We are the Retford Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Mike D.
Starting from the Great Pond (full of Water Lilys this time of year) we make our way up through mature woodland and beautiful parkland making our way around Hardwick Hall (The former home of the formidable 'Bess of Hardwick')
From here we walk towards Silverhill Wood (often sited as the highest point in Nottinghamshire @ 204m, however there is another higher @ 205m)
At the summit we reach ‘The Miner’ a fitting tribute to the coal miners from the area. The walk up to here is on easy, good gravel paths.
We retrace our tracks back to Hardwick for a closer look at the Hall in all its splendour. Here there are toilets, café and a visitors centre.
There is no charge to walk past the hall (We will not be going inside today)
From the Hall we make our decent back to the carpark through a wooded glade, past the Fishing and Ice Ponds (where we see original Ice House)
NB This walk has some grassy banks and woodland paths which of course can be slippery if wet.
If you can text / let the walk leader know if you are going on this walk that would be helpful and much appreciated :-)
Please bring your usual refreshments and packed lunch.
Car sharing is encouraged where possible. If you would like to do this please meet at Chapelgate Car Park (Free on Sundays) Please note the walk leader will not be at Chapelgate and will meet you at the Walk Start point.
Exit the M1 Junction 29 and follow the brown signs to Hardwick Hall onto Mill Lane. Once on Mill lane you come to a left turn to Hardwick Hall DO NOT TURN, continue along Mill Lane heading towards HARDWICK INN The meeting point is a Nation Trust Carpark on the LHS just after you go through the M1 Underpass. Parking here is free for members, £4.00 for the day or free if you want to park under the Underpass
