Staunton Harold / Calke Park Walk, Derbyshire

The Sutton Rambling Club continued their wide-ranging summer programme with a steady 10 mile circular walk in pleasant rolling countryside in South Derbyshire / Leicestershire. There were good views to enjoy en route and the opportunity to visit the surrounding areas of three stately homes. The walking was fairly easy apart from a couple of steep but short hill climbs with a number of breaks during the day.

The walk will start in Melbourne Square (grid ref 385255). Toilet facilities available before starting out. The route takes us past Melbourne Hall and Church and then heads south-east past a large pond to the village of Breedon-on-the-Hill.. This is an excellent point to take a mid morning break with stunning views of the Peak District to the north and Charnwood Forest to the south-east.In the event of bad weather there will be the option of refreshments at the Breedon Priory complex within the village.

Duly refreshed we continue in a south west direction to the Staunton Harold complex,the Ferrers Centre which will be a good location for a lunch stop with time to explore the craft and garden centres.There is a good picnic site beside the lake or in a nearby field .Otherwise refreshments can be purchased at the centre.

In the afternoon we head west towards the hamlet of Heath End and then north into the attractive Calke Abbey Park. There will be a mid afternoon break here with National Trust cafe and various surrounding buildings/exhibitions to explore.

The final leg of this gentle walk takes us north east across a network of footpaths back to Melbourne Square. On this section there will be extensive views of the Staunton Harold Reservoir where sailing will be taking place. There should be the opportunity for final refreshment in the visitor area of Melbourne Hall or at the Blue Bell pub before coach departure home at approximately 5.20 pm.

This would be an excellent introductory walk for new members who can be guaranteed a day of healthy exercise,attractive scenery and friendly company. The McEwens coach leaves the “Staff of Life ” pub on Hack Lane in Sutton-in-Ashfield at 9.15am and the Bancroft Lane end,Stockwell Gate (near the Asda supermarket) in Mansfield at 9.30am. There are other pick up points en route. The coach fare is £9,accompanied juniors free. There is no necessity to prebook your seat on the coach

 

If you would like further information please ring
John on 01623 796396 or Bernard on 01623 648879.

Alternatively see details of our next ramble or our latest rambling calendar

• 
•