Six members braved the showers and arrived at Somersall Park for our monthly walk from the car park towards Holymoorside.
We walked over the nearby bridge, across the road and through three fields, the paths of which were very muddy. At one mature oak tree, Mary ran up and threw her arms around it causing us all to smile and shake our heads. Further on we had to negotiate around big expanses of murky, brown puddles before we reached a woodland path and a wooden bridge. The wood was dark and gloomy, and the swift-running river looked dirty with sediment.
However, we reached a brighter area, crossed a main road and at Westbrook Drive we walked down a narrow path bordered by spiky brambles which reached out to snag our clothes as we passed. At another wooden bridge there was a small waterfall and the entry into a field which led us up to Adam’s Farm. We didn’t walk down the path to the Happy Hens’ Farm Shop but were advised by Mary, that it was well worth a visit for coffee, cake, bread and eggs. They also sell Christmas trees, Christmas cards, and a variety of meat and vegetables. The family run a ‘Magic & Mud Pies stay and play’ event for children where, as well as doing crafts, the little ones can see the donkeys, Beatrix and Bramble, together with goats, chickens, sheep and a trio of Indian Runner Ducks.
Continuing our journey, we walked up to Chander Hill Farm where the tarmac underfoot was much easier to navigate and approached the village of Holymoorside. On passing an allotment we saw beetroot and Brussels sprouts ready for picking, the remainder of the beds were well turned over, awaiting planting later. When we arrived at Holymoorside Pond, we sat for a short time taking in the sight of a paddling of ducks chasing towards us expecting to be fed.
Nearing the end of our ramble, we were guided by our leader, Bob, around a pristine bowling green and three tennis courts, passing a notice which read “Warning. Due to badger burrows the ground around this area is uneven and prone to collapse”. Within minutes, Julie noticed a large entry to a badger set. When we realised that we had walked in a circle, we accused Bob of losing his way, although it gave us a chance of seeing the sports area which we didn’t know was there. We returned to the car park after our final walk of 2021, deciding that, due to the time of year, our journey for January will be shorter and on the flat, so very likely will be along the canal. Anyone wishing to join us, especially after the excesses of Christmas festivities, will be very welcome.
We meet at the church gates at 12noon on the first Sunday of each month with a packed lunch and share cars where possible.
Evelyn Lowe