A local wet walk from Pickburn with Doncaster Ramblers

Looking out of the window last Friday I thought “Um today is gonna get wet,” but everyone knows the adage “It’s never bad weather, only bad clothes,” so fully kitted in fleece and waterproofs I set out for Pickburn, and the start of the day’s six mile ramble.
All wrapped up in fields of gold in the oilseed rape fieldsAll wrapped up in fields of gold in the oilseed rape fields
All wrapped up in fields of gold in the oilseed rape fields

We headed north to Hampole Woods then west to Hooton Pagnell.

I was soon joined by 11 other similarly attired mad dogs (including one real dog) willing to brave the weather to get our fix of the great outdoors.

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One of the things I enjoy most about these short local walks (well all walk with Ramblers really) is within minutes of setting off you’re already in the countryside.

Today was particularly stunning because we seemed to spend a lot of time marching through oilseed rape. The bright yellow blooms even helped dissipate the rain and we soon found ourselves overheating.

“It always happens” as someone says, “When I dress for rain it shines.” Well, it had been raining so part of the trail resembled a mud bath. Generally, though the going was good even on those uphill slopes which were a killer on the legs and a relief at the summit.

Ok it’s only a few hundred feet, but when you’ve been walking on the flat for months any hill is a challenge.

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Navigating the route, which involved its own challenge, as the area is criss-crossed with PRoW’s, is made easier by a handy app on my smart phone. Traditionalists still rely on map and compass, and yes they’re a good back-up, but I go with the SatNav any time.

Mind you you still need to know left from right!

Having reached the outskirts of Hooton Pagnell a short coffee break was in order, before following an almost straight line via Lound Hill back to the start.

Of course that’s not were the journey ends, but once at home, boots are

cleaned, clothes are dried and dogs rinsed off.

PR Doncaster Ramblers

Rules continue to change regarding outdoor exercise and group activity so please visit our website Doncaster Ramblers for latest, including future activity.

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You can also follow us on Facebook Doncaster Ramblers for details of past Rambler outings.

Remember while out observe social distancing, carry a mask, hand sanitiser, and gloves. Obey the Countryside Code and give way to other walkers.

Doncaster Ramblers have had a programme of Tuesday and Saturday walks, mostly between eight and eleven miles in length, for about 30 years.

The location of these walks varies from local to the Peak District, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire.

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All the walks are led by Ramblers leaders and always have a backmarker.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

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