Beautiful calm woodland walk in the heart of Doncaster

Ramblers have a strict policy about dogs being under control on public footpaths, but sadly not all sections of the community act as responsibly.

Still it was great to come back to this part of Doncaster and retrace my steps from a few months ago, so, starting from the end of The Avenue enter the park and turn right

Follow the wide cinder footpath, for a quarter of a mile then continue left as it climbs slightly with woodland to one side and a lake to the other. Notice the giant ornamental spider as you continue onwards towards Shaftholme.

At Shaftholme Road turn right and head towards the level crossing, then immediately after turn left though a gate. Walk parallel to the railway line for 320m where sadly the pile of fly-tipping is still there on the right hindering onward passage. Climb over with care. The rest of this section is pleasant to walk, and there is even an old sofa and mattress for those needing a breather.

On reaching Almholme Lane turn left and almost immediately right and after 200m

turn right again and head down Common Lane for 580m to reach Arksey Common

Lane. Turn right here and continue on in to Arksey 1400m away.

It is here where we divert from the original route and head into Arksey towards the

church turning left at the junction then right and where the road turns right continue

straight ahead crossing a field on a metalised path to reach the railway crossing.

Cross with care.

For those who prefer more greenery, turn right then at the junction of paths turn left

and after 300m turn left and pick up the outward trail back to the start (red route on

map)

For those who like the urban continue head, ignoring the path to the left for ¼ mile to reach The Avenue, then turn right to head back to the start.

This shorter hopefully safer route covers 4.8 miles

Courtesy of Doncaster Ramblers

Doncaster Ramblers local walks now available online. For details visit

https://www.doncasterramblers.org.uk/walks/map-of-walking-routes.html and click on walk name for map or gps icon to download file.

Please take care when walking and follow the Countryside Code.

Follow government guidelines, you can walk outdoors once a day as part of your daily exercise – by yourself, with members of your household or support bubble, or with one other person.