Walk Of The Week

WALK 3

WEEK 3 NARROWBOATS, DUCKS AND A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!
This lovely walk captures the simplicity and tranquility of this quaint part of North Nottinghamshire, and there is no better way to enjoy a crisp winters day, than popping on your walking boots and wrapping up warm for an invigorating adventure along the canal bank and pretty village of Clayworth.
The Village of Clayworth is situated on the old Roman Way which runs between Doncaster in South Yorkshire, and Littleborough; which is a small hamlet near the River Trent. This pretty little village is typical of North Nottinghamshire and has a rich, varied, and interesting history, with some lovely views over the three counties: Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire.
This is a short, pleasant walk, perfect for your daily exercise, enjoyable whatever the weather as it captures the true essence of traditional rural life. The Chesterfield Canal meanders around the village, bringing with it an array of interesting wildlife and an insight to life on the water. The many narrow boats moored alongside add a splash of colour, especially so on a Winters day! There is so much to see along this very pleasant stretch of the Chesterfield Canal, ducks, swans, and moorhen are regular visitors. The pace is slow, and the views are quintessentially English!
Following the canal as it meanders along through the village, you pass under Otters Bridge, you cannot help but notice the impressive Elizabethan Manor, Royston Manor. The original manor was built in 1588 and had extensive alterations in 1891. By the 20th century it had seen many improvements and uses, even a popular hotel. It is just passed this point, at the next bridge, we leave the towpath for the return walk through the centre of the village.
In the heart of the village is St. Peters Church, a picturesque little church and is the home of the world famous Traquair Murals. They are the largest pieces of ecclesiastic art work in the East of England and were painted by Phoebe Traquair; a Scottish artist in 1904, they are one of only two painted by her in England, the others are in Scotland. Stunningly beautiful and a must to see. Worth taking your camera for a picture or two! The church was built between 1150 and 1180 and features a 13th-century stone depicting some of the rarest and finest examples of decorative plasterwork the England has to offer. The church tower houses a ring of eight bells, the oldest dating back to 1629.
Clayworth has changed extraordinarily little over the years, with pretty cottages, two pubs a traditional rural setting, it has much to offer, set alongside the sleepy Chesterfield canal this super little walk captures traditional village life at its best.

ENJOY! HAPPY RAMBLINGS!

COVID-19 Rules for outdoor activity - You can exercise by yourself, with the people you live with, your support bubble (one other person). Full guidance can be found on the Government website. www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

THE BASICS
Distance: 2 ½ miles / 4 km
Gradient: Level
Severity: Easy
Approx time to walk: 1 hour
Stiles: None
Map: OS 280
Path Description: Towpath, pavement and tracks
Start Point: Clayworth Top Bridge near the moorings DN22 OAJ
Parking: Layby by the bridge DN22 OAJ (By the boat club)
Dog Friendly: Yes; on lead through village

DIRECTIONS

Starting from Clayworth Top Bridge off Retford Road, DN22 OAJ, (nearest to Hayton) we walk down to the canal towpath and join the concrete path walking towards Clayworth village, not along the path by the long row of canal boats. After a short walk, we reach the last mooring (post) and the concrete path becomes an unsurfaced, uneven undulating path which shortly becomes quite a wide grass track which is much easier to navigate.
Continue along the towpath and walk under Otter’s Bridge; number 68, walking as far as Gray’s Bridge; number 69. Leave the towpath here by walking up the bank side and join the road, turning right.
Keep on the Wiseton Road all the way into Clayworth village; taking care as there is no pavement until the village, passing by St Peter’s church on your left, then onto Town Street. (Don’t forget to stop). This is the ideal opportunity to visit the lovely church as it is the home of the Traquair Murals, the largest artwork in the East of England (CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO NATIONAL LOCKDOWN) If you are lucky enough to complete the walk during the Spring months, you will also see the beautiful blossom trees which adorn the graveyard, they are truly spectacular.
Walk along the footpath through the village to its very end; (the bridge) here you veer right at the road junction with Wheatley Road and cross over Clayworth Top Bridge and back to your starting point, again taking care as it’s a blind bridge and the path stops at the junction, to resume at the bridge.

Don't litter, Stay safe and ENJOY!

You can find more of Sally's walks in her regular walking/outdoors column in one of the UKs most prestigious lifestyle magazines www.madeinn.co.uk/