Sometimes, just being in the middle of a field is enough for Doncaster Ramblers

As one new regular put it: “I didn’t know these places existed in Doncaster.”

We don’t have to be out in the wilds, or on high peaks, just being in the middle of a field is enough.

For this pre-lockdown walk, it was our trusted mascot Rascal, the graceful greyhound together and four humans who joined this five-and-a-half mile circular route.

First developed by John Stapleton in April 2019, it begins at the community centre in Dunsville and heads north to reach Quarry Park, a grassy recreational area with outdoor play and fitness equipment, though none of us were inclined to have a go today.

Making our way slightly right and up a gentle incline we reached a small area of woodland.

There was a strong breeze blowing so the shelter was welcome.

At a T-junction of paths, we turned right heading east into Dunscroft.

After three-quarters of a mile walking through an urban landscape, we hit the A18 Manor Road, which we followed around a couple of bends before making a right U-turn by an old garage.

Now on Carr Side Lane, this one-and-a-quarter-mile stretch of tarmac afforded views left and right across open fields while the air filled with the constant hum of motorway traffic.

Following the road around right, then climbing steps on the left, we turned right to continue to a crossroads before turned left though a small industrial estate.

We followed the route through a dog leg, right left right, to continue along Rake Bridge Bank for another three-quarters-of-a-mile with, in the distance, the giant obelisk of some distribution centre.

Thus far, the going has been easy, but the final stretch right along Park Lane saw is tackle dock and nettle.

A final right turn took us back onto the A18 and the start.

We covered the 5.2 miles in exactly two hours.

Meanwhile, Doncaster Ramblers have supported the BBC Countryfile Ramble in aid of Children in Need in the past, so we thought we would continue the tradition in 2020.

However, because of Covid-19, we were forced to make this a solo ramble.

So with the sun in my back, I set off on what turned out to be an eight-mile hike, taking in Austerfield’s gravel pits, Bawtry’s Kings Wood, Misson’s solar energy farm, and Newington’s Idle Washlands.

On route, passers-by were handed leaflets encouraging donations to Children in Need.

For further information and how to donate, see justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-rowsell2

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