Doncaster Ramblers: Full marks for the open church toilet

After the briefing from Rob it was straight across the road and down Station Road to cross over the railway line.

Just after the railway we went right along a farm track towards Beckingham.

The recent heavy rain had left a few puddles but the track surface was otherwise good and so not too muddy.

The route then doglegged left and right until we got into Beckingham itself. The church yard of All Saints Church provided a good elevenses stop.

Pleasingly the church was open and some of us were delighted to find it even had a toilet. Full marks.

We then negotiated the busy A631 road and entered the fields on the other side.

Our route at first ran adjacent to the road and towards Gringley On The Hill in the middle distance.

But we soon realised that we were not taking the direct route as we swung left over muddy ground to make a somewhat more looping and interesting approach, passing Beckingham Wood and a farm at Clayworth Woodhouse on the way.

Then sharp right up the slope to Gringley via Lover’s Lane and the grandly named farm track that is Lancaster Road.

Over the main road again and on to the green at Gringley Beacon Hill for lunch.

Downhill from Gringley to the Chesterfield canal at Shaw Bridge and then along the towpath to Smith’s Bridge where we crossed the canal and then Fountain Hill into Cave’s Lane back to Walkeringham.

The threatened rain had not materialised; in fact it had been quite bright and

warm in parts, and another good walk had been enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Rob for leading a lovely 11 miler, Nigel for back marking and Steve as ever for the photography.

Ppoint of Interest: Gringley On The Hill - From its situation on the loftiest of the promontories which overlook the wide extent of Misson Carr and Misterton Carr, it commands such extensive prospects that Lincoln Cathedral can be seen from it on a clear day, across the vale of the Trent, whilst in the nearer distance, the Chesterfield Canal appears emerging from the tunnel at Drakeholes, and winding under the long ridge of hills which extends eastward to the River Trent.

Please visit our website https://www.doncasterramblers.org.uk/ for latest information,

including future activity. Also follow us on Facebook

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Remember while out observe 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. We also have a programme of Thursday morning walks of about two to three hours.

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