Doncaster Ramblers delighted to stride out together again

Seven of us set off from the gates of Hooton Pagnell Hall on this circular walk.

Normally we’d help each other over obstacles, but with social distancing, rather than a steady hand for support, all we could offer was a wobbly pole.

We all descended the steps at the start safely and headed west across arable fields, followed by a second, recently ploughed, where the path had been obliterated – a detour around the field edge didn’t help.

Our group were experienced walkers, but none in our prime so we maintained an easy pace, over some uneven terrain.

Eventually, we passed through a coppice of trees to exit onto firmer ground and the going was good – some eagle-eyed members even spotted a deer.

At Church Field Road, we turned right and at a gate turned left on a wide path which took us around the edge of Hooton Pagnell Wood, then north-east across scrubland to reach Elmsall Road.

A quick left right on Elmsall Road took us onto the dismantled railway where some care was need to find the concealed exit right.

Reaching the orchard at Moorhouse Grange, someone’s eye was on evil spirits as two magpie carcasses hung from a plum tree.

It is inevitable some road walking is necessary.

Thankfully after a few minutes we were able to hang right and get off road again. We were now heading south-east on the return leg, first on Stanwell Lane then on Old Street. After passing the edge of Hampole Wood to the left, we turned right down Broad Balk, a wide avenue of trees, before making a sharp left onto Back Lane which brought us to the B6422 at the centre of the village. Following the narrow and blind road left took us back to the start.

No navigational skills are needed – or walking boots – on this five-and-a-half-mile route from Scawthorpe, all on solid tarmac.

The walk begins on Langthwaite Lane and follows the Doncaster Greenway in a northerly direction for just more than half-a-mile before turning imperceptibly left to continue west for 1,100 metres, passing under the A638 with the fringe of Highfields Country Park on the left.

At a fork in the path take the left signposted Roman Ridge, and continue for 960m to reach steps – climb with care and turn left.

You now have just more than two miles of straight line walking ahead.

Eventually you close in on the A638. There are plenty of pedestrian crossings to choose, but the aim is to get onto Watch House Lane, opposite the Ford Garage.

Continue on Watch House Lane for 420m and immediately after crossing bridge see steps on the right. Descend with care.

Turn right and follow the path for three-quarters-of-a-mile to reach Jossey Lane. Turn left onto Langthwaite Lane and the start.

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