Grindon

This ramble traverses a beautiful and relatively unexplored area just to the west of the River Manifold. Our route is from Ilam to Hulme End via Grindon and Warslow. This is our first ramble after we put the clocks back, so is slightly shorter than recent walks, at 11 miles. Please bring along any food and drink you require for the walk as no refreshment facilities are available en-route.

Our walk begins at the delightful village of Ilam, where toilets are available. Beyond Ilam Hall we follow the east bank of the Manifold for a short distance before crossing the river and proceeding to Rushley. From here we pass west through Musden Wood, which is situated in a beautiful, steep sided valley.

At the far end of Musden Wood, we turn north to Slade House and over high moorland with great views all around. We then gradually descend along Soles Hollow to the River Hamps and the Manifold Trail. Crossing the river, we ascend slowly to the pretty village of Grindon, which will be our main rest point of the day. A picnic area is available next to the church.

After rest and refreshment, we proceed for a short distance along a minor road towards Ossom’s Hill. On the way we get an excellent view of Thor’s Cave in the distance to our right. We turn north again, following a beautiful, undulating path down into a wooded valley and up past Broadmeadow Farm. We cross Wetton Road and pass Clayton House to the village of Warslow.

Beyond Warslow, we weave our way along footpaths and minor roads past Cliff House and Copse Field as we make our final, panoramic descent into Hulme End. Here, we finally rejoin the River Manifold. Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre, which is at the northern end of the Manifold Trail. The Manifold Inn may be found next to the bridge, a short distance beyond. The coach will pick us up outside the Hulme End Visitor Centre at 5pm.

New walkers are always most welcome. There is no need to book, just turn up at the most convenient bus stop. In the morning the coach departs from the “Staff of Life “pub in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 9.17am and from the Bancroft Lane end of Stockwell Gate outside Asda in Mansfield at 9.30 am. Other pick up points en -route. (See more detail under the ‘Programme’ menu’ ).

The coach fare is £12 and for accompanied juniors free. For further information please ring Helen on 07592886381 or John on 07749164455.