Doncaster Ramblers – Edlington Wander Thursday, 17th October 2024

The church became redundant in 1962. After closure the condition of the church deteriorated and in 1966 the roof was removed and the plan was to demolish the church except for the tower.

However the Churches Conservation Trust, in 1971, took responsibility for the church and roof was replaced and the church restored.

The church, built from locally-quarried limestone, was built in the 12th century.

The briefing included a request for more people to take the simple Ramblers online course and to lead walk.

Every possible measure of help needed is offered, from buddying, planning a walk, to providing walks.

The group were told about the AGM in Finningley on 10th December and invited to attend and to consider joining the committee; all committees need new blood at times.

After this unusually long briefing we set off through the churchyard, crossing the road to have a look at the plaque which briefly tells the story of the white greyhound, before walking down in Edlington, turning left at the supermarket and walking into the Martinwells Lake area, an area where bricks used to be made.

Leaving the lake we followed a rarely-used footpath, somewhat brambly and very muddy with clay, and made our way to Stringer’s Nursery.

Here we turned left off the road, beside the waste disposal site, and followed a disused railway trackbed to Clifton Hill Bridge.

We turned right up the road for a short distance before walking along Common Lane.

After half a mile we turned right onto a track and right again onto a rarely-used footpath. This was difficult to negotiate in places, with overhanging brambles obstructing us.

We crossed under the disused railway and soon reached a stile, at which point the countryside opened out and we were in the Conisbrough Parks area.

We crossed this field towards Conisbrough Parks Farm, where we turned through 90 degrees and headed towards Clifton.

A short but steep climb took us to the flat area at the top, a perfect place, in good weather, to rest and take our refreshments.

After this we followed a narrow path in woodland - clearing this was the first maintenance job Doncaster Ramblers did for the council many years ago - before finishing the climb to Beacon Hill, the highest point in South Yorkshire (142 metres) and the home to two communication masts.

We then walked through the village of Clifton onto a track which took us back to Old Edlington.

Thanks to John for back-marking and for everyone for being such a lovely group to lead.

David Gadd