DONCASTER RAMBLERS: You can never repeat a good ramble too often

BBC Channel 4 have broadcast a series of Yorkshire Winter Walk, you may have seen them? We don’t have the same grandiose scenery to offer, but what we do have is the exhilaration of being on the move under your own steam.

Begin at the car park by Quarry Park on the A18 (High Street), adjacent to Londis,

walk north into the park, crossing St George’s Avenue, then after 110 metres turn left and then right onto St Mary’s Road which leads onto a wide open bridleway.

Follow this for 350 metres where at a telegraph pole and wastebin turn right.

Continue in this direction for just over a mile, passing Broadway, and Harpendon Drive on route. On reaching Doncaster Road A18 turn left and follow it right then left until reaching Carr Side Lane by Manor Timber and turn sharp right.

Stay on this metalised road for about one mile, heading south towards the M18 then ascending steps on the left, to reach Mosscroft Lane.

Turn right and after 140 metres turn left into Sheep Cote Lane at Carr Side Park Industrial Estate.

Pass through the estate following road right then left after a quarter of a mile then shortly right onto Rake Bridge Bank.

Follow this for three quarters of a mile turning right at a finger post.

Continue along this narrow path for just under a mile to reach the A18 High Street. Turn right to return to the start taking care when crossing the road.

This walk is five and a half miles covering a variety of areas including urban, industrial and rural.

Point of interest: Hatfield (also called Heathfield historically) is an ancient settlement and a Palace of the Northumbrian Kingdom called Meicen (may also be referred to as Meigen).

On 12 October 633 AD, King Edwin was killed in Battle of Hatfield Chase by Penda, King of Mercia.

Penda was assisted in the battle by the Welsh under the leadership of Cadwallon ap Cadfan, Welsh (British) King of Gwynedd. Osric, a possible successor to Edwin, was also killed in the battle. Edwin's son Edfrith also surrendered to Penda.

It is thought that this battle gave rise to the name of Slay Pit Lane in Hatfield where it is rumoured that the battle took place and the bodies of soldiers lay close by.

* Please take care when walking and follow the Countryside Code.

Follow government guidelines, walk alone or with one member of your household.

Obey social distancing rules and give way to other walkers.

Only walk locally.

For more information about the Doncaster Ramblers and future activity please visit the website https://www.doncasterramblers.org.uk/

Or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doncasterramblers/

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.