Doncaster Rambler’s – Hooton Pagnell with Charlie Pratt pre-lockdown

The sun hanging low in a clear blue sky half blinded us as we made the perilous crossing opposite Hampole onto Butt Lane. We were warned of mud (where have we heard that before?) but the going wasn’t too bad as we made our way slowly uphill, until that is Charlie diverted us across a ploughed field, and then another as we made our way “Grand old Duke of York” style back down again. Despite this the troops remained in good spirits, even Norman, whom we haven’t seen for months, was in top form.

At Moorhouse we mounted the dismantled railway for a short stretch before continuing on another boggy field towards Hooton Pagnell Wood. The introduction of occasional wooded cover provided by Charlie on route provided much needed relief, and I’m not talking mud. Suitably relieved there was still another long uphill field to cross and a leg busting steppingstone style before reaching Hooton Pagnell Hall, and All Church for our lunch stop.

Moving on through the back of the churchyard, and up passed the Buttercross we turned right onto a wide track known as Narrow Balk, the decision here was whether to use the grassy central reservation, or the firmer tyre ruts? It has been known for some to leapfrog between the three! At the summit of Lound Hill we headed north passing through Hampole Wood then via a wide open path and back to the A638, and the hazardous crossing to reach the pavement. It goes without saying we all got back safe, had a great time and we now contemplating a boot cleaning afternoon. Thanks to Charlie for developing and leading the walk and Helen for giving us a tryout.

POINT OF INTEREST: Hampole is a small village and civil parish in the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster (part of South Yorkshire, England), on the border with West Yorkshire. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, the eastern boundary of the parish is marked by the Great North Road, and the parish lies in what was once the Barnsdale Forest. It had a population of 187 in 2001, increasing to 203 at the 2011 Census. Hampole railway station opened in January 1885 and closed on 7 January 1952. The parish includes the villages of Hampole, Skelbrooke and Barnsdale. By the A1 road, near Skelbrooke, is Robin Hood's Well, with its stone cover designed by John Vanbrugh. There is also a Little John's Well to the west of Hampole village.

This walk was carried out pre-lockdown. Rules continue to change regarding outdoor exercise and group activity so please visit website https://www.doncasterramblers.org.uk/ for latest details and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november for government guidelines. While out observe social distancing, carry a mask, hand sanitiser, and gloves. Obey the Countryside Code and give way to others.

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. Nancy Fielder, editor.