Gretton, Harringworth Lodge, Bulwick and back

Thursday 12 September. Just over 9 miles. With Harry, Maureen and Eddie, on a very fine morning.

We set off from the village hall  and walked along the Jurassic Way to Harringworth Lodge with its lake. 

At the end of the lake we turned right and crossed the fields. We know the route pretty well by now. It's the same as this walk last November.

From the bridge on the road over the A43

The Pickled Village has not been restored after the fire several months ago. We had our snack break in the churchyard, where the trees are just beginning to chnge into autumn colours.

The brook as we left Bulwick

More of these luscious fruits.

Bulwick church.

On the way back.


Lunch at Lydia's cafe in Gretton.

Tilton, Marefield, Twyford,Lowesby

Wednesday 11 September 10 20 am. 

Walked from Tilton wiith Marta. Just over 8 miles.

A day of changing clothes, too hot, then some drizzle, then too hot again. We left Tilton along Marefield Road and then down the track to the left. Downhill and over a muddy patch - unexpected as we've had plenty of dry weather.

We decided that a late start justified an early coffee stop, and found a spot where the track met a quiet road. A large group of cyclists passed us - clearly a decent road for a bike ride.

From here we turned left and followed the road through Marefield and past Manor House Farm. Soon after this we walked under a railway bridge, and continued along the left hand fork. There were lots of cows in the unfenced field.

At the next road junction we crossed over to a footpath which led almost due north and past Lowenva Lodge Farm. There is a short section where we had to consult the map and follow field edges before we picked up the yellow signs, and then we followed the path into Twyford. It was drizzling enough for us to be grateful for the shelter of Twyford church porch. I almost succumbed to the temptation of yet more coffee, but the sun came out and encouraged us on our way! 

We left the churchyard, and after a slight hiccup took the first road to our left, following it round until we found the footpath we needed.

This path was not hard to follow, and crops have been harvested. The electricity pylons are a useful aid to navigation around here.  

We went past Highfield Farm, then downhill to the Melton Road. We crossed the road and took the small road opposite, known as Park Road. This goes past the site of the medieval village of Lowesby, but we couldn't see much evidence.  We followed the road past an avenue of trees leadin to Lowesby Hall, and picked up the footpath to our left, near the bottom of the hill.

The path goes towards the hall and passes it on the left. It's clearly marked and leads round to the road to the church.

After the church our path crosses the road and heads southeast, with spelndid views of the countryside.

We went past the old Lowesby signal box and station , now marked on the map as Springfield Farm.

Then it was up the lane past Springfield House, and following the path over the fields, climbing gradually back to Tilton.

Lunch at Buttercups 

To Rockingham from Gretton and back

Monday 09 September 9am.

Walked to Rockingham with Marion. 

Tea shop closed on Mondays. I had looked it up online too!  The one day I hadn't taken my flask with me on a walk! 

However, we collected  two large yogurt pots of blackberries and the forecast rain did not arrive.

Fotheringhay, Elton, Warmington Mill

With Marta. Route the same as this one

Met Marta in Weldon and drove with her to Fotheringhay. Did the 6 mile walk via Elton and Warmington Mill. 

Lots of boats on the Nene







Elton chapel

Elton Mill







We picked a few blackberries and then lunched at Bosworth's, Elton Hall.

From Testwood Lakes and along the Test Way northwards

Sunday 01 September. With Harry. Just over 8 miles, very flat, but interesting. We parked at Testwood Lakes car park - it closes at 5pm on a Sunday, so beware!

We followed the path between the two lakes until it joined a footpath leading east over two rivers and to Nursling Mill. Turn right there and follow Mill Lane to the signpost for the Test Way on the left, heading north. 

All the way along the earlier section of the Test Way there were masses of ripe blackberries.

For a short distance we were walking very close to the M27, and some of the path is parallel to it, with a fence on one side and a ditch on the other, again fenced off. When we emerged we walked along a quiet road (Station Road) under the motorway, and then turned left into a small part of Nursling, containing the church of St Boniface, the church hall of Nutshalling ( an old name for the place), and the Nursling Men's Shed. 

Church Room

Nutshalling Church Room,
erected 1897
being the sixtieth year of
the reign of
Queen Victoria

Church of St Boniface

The tower and spire clad in wood.

Opposite the church is a large building. We pass it and turn right along a lane leading to some kennels. soon we hear the evidence! 

 After the kennels the track continues through trees , for almost a mile, then on to a track near Longbridge farm. 

Soon after this the route turns right along a small road and crosses the river Test.

We follow the road to Moorcourt, where there are assorted old buildings. 

 Soon after this we come to a road. we turn left to have a brief look at the Blackwater river as it goes under Wade Bridge, then we turn right, and continue along the Test Way for a short distance until we find a suitable picnic spot in the shade. Just as we finish eating a family cycles by. We see them later at Testwood Lakes on the way back.

 After our basic picnic we retrace our steps .

 At Nursling we wander into the churchyard and meet a man digging over a section where there has recently been a container. He tells us to come back on a Friday, when the church is open. He mentions the Men's Shed, and assures me they'd offer me a cup of tea. Then as we are about to go he produces a bone. "Look what I've found . Do you think it's human?"
It looks like a smallish humerus. Wonder if he keeps it in his pocket to bring out whenever he talks to strangers!

A great walk , and a lovely way to get to know a beautiful clear river!