Warsop Walks Guides to ten walks around the parish of Warsop in Nottinghamshire covering a range of different habitats, giving an impression of our heritage and wildlife.

The parish of Warsop is a superb area for enjoying wildlife and the countryside. These notes mention some of the best places and which paths can be used to reach them. Paths are numbered as on the definitive map (e.g. FP1 is Footpath no 1 and BW16 is bridleway no 16)

Favourite places • Spring Lane (BW16) is an ancient sunken lane. • Hammerwater Bridge (Byway 43) crosses the River Meden in a quiet spot

that is excellent for watching wildlife. • The Hills and Holes (FP6) are an old quarry site with excellent displays of

summer wildflowers. • The beech woods (at the eastern end of BW32) • The old trees of Birklands forest (FP22) including ancient oaks • The hedges alongside Sookholme Lane (Byway 43) are some of the oldest

in the area • Lord Stubbins Wood (FP14) is an atmospheric ancient woodland

Protected wildlife sites Warsop is fortunate to have four protected areas, two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and two Local Nature Reserves (LNR). • Hills & Holes SSSI (FP6). These former quarries are some of the best

limestone plant communities in Nottinghamshire and are valuable for a wide range of wildlife.

• Lord Stubbins Wood SSSI (FP14) is an ancient coppiced woodland with a remarkable atmosphere

• The Carrs LNR (FP2, FP3) is a wildlife corridor alongside the River Meden. • The Bottoms LNR in Meden Vale includes wetlands beside the River Meden

providing a habitat for birds and amphibians.

Willdlife • Excellent bird watching locations include Hammerwater Bridge over

the River Meden (Byway43) and the paths near Burns Farm (BW27/FP28/BW29)

• The flowers on the Hills and Holes (FP6) • In May the display of bluebells in Collier Spring Wood

(BW8/FP9/FP10) • In autumn fungi can be seen in many areas including the woodland

near BW32 • The River Meden is now one of the cleanest rivers in the area and

fish can be seen from the bridges on FP2, BW5, Byway43, FP35 and BW33.

• Water voles may also be seen along the River Meden • Bats can be viewed at dusk in many areas, particularly near the

river on FP2. Views Fine views over the parish can be seen from • Cuckney Hill (FP1) • Near Peafield Lane (FP17) • Warsop Vale Viewpoint • Upper Cross Lane (BW25) • Ling Lane (BW24)

Parks and Greens These areas provide easy walking on good paths • The Carrs (FP2) • Church Warsop Doorstep Green (BW7) • Warsop Vale reclaimed pit site (BW13) • Shirebrook Woods (Byway52) Historical sites • Parliament Oak (across Peafield Lane opposite the end of BW21)

King John is said to have sat under the Parliament Oak when he convened an emergency council in 1212 and it is alleged that Edward l held a meeting of Parliament there in 1290.

• Thynghowe (now known as Hanger Hill, alongside FP22 in Birklands Forest) is believed to have been used as an ancient meeting place as far back as Anglo-Saxon times and possibly further.

• Water meadows (along the River Meden, crossed by BW33). You can still see the ditches and stonework used by the Welbeck Estate to flood the land alongside the river to improve its fertility.

• Roman tile kiln (beside the spring at Sookholme Bath, next to Byway 52). It is believed that tiles were produced at this site for the nearby Roman villa at Mansfield Woodhouse.

• The woodlands to the east and north of Warsop were extensively used by the army during the second World War and only left the Birklands Forest during the 1960s. Ammunition dumps and a machine gun post may still be seen.

Who can use each type of path? • Footpaths may be used by walkers and also people in wheelchairs

and mobility scooters. • Bridleways are for walkers, users of mobility vehicles and horse

riders. Cyclists may use bridleways but must give way to walkers and horse riders.

• Byways are mainly used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders but motor vehicles may have access, subject to restrictions.

The Countryside Code • Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs • Leave gates and property as you find them • Protect plants and animals and take your litter home • Keep dogs under close control • Consider other people Warsop Footpaths & Countryside Group We are a community voluntary group who aim to- • maintain the local footpath network • undertake conservation work • promote enjoyment and understanding of the local countryside • organise a programme of walks.

Warsop Walk 1

The eastern side of Warsop Parish has ancient lanes, fine views and a variety of coniferous and deciduous woodland. Birds are plentiful in the hedgerows, wildflowers are abundant along Budby Drive and in autumn fungi thrive beneath the beech trees and at the sides of the cycle route. The meandering River Meden is crossed twice. This walk is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and should take between 2 and 3 hours.

Directions ��� Take Upper Cross Lane (BW25) from the top of Cherry Grove and then FP28 across the field to join Broomhill Lane (BW31) at the sewage works. Continue downhill along BW32, crossing Hanger Hill Drive and continue to the corner of Budby Common. Turn left along the Nation Cycle Route to pass Budby Pumping Station, cross the Meden Vale to Budby road and walk up Budby Drive to Hazel Gap. The route then heads back towards Meden Vale along FP36 before turning south down FP38, crossing the road at the white gates beside Gleadthorpe Lodge and following Hanger Hill Drive (BW33) back into the forest where the outward route is rejoined. Turn right and follow BW32 and BW31 back to the sewage works where you have the option of turning right and following Broomhill Lane (BW29) to join Burns Lane back into Warsop.

Warsop Walk 2

This walk from Warsop to Cuckney and back includes open fields, woodland, a farm road and an old lane. You may wish to spend time investigating Cuckney’s mill pond or stop for a drink at the Greendale Oak. This walk is about 6 kilometres and should take between 1 and 2 hours.

Directions From the Carrs walk up the A60 and pass through the kissing gate opposite the cemetery and take the crossfield path. Progress uphill through three fields to reach the corner of the woods. Carry straight on along the track at the edge of the woods and keep straight on where other paths join. When the route leaves the wood take the crossfield path near Park House Farm and then follow the farm road. Take care crossing the A632 and go up the steps to Mill Hill. Descend to the dam. You may now wish to explore around the mill pond or enjoy a rest on a bench. Leave the dam along School Lane past the mill buildings that now house the school. Continue along Creswell Road and cross the busy A60 and walk to the Greendale Oak public house. Bear right and turn left along Budby Road. Join Donkey Lane alongside the last house and continue uphill until you join the A60 near the top of Cuckney Hill. Cross the road at a safe place and follow the road downhill back to the starting point.

Warsop Walk 3

Just over a century ago this area of Warsop was farmland and extensive woodlands. Then came Warsop Main Colliery. The pit village of Warsop Vale was built and the tip eventually covered much of Minster Wood. Even twenty years ago this area was a scene of industrial activity around the pit yard and of destruction and desolation where the tip expanded northwards into the woodlands. Now the pit has gone, nature is reclaiming the pit yard, the tip has been sensitively remodelled and new habitats created. This walk includes both of Warsop’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), the Hills & Holes and Lord Stubbins Wood. The return through Collier Spring Wood provides a fascinating contrast in styles of woodland management. This walk is about 6km and should take between 1 and 2 hours

Directions This walk starts at the bridge at the end of Stonebridge Lane although you may choose to start at The Carrs and walk along the river to Stonebridge. Cross the river and when the paths forks take the left hand path (FP6) towards Warsop Vale. Cross Carter Lane and turn left. You may either follow the road to just beyond The Swing public ouse next to the railway bridge, turning right along the bridleway (BW13) that runs alongside the houses on North Street or you may take a more interesting alternative by leaving Carter Lane beside the remodelled settling ponds and walking across the restored site of the old pit sidings. Continue up William Wood Lane past the farm until you reach the disused railway embankment. Do not climb the embankment but turn right along the edge of the field (FP11) and follow the path into Collier Spring Wood (FP10). The map shows the line of the public footpaths but the route on the ground bears right and emerges onto Wood Lane at the south-east corner of the wood. Follow Wood Lane for a few metres then, just before Church Warsop Miners Welfare, turn right down Gypsy Lane (BW7), a bridleway that leads to Carter Lane. Turn right along Carter Lane for a few metres then cross the road and follow the bridleway (BW4) between fields back to Stonebridge.

Warsop Walk 4

This walk takes us around the south of the parish. We leave Market Warsop along Oakfield Lane heading towards Redbrick House and return via Westfield House and Spion Kop. You should enjoy fine views and see a variety of birds in the hedgerows flanking the lanes. We use all three types of right of way found in Warsop as we travel along a byway, a bridleway and a footpath. This walk is about 6 kilometres and should take between 1 and 2 hours

Directions Leave Market Warsop along Oakfield Lane passing under the railway bridge and past the recycling centre. The lane is a BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic) so there is a possibility of vehicles using this route. Continue past the side entrance to Redbrick House to Peafield Lane. You may either turn right and walk along the verge of the busy Peafield Lane for 300 metres or, if you wish to avoid the traffic, carefully cross the road and enter the plantation opposite and walk along a rather muddy track that runs parallel to the road. Turn right through a gate and follow the bridleway (BW19) down towards the farm. Take the path around the edge of the paddock as you approach Westfield House. The bridleway now becomes a surfaced farm road leading to the A60. Take care crossing the road and turn right alongside the A60 towards Warsop as far as Spion Kop. Turn right up the hill, forking left and continuing until the road ends at a farm. Enter the farmyard, keep straight ahead as far as the barn where the footpath (FP20) turns right then left. Follow this path until it joins Oakfield Lane, turning left and returning to your starting point.

Warsop Walk 5

This walk takes us between Market Warsop and Church Warsop along both ancient and recent paths. It includes The Carrs Local Nature Reserve, Church Warsop’s Doorstep Green, part of the Hills & Holes Site of Special Scientific Interest and a stretch alongside the River Meden. This walk is about 3 kilometres (2 miles) and should take less than an hour

Directions Start at the bridge onto The Carrs near to the telephone exchange building opposite Hetts Lane. Head straight across The Carrs along the concessionary cycle route. Follow the path (FP2) across the field and then alongside the hedge towards Church Warsop. When the road is reached cross the main road and take Wood Lane opposite. After about 50 metres take the entrance on the left between the playground and Woodside Hall. Keep to the left and follow the path across the Doorstep Green that runs parallel to Carter Lane. You may

wish to lengthen the walk by completing a circuit of the green. Leave the green through a metal squeeze stile onto Gipsy Lane - the bridleway (BW7) that leads to the Welfare. Turn left and then right onto Carter Lane. After about 80 metres cross the road and take the bridleway (BW4) heading back to Market Warsop. Continue along this old route until you reach the green metal bridge at Stone Bridge. Turn left down the stone steps and follow the river back to the starting point, crossing the river at the wooden bridge shortly after the BMX track.

Warsop Walk 6

The new paths and cycle route around on the reclaimed Warsop Main pit site at Warsop Vale form the main focus for this walk. It also takes in farmland and Sookholme Moor to the south of the village. The reclaimed pit site was officially opened in May 2006 and now includes woodland, wildflower meadows, paddocks, ponds, a wetland area and an excellent viewpoint from the pit tip. It will be fascinating to see how these features evolve in the coming years. Walkers from Market Warsop may create a longer route by using Footpath 6 from Stone Bridge or Bridleway 16 from Sookholme Lane. This walk is about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) and should take about an hour.

Directions Start at the bridleway sign in the car park of The Swing (or Vale Hotel). Go under the railway bridge taking Carter Lane towards Shirebrook and turn immediately left along the path (FP15) between fields. Turn left along Bully Lane (BW16) at the junction of paths. Pass under the railway and continue straight on along a crossfield path towards a gate. At the gate onto Sookholme Moor turn left and head for another gate to the left of the last house. Pass through the gate and turn right onto Carter Lane. The area around the first gate can be muddy after rain and cattle graze Sookholme Moor during summer. If you wish to avoid these points you may shorten the walk by turning left at the start of the walk along Carter Lane towards Church Warsop, rejoining our route at this point. Continue along Carter Lane as far as the sign on the left for Alkane Warsop Energy Park. Turn left through the metal stile onto the cycle track. Follow this track through woodland as far as a crossroads of paths. Turn right towards the pit tip and ascend on the path through the trees to the viewpoint. Take the path descending steeply towards William Wood Lane (BW13). Turn left onto the lane for a few metres and turn right as the cycle track passes through another squeeze stile. Follow this path between paddocks and meadows until a path joins from the left just before the path passes under the railway. Take this path to the left, passing between the ponds. Turning right when you reach BW13 again takes you back to our starting point.

Warsop Walk 7

Tracks on the reclaimed pit sites to the west of the parish are giving us new routes for walking or cycling. With the completion of work on Shirebrook tip we can now complete some interesting circular routes without leaving Warsop parish. Fine views are a feature of the first part of this walk and the return section is mainly along quiet lanes. Cyclists may adapt this route by leaving The Carrs on the permissive cycle route (FP2) and following Carter Lane to join this walk at Warsop Vale. This walk is about 9.5 kilometres (6 miles) and should take between 2 and 3 hours

Directions This walk starts at the corner of Mansfield Road and Vale Avenue, next to the Warsop Motor Company. Go along Vale Avenue, then straight on to Stonebridge Lane. At the end of the surfaced road take the footpath that crosses the River Meden by the green metal bridge and then take the left branch (FP6) where the paths split.

At the end of this path cross the road and turn left along Carter Lane. Continue as far as the sign on the right for Alkane Warsop Energy Park. Turn right through the metal stile onto the cycle track. Follow this track through woodland as far as a crossroads of paths. Turn right towards the pit tip and ascend on the path through the trees to the viewpoint. Take the path descending steeply towards William Wood Lane (BW13).

Turn left onto the lane for a few metres and turn right as the cycle track passes through another squeeze stile. Follow this path between paddocks and meadows, pass under the railway and follow the dismantled railway track towards Shirebrook Station.

Pass under the road then turn left along the cycle track that is separated from Carter Lane by a hedge. Cross the road leading to the sewage works and continue beside the hedge as it turns right alongside Longster Lane. Bear right to cross the metal bridge and then take the right turn. Continue for about 70 metres then take the left turn uphill enjoying the fine views across Sookholme and Nettleworth as you gain height. The path bears left, then right before taking a left turn to join a path heading downhill alongside the hedge that marks the county boundary.

Pass through the metal squeeze stile and turn left onto Bath Lane. At the end of the lane turn right along the busy road, taking care as some motorists fail to acknowledge the 30mph limit! Cross the road and then take the first left along Sookholme Lane.

Keep to the lane past Sookholme Church, go under the railway and over the river at Hammerwater Bridge. Keep straight on when the houses of Market Warsop are reached and you will soon return to our starting point. After wet weather the stretch of the lane beyond Herrings Farm can become very muddy but this section can be avoided by turning left along Spring Lane (BW16/FP15) to Warsop Vale.

Warsop Walk 8

This walk takes us along the Warsop parish boundary through the edge of the ancient forest of Birklands. Birklands was part of the royal forest of Sherwood that was an exclusive hunting ground for successive Kings and Queens of England. It was rich with wild deer as well as providing grazing land and a source of timber. Birklands remained the property of the Crown for nearly 600 years although by the 19th century it had passed to private estates. Today the Birklands is managed by the Forestry Commission and is mainly pine plantation that was planted in 1938. However, about one third of the trees are still broad leaf, notably the spectacular ancient oak trees. A programme of heathland and oakwood restoration is currently in progress. This walk starts from the railway bridge at the top of Cherry Grove, off Sherwood Street. You may wish to join the route at a more convenient point, for instance by walking along Burns Lane and Broomhil l Lane to the sewage works. A shorter adaptation of this walk can be made by parking near the mini roundabouts at Warsop Windmill and following Footpath 22. This walk is about 10 kilometres (6 miles) and should take between 2 and 3 hours.

Directions This walk starts from the railway bridge at the top of Cherry Grove although the route may be joined at several other points if you wish. Follow Upper Cross Lane (BW25) over the bridge, keep straight on where Sandy Lane joins in a dip and progress over the hill and down to a kissing gate. Pass through the gate and follow the headland path (FP28) bearing right where it becomes a crossfield path. When you leave the field keep straight on to join the lane (BW31) down the hill and continue along the path (BW32) once the beech woods are reached. Cross over the grassy ride and turn immediately right onto a tarmac path (FP22). Follow this path as it heads uphill towards Hanger Hill (or Thynghowe) that appears to the left when the path veers to the right. When you reach a clump of yew trees take the waymarked right fork along a forest track. Follow this undulating track looking out for some of the oldest oak trees in the area on your left. At a fingerpost turn right, following the forest track (FP23) downhill, keeping straight on at the bottom of the hill where the track turns left. Continue until fields appear to your left where you turn left at the fingerpost onto Ling Lane (BW24). Eventually the path broadens into Blakeley Lane. Continue until you reach the main road where you cross the road, turn right, pass under the railway bridge and follow Sherwood Street back into Market Warsop.

Warsop Walk 9

This walk leaves Warsop along Oakfield Lane and then crosses over to the Maun valley before returning past the sites of Park Hall and Nettleworth Hall. The route includes old lanes, woodland and the sites of the two country mansions. Unfortunately it is impossible to avoid sections of road walking but interesting features along the route compensate for this. This walk is about 13 kilometres (8 miles) and should take between 3 and 4 hours.

Directions This walk starts along Oakfield Lane, which is accessed from Sherwood Street, Market Warsop. Pass under the railway bridge and past the recycling centre. Continue along Oakfield Lane (Byway 42) to the busy road at Peafield Lane. Take care crossing the road and turn right to enter the edge of conifer plantation, walking parallel to the road. Continue walking through the woods close to the road until farmland is reached then turn left following the path (BW18) downhill through the edge of the woods. Leave Warsop Parish at the metal barrier and continue downhill, ignoring the footpath at a junction to the right. At a crossroad of paths our route takes the right turn. However, at this point you may wish to make a detour by carrying straight on to cross the River Maun and inspect the medieval fish ponds of Spa Ponds which are now a nature reserve. Follow the bridleway that runs parallel to the River Maun until you emerge onto New Mill Lane. Cross the road and turn right. Cross Leeming Lane at the traffic lights, follow the road to the next set of lights, cross and continue straight on up Portland Street until the road bends left into Mansfield Woodhouse High Street where you cross over and continue straight on along Albert Street. This road soon becomes Park Hall Road which you follow past Manor School, later turning right, remaining on Park Hall Road. Eventually the road surface deteriorates and you take a right turn into the woods just past the walled gardens. Keep straight on following the path (FP17) through the woods, eventually emerging at the redeveloped Nettleworth Manor. Follow the path until you reach a fingerpost where you turn right towards the A60. Pass through two gates alongside cattle grids and when you reach the A60 turn left and follow the road into Spion Kop. Turn right up the hill, forking left and continuing until the road ends at a farm. Enter the farmyard, keeping straight ahead as far as the barn where the footpath (FP20) turns right then left. Follow this path until it joins Oakfield Lane, turning left and returning to your starting point.

Warsop Walk 10

This walk is a circuit around Church Warsop, taking in Collier Spring Wood and a path along the parish boundary that was only officially declared a public right of way in July 2009. It covers a variety of woodland and gives fine views from the higher ground of Cuckney Hill. This walk is just over 5 kilometres (3 miles) and should take between 1 and 2 hours.

Directions Start at the bridge onto The Carrs near to the telephone exchange building opposite Hetts Lane. Head straight across The Carrs along the concessionary cycle route (FP2). Follow the path across the field and then alongside the hedge towards Church Warsop. When the road is reached cross the main road and take Wood Lane opposite. A fter about 50 metres take the entrance on the le ft between the playground and Woodside Hall. Keep to the left around the football pitch then follow the path to the right behind the Miners’ Welfare. Leave the green through a metal squeeze stile and turn right onto Gipsy Lane (BW7) - the bridleway that runs beside the Welfare. Turn left when you reach Wood Lane. When you reach the woods on the left take the path into the woods, keeping close to the left edge o f the woodland until a main path leaves to the right. Follow this path as it runs parallel to the disused railway and joins Wood Lane at the “broken bridge”. Turn left and follow Wood Lane through the remains of the bridge and then take the turn on the right uphill between the woods and a hedge. Keep on this path until the path from Warsop to Cuckney (FP1) is reached. Turn right along the forest track until the path (FP1) leaves the woods and heads across cultivated fields. If conditions are dry continue on this path but you may opt to turn left onto FP44 to the top of Cuckney Hill and walk down the A60. The alternative routes converge at the kissing gate opposite the cemetery. Follow the A60 past the church, cross the Mill Dam and walk alongside the River Meden back to our starting point.