Listen for the lions on ‘pleasant ramble’ near Yorkshire Wildlife Park

On the day I went, at Hayfield Lakes, I saw a whole catch of anglers spinning a yarn,

The walk can be extended by taking in the banks of the River Torne, north and south side.

Please take care when walking and follow the Countryside Code.

The walk starts on Dursley Court, near the Eagle & Child pub on Main Street, walk down 16 metres to a narrow alleyway for 260m to reach Bell Butts Lane.

1. Turn right on Bell Butts Lane, for 290m then turn left onto wide track. Follow this as it bends right. Observe warning notices, but on the day I went, the route followed the designated right of way.

2. Continue on the footpath passing though a small wood, cross the railway and continue for another quarter of a mile, before turning right to head between fishing lakes.

After 650m, you reach Warning Tongue Lane.

Turn right, cross the railway bridge and turn right along footpath leading to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. If you’re lucky you might hear lions roar.

If you’ve been to the park, you’ll recognise this bit as it runs alongside the car park.

3. As you approach the entrance building keep left and follow the footpath sign which leads away from the park and after just under half mile you reach the B1396 Doncaster Road.

Turn right and follow the B1396 for another half a mile.

4. Here you can choose to add another two-miles-plus to your journey by turning left and walk along the banks of the River Torne.

Alternatively, continue on for 230m to reach the start point.

5. Warning – The day I walked the river bank, it was heavily nettled at the start and the opposite bank by the footbridge was flooded despite pumps. Take care going down the steps from the road.

6. Beyond the nettles, the path eventually climbs onto a flood bank and the going is easy after a mile or so the footbridge is in sight.

Once over there are reeds and flooding to negotiate. If possible, bear right to higher ground.

Once out of the quagmire the route back is pleasant enough ending at some steps leading to River Way and out onto Main Street and the pub.

Following the easing of lockdown restritions, Doncaster Ramblers have restarted a series of short, local walks.

Measures are in place to safeguard walkers, including social distancing and groups are restricted to five, plus the walk leader.

A spokesman said: “The safety of those who walk with us is paramount and walkers will be asked to book in advance and submit contact details at the start of each walk.”

For more information and to book a place, see doncasterramblers.org.uk