A local walk from Thorpe in Balne with Doncaster Ramblers

Sadly this year, much of this work has been neglected and, in particular overgrown, vegetation makes some paths difficult to navigate.

Never-the-less with some steely grit a passage can be achieved.

So it is with today’s five-and-a-half mile circular around the agricultural landscape north of Thorpe in Balne.

The walk follows field edges, and sometimes across them, along hedgerows and through farmyards.

Head west through the village on what is the Pennine Trail and, where the road bends left, continue straight down narrow passage to exit left and across across fields for 580 metres.

1. Turn left, then after 150m right to cross fields passing as you go under overhead cables and make your way towards level crossing – cross with care.

Continue in the same direction for 740m ignoring two paths to the left.

2. The path widens becoming Blacker Green Lane, and eventually a road.

Where it bends left, continue ahead on a wide, green but overgrown path, Shirley Lane, as it runs parallel with the railway eventually reaching some woods and a swing gate.

Pass through and make a slight right to follow a wide track towards Rushy Moor House.

3. Take care as your zigzag through the farm yard following the waymarkers, taking care to stay right of the hedge – it is tempting to walk on the left.

Continue on the field edge for 350m until you reach a T-junction.

You turn right and are now on Long Bank, on which you stay for 1,300m until you see the church spire on Haywood Lane.

After 340m, you reach the level crossing and another 340m brings you to the entrance of Wrancarr House Farm.

Make your way down curiously, passing within inches of the farm house door.

Continue to a stile and T-junction, where you turn left and follow the path right.

4. At this point the path crossed a ditch where the footbridge has been removed, climb down and up with care.

Bravery prevails and continuing on firmer footing to reach a concealed waymarker on right after 500m.

Pass through hedge and turn left to continue along Highfield lane for 320m.

Take care not to miss footpath on right, just before road bends, and follow this for 760m when you emerge onto Thorpe Lane, where you turn right to make your way back to the start, and a hearty congratulations for making it.

For more about the Doncaster Ramblers and future activity, see doncasterramblers.org.uk and follow them on Facebook at fb.com/doncasterramblers