Doncaster Ramblers offer plenty of options for long walks

I began in Austerfield, at the Mayflower pub, but you can start and finish anywhere on route.

1. From the Mayflower, head north for half a mile, passing St Helena’s Church, where William Bradford was christened, and the Manor House, where he was born. Notice too an old dwelling with original Yorkshire Sash windows that slide side to side. At Low Common Lane, turn right, passing a row of terrace cottages leading onto the village green. Follow the footpath left and continue in this direction for another half a mile.

2. At a crossing of paths, turn right and continue with the golf course to your left, and field on right. Cross first one, then a second footbridge.

3. Now turn right and continue for one mile. If you’re lucky you may see a jumbo jet. This is a newly opened footpath leading onto the ‘private’ Norwith Hill, which ends at Newington Road just opposite the Ship Inn. For those on the short walk, continue at number seven, otherwise turn left.

4. Walk along Newington Road for 290 metres and then turn right onto Hagg Lane, which sweeps left onto Slaynes Lane. At 1.5 miles, it seems endless, but the newly formed wetlands on either side provide plenty of interest, although they are sadly still used by some for fly-tipping. Eventually, before reaching a white-fronted building, there is a fingerpost pointing left. Follow this crossing two stiles, and through gate, to reach the the village green, a possible staring point for Misson walkers.

5. Turn left on Bawtry Road passing Misson Mills and then, as the road goes left, take the right junction along Bryans Lane with the wall on the right and follow this for just under a mile, passing, en route, a bench and table for the weary. Continue past the Solar Farm and Rookery.

6. Shortly after you will recognise the footpath left, and retrace your steps back to Newington.

7. Turn right on the Newington Road, then right again at the junction of Bawtry Road to head back to the Mayflower Inn – if on the Misson only leg continue at number four.

The figure of eight route is about seven miles, with the Austerfield-only leg being three miles.

The fourth route, providing a circular walk of about six miles goes straight at number three, heading into Misson and again straight at number seven to return to Austerfield.

During my two hours and 30 minutes walk, I met an elderly couple, a man leaning againt his bike, a family of four, a runner, a single lady twice, a man with a dog, and another family of four.

The Doncaster Ramblers walk programme is currently suspended. For more about the group and future activity, see doncasterramblers.org.uk

Alternatively, visit fb.com/doncasterramblers where GPS maps of past walks can be found.