Ramblers take a wild walk near Doncaster park

Having completed the usual Covid-19 protocols, nine of us set off into Hurst Plantation in a

northerly direction.

The route was originally developed by our colleague Dianne Scolari, who having tackled all the munros, could be expected to include a few ups and downs.

Recent rain had made the going soft, and frequent deep puddles didn’t help, but we soldiered

on following what appeared to be an impromptu speedway track with countless peaks and

troughs to negotiate.

Eventually – including the by-now obligatory U-turn – we made it through unscathed then a left and right turn got us heading north again under the A6182 Great Yorkshire Way towards the fishing lakes at Hayfield.

Rather than follow the path ahead – we’d be coming back that way – we took a short left at Hayfield Lane, then right at a finger post and stile.

We now headed north-easterly with the lakes on our left, stopping briefly to examine a very large dead bird, which we struggled to identify.

Continuing on to the railway crossing, we passed through Insley Plantation.

The beauty of these walks is that interspersed with open fields you get moments of shelter among the darkness of trees.

Following the path brings you to the boundary of Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s expansion.

Once complete, it will certainly be impressive.

We are now in the environs of Auckley and Branton, where we turn left to follow the B1396 passing, on route, The Three Horse Shoes and Eagle & Child pubs, then turning left again down Brockholes Lane bringing us out in front of the Wildlife Park Entrance.

Unfortunately, there were no roaring lions to be heard as we made out way along the footpath to exit onto Warning Tongue Lane.

Crossing the road with care we turned left over the bridge to turn left again, crossing back with care, then head south-east along a wide gravel path eventually passing again the fishing lakes at Hayfield.

Continuing south we retrace our steps through the underpass and back to Hurst Plantation.

On entering the wood we followed the path right then left to return to the start.

Doncaster Ramblers have now restarted a series of short, local walks, following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

A spokesman said: “Measures will be in place to safeguard walkers, including social distancing and groups will be restricted.”For further details, a copy of the walk programme and to book, see doncasterramblers.org.uk

Follow Doncaster Ramblers on Facebook at fb.com/doncasterramblers where GPS maps of many past walks can also be found.