyard to Cavendish Road but the gates were locked. Instead you should go right at the pharmacy and go along Richmond Road to reach Cavendish Road.
The route leaves the town and then follows a quiet road with no pavement. Just after Worksop College turn right along a bridleway and follow forest tracks for the next two miles to Clumber Park which is free to enter for walkers. Refrehments are available at the visitor centre and there are many other sights. The path doesn't go to the lake at this point but it's only a short distance away.
This area is very popular and the path does soon follow the lake for a bit. There are more refreshments by Hardwick village. The official route along the quiet road was diverted when I walked it but should be restored soon.
You go to the woods again before crossing the A614 and easy paths in woods and fields. Three miles north of Ollerton you reach Robin Hood's Cave, a small sandstone cliff over the river Maun. At Whitewater Bridge the path turns to follow the Maun into Ollerton where you join the main road with many shops and facilities.

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