WALKING GROUP
February’s walk started from the High Street, Whitwell on a dry, overcast day but with a cold wind blowing.
Walking uphill, out of Whitwell, the seven hardy walkers passed the parishchurchofSt Lawrence. Started in 1200, this church contains the tomb of Sir Roger Manners. Sir Roger lived in the nearby Old Hall which could just be seen from the lane. Originally timber framed, this building was rebuilt in stone in 1592 and remained in the Manners family until 1813 when purchased by the Duke of Portland, it is now a private dwelling.
Passing the entrance to the 420 acre Whitwell Wood a short section of the A619 took us toFirbeck Lane. This green bridle path gave views of the wood on the left whilst on the right theTrentValleypower stations spewed their steam into the cold winter air. Whitwell Wood has evidence of links to early nomadic hunters as well as possible Iron Age and Romano British settlements. Further into the walk we also passed Scratta Wood. Although the site has been largely destroyed and spoilt with tipping, in 1959 a farmer found evidence of Iron Age dwellings, subsequent excavations finding shards, knife blades and hut circles.
As we walked along a quiet country lane we came upon a young oak tree. This oak tree had been planted to replace the original Shireoak – this tree was said to have a 90 foot canopy and grew at the point Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire met.
Continuing, we passed Steetley Farm with its dove cote; we paused for a short time to admire the architectural detail of Steetley Chapel. This tiny Norman chapel dating from 1120 is 56 foot long with a knave 15 ¾ feet wide, a chancel 13 ¾ feet wide and a semi-circular apse. Having been previously used as a cowshed, the roofless and overgrown ruin was reconstructed in 1880.
Crossing the A619 we walked towards the Midland Railway line joining Mansfield and Worksop. This line, built between 1870 and 1875 was mainly used for the collection of coal from collieries along its length, delivering direct to power stations; it is now part of the Robin Hood Line.
Continuing across fields and along lanes we returned to our starting point in Whitwell.
Steve Franks
The March walk will be 5 miles and led by Marilyn Pidcock andEvelyn Lowe along theChesterfieldCanaland around Tapton and Brimington.
Anyone wishing to join us will be very welcome, just arrive at the church gates for12 noonon Sunday 3rd March with a packed lunch and your walking equipment.