Protecting Melbourne's Footpaths

Melbourne Footpaths Group

2011-11-25T08:34:00.001Z

If you are interested in being involved with a group that is concerned with maintaining, repairing and promoting the Melbourne footpath network please contact Barry Thomas via the Contacts Us page here.

This will not be a walking group but a practical one to clear paths, repair stiles, erect signs and way-mark paths. The aim is to emulate the work of the highly successful Findern Footpaths Group here. Members will be expected to walk a number of paths twice a year to check on their condition (Melbourne has 37) and report back to the group.

The first meeting will be held early in January 2012.

Robin Wood - the truth is out

2011-11-21T00:30:00.005Z

Above: Police Officer protecting pheasants from poachers

Now we know why public access to Robin Wood has been restricted - it's to enable a millionnaire's syndicate, registered in the Isle of Man, to shoot game birds without interference from walkers, riders and bikers.

The full dismal story is in the Derby Evening Telegraph. The owners of the wood need to hold their heads in shame. Who are they - the Church of England!

Open Spaces Society announces Awards Scheme

2011-11-08T11:49:00.000Z

The Open Spaces Society has launched its first Open Space Award.

The society is inviting applicants who can demonstrate an activity that protects, increases, enhances and champions common land, town and village greens, open spaces and public paths in England and Wales, and the public’s right to enjoy them.

Details are on the society’s website at http://www.oss.org.uk/open-space-award/ or phone 01491 573535, and applications must be submitted by 31 January 2012. A national panel of judges will make a shortlist and visit those sites. The winning project will be announced at the society’s AGM on 10 July.

Jean Macdonald, the society’s vice-chairman, said: ‘We want to hear about the good things people are doing which support our aims of protecting, increasing, enhancing and championing open spaces and public paths anywhere in England or Wales.

‘If you’ve got a good story to tell, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, why not submit a proposal? You may have created or improved a path or an open space, or saved it from destruction. We hear so many horror stories about open spaces being developed and paths being gated or lost, but we know that there are lots of good things happening too. It would be great to be able to publicise your successes and show what can be done.’

New Posts Everywhere

2011-05-02T19:54:00.000+01:00

Derbyshire CC seems to have been very busy erecting new signs in South Derbyshire. Some of these signs have been missing for many years so this will greatly help new walkers in the area. At Ingleby today I spotted this handsome new bridleway sign. It makes very clear who has access to the route!

A lovely half day in the Pistern Hills

2011-03-08T23:36:00.001Z

A beautiful sunny day to revisit a path not used for many years. I took the Arriva 61 bus to Ticknall Top Farm and ambled along Staunton Lane to the footpath beyond White Hollows Farm. The path climbs through a tiny wood, past Heath Farm to the top of the Pistern Hills. Not high but great views back to Ticknall and Calke. Also an ideal spot for eating your lunch. Not a soul on the whole walk. From there I made my way around the top of Smisby and on to Hartshorne. The valley between these two villages is one of the hidden gems of South Derbyshire. In Hartshorne I caught the bus back to Melbourne. A perfect half day's walk.

Save Our Forests: Countryside Alliance - Deafening Silence

2011-02-16T20:17:00.003Z

Quote from the Countryside Alliance's website:

"The Countryside Alliance works for everyone who loves the countryside and the rural way of life. Our aim is to protect and promote life in the countryside and to help it thrive. With the highest membership levels since 2006, we are the only organisation working across such a broad range of issues."

Despite this manifesto I can't find anything about their attitude to the forest sell off plans and so called consultation. Lot's on their website about hunting and shooting but nothing about the preservation of what's left of our public forests. Their declaration that they work "for everyone who loves the countryside" seems very hollow indeed!

Addendum
I have now found an article on their website. Unfortunately it seems to have been written by DEFRA.

Reform of Public Forestry Estate

Save Our Forests: Alice Holt Protest

2011-02-14T19:09:00.002Z

Excellent video from the protest meeting yesterday at Alice Holt Forest, Surrey.

Save Our Forests: Cameron Confused at PMQs

2011-02-11T11:31:00.003Z

New Forest Hampshire

From today's Guardian, more misinformation from the Government:

Here is a statement. "The idea that all Forestry Commission forests are open to the public and do not charge is simply not true," said the prime minister. "Many forests, such as the New Forest, are not owned by the Forestry Commission and have much better access, no parking charges and very good records on habitat. While we are having this consultation, we should bust some of the myths that have been put around about this idea."

And here, by way of contrast, is another statement. "In 1924 the management of the New Forest passed to the Forestry Commission under the Forestry (Transfer of Woods) Act, 1923 and became vested in the Minister of Agriculture rather than the Sovereign."

Someone made a fool of themselves in the Commons this week, we think. We think it was Dave.

Hugh Muir - Guardian 11 02 2011

The BBC clip is here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12405934

Save our Forests - Breaking: Tory Party Unveils New Logo!

2011-02-08T08:37:00.002Z

Save Our Forests: Jonathon Porritt is on the Nail!

2011-02-05T18:04:00.002Z

Why have the environmental NGOs been so slow to counter the Forestry Sale proposals in the Public Bodies Bill?

Jonathon Porritt discusses this issue on his blog and more besides. Stimulating reading.

Here: http://www.jonathonporritt.com/pages/

Save Our Forests: Open Spaces Society response

2011-02-05T12:41:00.007Z

Robin Wood sunset February 2011

The Open Spaces Society has published a set of safeguards for the public forest estate in England which will ensure open access to the forests which might be sold off. Of course I would prefer nothing to be sold off and the whole proposals (clauses 17 to 19) to be dropped from the Public Bodies Bill.

They have written to MPs urging them to advocate these safeguards in the debate.

All these safeguards must be satisfied before the sale of Forestry Commission woods and forests happen.

All land should be offered first to a charity or community group, together with the guarantee of sufficient funds for that organisation and its successors to manage it in perpetuity, for its access, biodiversity and landscape qualities.

Before any Forestry Commission land is sold, the prospective purchaser must sign an agreement, legally-binding in perpetuity, to:

1. retain and manage the land as woodland and not allow it to be developed for any other purpose,

2. where there are legal rights of access, maintain and increase these, adding rights for riders and cyclists wherever appropriate,

3. where there are no legal rights of access, dedicate the land so that there are permanent rights of access throughout the wood or forest for walkers, riders and cyclists,

4. welcome informal access, free of charge, at all times.

Says general secretary, Kate Ashbrook: "These are tough tests, but they are absolutely essential if our forests and woodlands are to continue to provide inspiration, refreshment and recreation for the public, as well being a vital component of the landscape and habitat for wildlife. Nothing less is acceptable."

Mark Spencer MP - Clueless

2011-01-31T22:45:00.001Z

Just heard Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood on BBC East Midlands Today talking about Public Rights of Way on private property in the context of the forest sale scandal. It's obvious he has no idea about the status of Rights of Way and thinks that they are owned by landowners and not the Highway Authority.

He needs to stick to something he knows something about (whatever that is).

Private Forest Ownership equals Less Access

2011-01-31T22:37:00.006Z

Robin Wood near Melbourne is a prime example of how access to woodland can easily be reduced by private owners. This wood is owned by the Church Commissioners (i.e. the Church of England) and managed by the Forestry Commission. For many years open access to the wood allowed mountain bikers and horse riders to roam over all of it. However just over a year ago, things changed and a sign appeared announcing that the lease had changed. Changed for the worse. Public access was now prohibited. Prohibited, despite the fact that a public bridleway runs through the middle of it.

After pressure, tatty A4 posters were produced to say that the bridleway and the footpath were not affected but all other access was not allowed. Those tatty posters have gone but the bridleway is still not properly way-marked.

Of course the locals ignore the "No Public Access" sign and still ride their horses and mountain bikes over the site. A less generous private owner would no doubt fence the site off and allow narrow channels for the public rights of way as has happened at Rigg Wood in Cumbria. Make no mistake the privatisation of our forestry will disadvantage walkers, horse riders, orienteerers and mountain-bikers. If you belong to any of these groups make your voice heard before you lose your access.

Swannington Footpath Re-opened

2011-01-24T16:27:00.005Z

The Swannington footpath N108 closed by a local landowner has re-opened with a nice new sign after the Planning Inspectorate has ordered its re-instatement.

Well done to Swannington Parish Council, the Ramblers (Stan Warren) and the Leicestershire Footpath Association for putting up such a fine performance at the Public Inquiry last February.

Follow this link for the full story:

http://melbournefootpaths.blogspot.com/2010/02/swannington-path-inquiry.html

Melbourne Walking Festival 25 to 26 June 2011

2011-01-16T13:46:00.000Z

From the Melbourne Walking Festival website:

This summer Melbourne Civic Society will host a weekend of walks in the attractive landscapes of South Derbyshire surrounding the historic market town of Melbourne.

In all, we will offer 7 walks details of which are given on the Walks page. These range from 4 to 15 km, so suit all levels. On the Saturday there will be a Town Walk led by a leading local historian.

Why not join us in walking the attractive countryside surrounding our town?

The link is here:

http://www.melbournewalkingfestival.co.uk/

Why not book a place!

Save Our Forests Campaign

2010-12-09T09:10:00.005Z

I sent this letter to Lord Hunt of Kings Heath recently as part of the Ramblers campaign to keep access to rights of way through Forestry Commission land.

===

Dear Lord Hunt

I am a passionate walker and live in the midst of the National Forest, much of which is locally owned or managed by the Forestry Commission.

I am therefore writing in connection with the Public Bodies Bill that is currently in Committee in the
House of Lords. Whilst not all land accessed by the public must be publicly owned, it is vital that any sale of Forestry Commission land be carefully managed, with public access as a top priority.

I am very keen that community groups are able to take a more active involvement in their local woodland, but it is important that everyone’s ability to continue to access and enjoy British woodland is at the forefront of any sale agreement.

I would like you to ensure that five key criteria are included on the face of the Bill itself – to be met before any sale of Forestry Commission land is considered.

1) Public access is maintained and enhanced.
2) Public rights of way and access land are properly managed.
3) No sale or transfer is completed until the purchaser has committed to preserving and maintaining access.
4) Where access is currently not secured in law, this is remedied through CROW Act dedication.
5) The local community is consulted and given the opportunity to play a full and active part in woodland management, including first-refusal on purchase.

I would urge you to raise these concerns in debate, and ensure that the Public Bodies Bill will not damage the interests of walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Best regards

Barry Thomas
Melbourne
cc:
Eva Hartson-Sanders
cc:
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon

Also look here:

38 Degrees | Save Our Forests

New Greenway Signs

2010-11-28T18:06:00.002Z

Having been to a recent talk about the Greenways initiative at the South Derbyshire Environmental Forum in Swadlincote, I was pleased to see this new sign on the Cloud Trail just outside Wilson. These handsome signs are definitely an improvement on those they have replaced.

A neglected area of South Derbyshire - Sutton on the Hill, Thurvaston, Osleston and Longford

2010-10-25T11:16:00.006+01:00

In this bush is a footpath sign. This is on Back Lane, Sutton on the Hill. This very pleasant area (about 5 miles south of Ashbourne) has some of the worst footpath problems I have encountered in the county. On a day's walk I came across ten problems that I felt had to be brought to the attention of the DCC PROW team. The sad thing is that most of the problems were here five years ago and I have the photographs to prove it.

To be fair to Longford, their paths were in better condition than the others.

More recent photos are here.

First the Old Plough has gone and now the footpath is being moved!

2010-10-12T16:23:00.006+01:00

This is all that's left of the Old Plough at Weston: an attractive old pub flattened to make way for a housing estate. That's bad enough but now the footpath is going to be moved from stone wall it used to follow to a pavement through the estate. It looks as if there's not much that can be done now. This is just a further degradation of our Right of Way system.

More on Elvaston

2010-09-13T10:50:00.002+01:00

I have just found this on one of my favourite blogs.

Unmitigated England: Creaking Oars

Friends of Elvaston Castle 1of 3

2010-09-13T10:07:00.001+01:00

An eye-opening video. A bit shaky in places but worth watching.

It claims that some ROWs will be lost. I'll have to contact them to check the facts out.

Blissful Walk on the Leicestershire Round

2010-08-23T13:29:00.003+01:00

It's been sometime since I have walked in High Leicestershire and yesterday was the perfect day to do it after so much dismal weather.

This is an unspoilt part of the country, moderately high for the region (600 to 700 feet) and with glorious vistas from the hill top villages. Walking is easy on the whole as route marking is very good with those friendly yellow posts. I was also lucky to find a decent pub in Somerby, the Stilton Cheese and will have to visit Grant's in Burrough on the Hill soon which has its own brewery.

Route: Thorpe Satchville (Bakers Lane) - Burrough - Somerby - Leicestershire Round through Dalby Hills - Burrough hillfort - Thorpe Satchville via Bakers Lane. About 8 miles.

Fancy Walking from the Peak District to London?

2010-08-19T22:51:00.003+01:00

This was the request for a route to the capital from Edale on the Walkingforum this week.
So I got to thinking about this using Long Distance Footpath routes.
Here's what I wrote, though I can't see me doing it for some time!

=================================================
I live in the East Midlands so can vouch for that bit.
So you could try:

The Limestone Way (starts at Castleton - not far from Edale) to Tissington
Tissington Trail to Ashbourne
Bonnie Prince Charlie Way (Ashbourne) to west of Derby (Lees)
Derby City Nomads Circular (South) to Swarkestone
Easy footpaths from Swarkestone through Melbourne to Heath End (Staunton Harold) to pick up the Ivanhoe Way (towards Ashby).
Ivanhoe Way through to Leicestershire Round
Leicestershire Round to near Market Harborough
Link your way through to Hobblers Way
Hobblers Way to Grand Union Canal
Grand Union Canal Walk to London
Thames Path
Thames Down Link
North Downs Way to Canterbury

Obviously there are hundreds of variations of this route you could take.
You could do much of it by canal from Heanor Derbys to London but that could be boring for the whole length.

Also the Midshires Way from north of Derby goes a long way south and is quite well marked.

The Derwent Valley route goes roughly Sheffield to Derby.

Best starting websites:
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/region/pathsregion.htm
http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/public/ldp_public_home.php

Donington path saga continues

2010-08-10T22:27:00.002+01:00

Still no news about whether the path (L87) was legally closed during the Download Festival in mid June.
Why are Leicestershire County Council dragging their heels on this matter?
We need an answer!

Robin Wood Meeting

2010-07-30T15:37:00.006+01:00

Committee members of Melbourne Civic Society and a local Ticknall resident met Alan Dowell and James Williams of the Forestry Commission at Woodside Farm to discuss the future of Robin Wood and access issues.

We were shown the recently cleared area and sections of the wood which had recovered after thinning out and the removal of conifers five years ago. The Forestry Commission, as well as removing conifers, was planting oaks and cherry trees. We were also given copies of the impressive 50 year development plan for the wood which describes how the wood will return to a mainly deciduous state (as it had been before World War Two). The habitats of raptors, owls and bats were also being protected. A tall dead tree has been left as a lookout post for raptors.

Mr Dowell assured us that access to the bridleway and footpath through the wood was protected and that they would both be better signed in the future. In all, a very positive morning's visit.

Offa's Dyke Photos

2010-07-24T10:16:00.001+01:00

I have uploaded some photos of the first section of Offa's Dyke walk here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/histman/sets/72157624445144569/

I am hoping to add them as a slideshow in this blog when I work out how to connect Flickr to Picasa!

Slow walk on Offa's Dyke

2010-07-17T20:12:00.006+01:00

On unfamiliar territory this week, as I have been walking my first section of Offa's Dyke, a path I have wanted to walk for years. The weather was not great on the first day and the walking is strenuous compared with around here! However the scenery along the Wye is glorious and both Chepstow and Monmouth are towns worth spending some time in. The villages of Redbrook and Brockweir also have a great deal of charm. It took me two days to walk the 18 miles from Sedbury Cliff to Monmouth. I was pretty tired at the end of the second day!

Ingleby - Lows and Highs

2010-07-05T21:00:00.017+01:00

Route: St Brides, Robin Wood, Knowle Hill House, Seven Spouts track, Ingleby Toft Back Lane, Ingleby, John Thompson PH, Ingleby Toft, Woodend Lane, St Brides.

Today I decided to check the paths around Ingleby. After passing by the tree felling at Robin Wood (below) the bridleway which is usually very muddy was fine. In fact I hardly recognised the track! The route through to Knowle Hill House was easy to follow even when passing through crops and I managed to get a great view of the Landmark Trust property I hadn't seen before. Just beyond Knowle Hill House a stile was broken. Disappointing, as I had reported this some time back.

After crossing the lane that goes between Ingleby Toft and Seven Spouts the bridleway was again clear through crops. On reaching the Ingleby Toft to Foremark back lane I noticed a broken finger post and a missing one on the other side of the road. Instead of going straight over and down to Ingleby I decided to check a path that comes off the lane a little further west. This was a new one to me and I found it difficult to find the entrance in the hedge which was very over-grown. After hacking away at the greenery I managed to enter the field at the start of the path. There was a dead baby deer on my left, fly-ridden in the heat. The path should have been on my right. Unfortunately it was obstructed by a barbed wire fence. Another report to be made to DCC!

I went back up the lane, not wishing to tangle with the wire and non existent path, and came down to Ingleby by the bridleway. The John Thompson Inn was closed so I made my way up Ingleby FP1 which for once was actually marked through a crop. The rest of the route through Ingleby Toft, Woodend Lane and back to St Brides was luckily uneventful.

Above - Ingleby FP1 - actually navigable! A pity it's not on the DM line but you can't have everything!

Robin Wood deforestation

2010-07-05T17:34:00.011+01:00

Lots going on at Robin Wood today.

An outfit called Euroforest seems to cutting down a large swathe of the section close to the Stanton/Ingleby bridleway. It would be nice to see the plan they are working to. I have written to the Forestry Commission for one.

Notice at entrance to the wood. The map referred to does not exist.

Logs being stacked.

Coniferous trees being logged today.

Leicestershire County Council delaying tactics

2010-07-01T20:10:00.007+01:00

Above: Castle Donington L87 blocked during the Download Festival

I am still waiting to hear from LCC about the closure of the Donington Path during the Download Festival.

I originally contacted them on 16 June. The Rights of Way Office then passed me on to their Highways Office in Mountsorrel. After hearing nothing from them I wrote to the officer concerned a week later. It has taken a week to acknowledge an email and letter sent to the officer. Today I have received a letter saying that I will have to wait up to 28 days or even longer to receive a reply.

Derbyshire gave me the information for the path on their side of the border in minutes.

Why do the wheels turn so slowly across the county border?

Some great writing

2010-06-28T09:59:00.002+01:00

With the demise of the Ramblers' Forums (see below), a fair number of contributors have gone over to the Walking Forum.

There's usually something interesting to read there not least the writing of contributor "barewirewalker".

Here's a typical example of his breathless writing that I have enjoyed recently:

Waymarking

A lovely day in Melbourne

2010-06-22T10:11:00.004+01:00

A great afternoon to wander down Melbourne FP12. The perfume of camomile was in the air and the red of the poppies contrasted with the fading rape flowers. The little storage hut is sadly in a state of collapse and probably won't last long.

We are lucky to have this path open and this is mainly due to the work done by Dave Adkins the former ROW officer for South Derbyshire.
So thanks Dave and good luck!

Donington Path (continued)

2010-06-19T18:13:00.018+01:00

The director of the Download Festival says that he has a copy of a temporary closure order for the path on the Leicestershire side. However the Leicestershire ROW officers seem to have not been informed by the county's legal team.

This order does not cover the Derbyshire side though.

This issue is important as there is a history of path closure here which was supposedly dealt with firmly by the Leicestershire Local Access Forum in 2008.

Hopefully some answers will appear next week.

See post 149 here:

http://forums.downloadfestival.co.uk/m4659848-p8.aspx

Donington Path Closed Again - Download Festival

2010-06-16T10:44:00.021+01:00

The Melbourne to Donington footpath has again been blocked.
I can't find any evidence yet of a temporary closure order on the Leicestershire side and Derbyshire CC have confirmed that none was applied for on their side.

The photo above was taken on Monday on the Derbyshire side which was blocked in two places, Further on, the entrance to Leicestershire was also blocked (see below).

More photos here:
http://tinyurl.com/doningtonpath

Open Spaces Society

2010-06-11T15:19:00.001+01:00

I have just been appointed Local Correspondent for South Derbyshire for the Open Spaces Society.

The society is the oldest national society involved with protecting footpaths, commons, village greens and other open spaces.

I am looking forward to working with them to protect open spaces in this area.

Their web site is http://www.oss.org.uk

Ramblers Forums Chopped

2010-06-11T12:00:00.004+01:00

The Ramblers have closed their forums with little notice to users or even moderators.
Their reason being that the forums were underused.
Not surprising when there was hardly any publicity spent on them and the software was looking a bit out of date.
I think some notice should have been given and some discussion on the forums encouraged about where to go next.

There were some very high quality discussions there particularly on the corruption of Definitive Map (something relevant around here.)

I have pdf-ed some of the best and placed them here for download.

http://tinyurl.com/ramforumposts

Robin Wood Library

2010-06-01T16:32:00.009+01:00

There's plenty of reading material up at Robin Wood these days with lots of information about current forestry activities.

However the route marking is not good enough as the bridleway marker is on a gate post which is still on the ground (plus the maps are not very clear). There is still no news why access to the wood has been restricted.

Pool Farm Melbourne Path - Now back in

2010-05-06T17:12:00.018+01:00

After some pressure the path at Pool Farm (Melbourne FP26) is back having been sprayed in by the farmer.
This path has not been walk-able for 8 months.

Thanks to Dave Adkins (ROW officer) for his support on this.

Above - looking towards Pool Farm.

A letter to all General Election candidates in South Derbyshire Part 2

2010-04-28T13:04:00.003+01:00

Still waiting for replies from PPCs Michael Edwards and Heather Wheeler.

I have sent them another copy of the letter (see below).

Robin Wood - Land Agents Smiths Gore Lichfield

2010-04-28T12:55:00.002+01:00

I have written to the Land Agents who manage Robin Wood for the Church Commissioners asking them to explain why access has been restricted. The day to day management of the wood is handled by the Forestry Commission (West Midlands). I wrote to them over a week ago but no reply yet.

Pool Farm Melbourne Path - still not back in

2010-04-24T13:12:00.021+01:00

This path has been un-walkable since September 2009 when I led a walk around here for the Melbourne Festival. I have reported it three times to the County Council and am told that it will be put back in soon.

The farmer here regularly fails to do his legal duty.

Leicestershire Footpaths Association

2010-04-18T12:34:00.003+01:00

The LFA has a very nice new website with plenty to read about the state of the nearby Leicestershire path network.

It can be found here:

http://leicestershirefootpaths.wordpress.com/

South Derbyshire Election - First reply

2010-04-15T10:25:00.009+01:00

Thanks to the Liberal-Democrat candidate for South Derbyshire for being the first PPC to add his name to the Ramblers Manifesto.

Here's an extract from the Manifesto roll-call:

Alexis Diouf, Liberal Democrat:
"Organisations like The Ramblers have contributed greatly to the freedom most of us enjoy of exploring and enjoying our countryside. There is much Government could do to make rambling more accessible to more people and to ensure more of our countryside is accessible to us."

A letter to all General Election candidates in South Derbyshire

2010-04-14T11:19:00.005+01:00

Help break down the barriers to walking in South Derbyshire

I’m writing to you to ask you to sign the Ramblers General Election Manifesto for Walking. I’m very keen that my local parliamentary candidates join me and the Ramblers in breaking down the barriers to walking, which include:

•Physical barriers - we want to see the next Government protect and improve Britain's unique path network and deliver the coastal route

•Financial Barriers: we want to see the next Government link agricultural subsidies to recreation and access provision and invest in walking schemes to benefit health, wellbeing, environment, the rural economy and climate change

•Cultural barriers: we want to see the next Government position the walker at the top of the transport hierarchy and take tough action against those who put walkers’ lives at risk through reckless driving

•Legal barriers: we want to see the next Government amend legislation to require an independent review when there is an objection to orders to gate alleyways which are used by people on foot; protect and promote public access and space, and make green space accessible, safe, and well-maintained, through use of the planning process in both town and country.

South Derbyshire has a varied footpath network but too often it is poorly signed and maintained. I walk regularly in the area and rarely do I complete a walk without missing markers and /or damaged stile or gates. I always report these but action is very slow despite the valiant efforts of the local footpath officer who obviously needs more resources.

To sign up to the Ramblers General Election Manifesto please email walking.environment@ramblers.org.uk from your constituency or official email address.

Many thanks for your time.

====

I'll publish any replies I receive on this blog.

The Ramblers' Manifesto is here.

Manifesto pledges 2010

2010-04-14T10:49:00.007+01:00

Luckily these are now easily accessible on the web and also easy to search. So I have searched through the main three manifestos (we only have three candidates here) for reference to ROWs and public access. Here's what I found:

Conservative
"We will take forward the Marine and Coastal Access Act and ensure that its conservation measures are implemented effectively." (Page 95)

I wonder what the words "take forward" mean?

Labour
"We have created two National Parks in the New Forest and South Downs, and given the public a Right to Roam our mountains, moors and heaths. We will now extend this to the whole English coastline." (Page 8:5)

A bit more promising - no dates when this might be completed, though.

Liberal-Democrat
"Increase the general right of access to the countryside, along the
lines of the model introduced by the Liberal Democrats in Scotland." (Page 81)

I like the sound of this one - does it mean a fuller Right to Roam?

Ticknall to Hartshorne Linear Walk

2010-03-04T14:19:00.003Z

A lovely morning to walk from Ticknall to Hartshorne via Carver Rocks. The path from Ticknall, Ashby Road to the A514 was squelchy but walkable as it was under grass not a crop. After autumn ploughing, this route can be very hard work. By Scaddows Cottage I found the old Royal Label Factory sign on the ground. It must have been around here for years. Beyond this point, a plank over a brook was rather tricky as the hand rail has collapsed.

The rest of the walk was quite straightforward except for some misaligned marker discs near Scaddows Farm and an unclear route near Hartshorne Wood.

A full route description will follow soon.

Stanton by Bridge - a new path for me!

2010-03-03T17:40:00.043Z

It's a pity that nothing has been done about this signpost at the southern end of Swarkestone Bridge. It has been like this since August 2009. Look here.

I came upon this after a short stroll around the eastern part of the village. There was only one Melbourne footpath I have never walked and that one runs round the back of the Stanton Water Works down to Stanton Barn. It's a very pleasant path but the initial marking is non existent.

From Stanton Barn I walked towards the Causeway down Ward's Lane. Crossing the road I found (again) the sign above and lots of new barbed wire. Up the path, the gate across the route looks like an obstruction as I couldn't find a way to open it so had to squeeze by on the left hand side.

Reaching the Main Street I turned right then left and walked past the splendidly named The Retreat. I wanted to check the state of the stile by the side of the garden of Hills Cottage. I was glad to see a new bright yellow marker disk on the stile. I returned to the Jubilee Oak (where I had parked) along the short footpath through the wooded area behind the A514.

Swannington Path Inquiry

2010-02-28T15:53:00.008Z

Swannington N28 and N108. Gates have been erected at V and X.

Location: SK413170

A landowner blocks an attractive path walked for over seventy years with an electric gate, chain-saws stiles provided by the County Council, hacks down marker posts erected by the local authority then the County solicitor argues that the path should be diverted to a new route along a muddy ditch with poor views. This is what has happened at Swannington in Leicestershire and was the subject of a public enquiry for two days this week.

When landowner Damian Spence bought his property in 2006 he knew that a public path crossed a paddock 60 feet from his small farmhouse. The stiles on the path had been maintained by the previous owners of the land for years and recently the County Council had looked after them and erected footpath markers and a signpost from the main road. However, returning home one evening he found some youngsters were playing with his animals and he determined that the path needed to be diverted. Here an error by Leicestershire County Council came to his aid.

The path walked for seventy years is not on the exact route of the Definitive Map entry. When council housing was built in 1936 at one end of the path the original route must have been diverted. Unfortunately the paperwork of Ashby Rural District Council seems to have been lost and the order cannot be found. When the Parish Survey was undertaken in 1951 (for the 1949 Act) the route marked on the map was the old route though the written description of the route makes it clear that locals were walking the diversion. The parish council had been provided with a map of 1925 which did not include the new housing and still showed the old path.

Leicestershire County Council had even worked with the local Heritage Trust producing publicity for walks on the path in the 1980s. Ordnance Survey maps have shown the route (not on the Definitive Map) since the 1960s onwards. There is a requirement of the 1949 act that the Definitive Map should be updated on a regular basis. The Council failed to do this (and has blamed the Parish Council for the mapping error).

So what does the Council propose should happen? Well, firstly they want to add the path walked since 1936 to the Definitive Map and extinguish the old route which on the map runs through gardens of two council houses built at that time. Great! But then once this route is added to the Definitive Map they want to divert it along a strip of land purchased by Mr Spence which is often waterlogged and runs by a murky ditch. Of course this takes the path well away from his house and horses, prevents the public from experiencing pleasant views towards Charnwood Forest and crossing a rare stretch of ridge and furrow for this part of Leicestershire. Given the landowner's attitude to footpaths, can we expect him to keep the diverted path in a good state?

Are we to have all paths diverted now that pass through paddocks with horses?

The case by Leicestershire County Council was shoddy. The maps produced were inaccurate and it seemed as if the ROW officer present had never been up to look at the proposed diversion route (at least he didn't seem to have much knowledge of it when we went on the site visit). Worse still was the behaviour of the County Solicitor who acted more like an advocate for the landowner.

Swannington Parish Council presented their evidence with dignity and restraint despite the fact that they were very angry about the situation which has been going on for four years. Also backing up their case was retired solicitor Dr Sheila Smith who had done mountains of research and presented her case brilliantly. Anyone involved in a footpath dispute would love to have her on their side. Representatives from the Ramblers and the Leicestershire Footpaths Association also made strong cases against the diversion.

We will now have to wait a few months for the decision of the inspector.

There is a discussion on The Ramblers forum here.

Scaring the birds and walkers?

2010-02-11T15:43:00.003Z

A pleasant afternoon to walk along Melbourne FP 20 to Castle Donington. However just behind Ramsley House I came across this. On investigation it became clear that it was a bird scarer on some type of timer. I have no problem with farmers using these as long as they don't go off all night by mistake! However it is not sensible putting one by the side of a Public Footpath. In fact this is totally against the advice of the NFU who strongly advise they are located away from walking routes. They should also be surrounded by baffles usually in the form of bales (image from NFU leaflet below). There should also be a warning notice before you come to the scarer.

Navigation around here can be difficult as the marker post in the hedge beyond this point is well and truly hidden. So hidden - that I only spotted it today and this is my third time down this path in three months! Hopefully this will be improved soon.

Stanton by Bridge – West Wood

2010-02-10T11:50:00.015Z

Location: SK362260
This very strange structure was once a stile – now it’s a barrier on Stanton FP 1. The owner needs to do some reconstruction work on it.

The problem has been reported to the South Derbyshire Footpath Officer.

Robin Wood - some progress

2010-02-10T11:31:00.009Z

The misleading sign above has been corrected by a notice pinned to the leg of the sign showing rights of way through the wood.

Unfortunately the notice is very difficult to read (I could barely make out the routes on the map - see below) and its attachment is rather flimsy.

I wonder why the owners (the Church Commissioners) have changed the access rules to the wood as until recently it was completely open access.

Link to previous post.

Weston Cliff - looking for the old ferry

2010-02-01T08:25:00.022Z

Location: Weston-on-Trent, Derbyshire SK394273
Start: Weston Parish Church

The bridge above carries the footpath from Weston Cliff over the Trent Navigation. It is a very picturesque spot. Uphill to the left is the old Cliff Inn now a Ukrainian social club. The Cliff Inn at one time was the old Manor House. Now it's looking rather scruffy with lots of old vehicles parked round the site and a large "Keep Out" sign on a nearby metal gate.The inn building (below) seems to have taken a bit of a battering with several inappropriate additions.

I was trying to find the site of the old Weston ferry that took people over the Trent to Kings Newton and Melbourne along Melbourne footpath 2, also known on as the Trent Meadow path. After crossing the canal bridge you come down on to the tow path. At this point look for a grooved path on your right which heads towards the River Trent. The path makes its way over a little bridge with a tall metal gate. From here a clearly defined track takes you to the river bank.The ferry reached the other bank to the left of the electricity pylon opposite, but I could find no sign of it on this side.

Walking back towards the canal I was surprised about the amount of litter here. Back on the bank I turned right and strolled towards Kings Mills. This section is usually very quiet with views of Weston Church and Hall on your left and the Wiggs, Kings Newton on your right. Pass under canal bridge 9 and about 700 metres later you come to Weston Lock. Cross the canal bridge and walk uphill towards Weston. Just after the railway bridge a path leads you through two fields to the car park of the defunct Old Plough. The grounds of the Plough are in a mess; lots of trees have been cut down/back and some of the contents of the pub have been scattered around. Looking back at the pub you realise what a big place it was. It must have been several cottages knocked into one.

From the triangular Green walk towards the Coopers pub, within a few metres an arrow on a pole points left to a path between fencing. When this opens out make your way around the lake to a spot directly opposite the Coopers. In the hedge you will find a post with two arrow markers (you might have to search for it). From here head diagonally right to the corner of this large field. When you reach the road turn left and soon you will see the track that leads back to the church.

The route in Google Maps:

Stroll in Calke Park

2010-01-26T21:26:00.004Z

A pleasant sunny afternoon after a grey morning. I decided to explore some areas of Calke I haven't been to often. The photograph above shows the restored Deer Shelter, almost unrecognisable from the mass of scaffolding here two years ago. If you walk WNW (towards Poker's Leys) from this spot you can find some areas of Calke Park that few people get into as many stick to the paths or even the main road.

Recent work on the Melbourne Hall Estate

2010-01-22T14:47:00.006Z

Lots of activity between Blackwell Lane and Chestnut Park, Melbourne (Melbourne FP13). The Estate has planted a considerable number of trees in this area and has built some new stiles and fences.

I took this photo late in the afternoon so black and white works quite well.

Not as it seems

2010-01-17T11:30:00.003Z

I have been playing with a new piece of online software called “Where’s the path”. It consists of two views of the same patch of land. One side can be a modern OS map (1:50000 is the most detailed at the moment) the other side can be Google maps or Google Earth or even 1930s OS maps. The beauty of this free (so far) software is that you can follow paths on one side and plot them on the other. This will make a lot more sense once you get your hands on it.

In the example above (click on the image) the yellow/green line is the route as plotted from the OS map; the red line is the actual route on the ground. This is Melbourne FP25 from the Ashby Road (opposite Sir Henry’s Lane) to Park Drive, Breedon. I had always thought that the line was wrong especially in the middle stretch now I can prove it.

I guess this is fairly typical of footpaths elsewhere and not much can be done about it whilst more urgent problems have still to be addressed.

“Where’s the path” can be found here.

Winter wonderland

2010-01-15T19:05:00.006Z

Snowy bridleway sign at the top of Robinson Hill

Brussels in the snow at Windmill Hill

I think we get the message! – Ticknall Green

Ticknall Parish Church's handsome spire from Calke Park

Scots Brook, Broadstone Lane

Not keen on walkers here?

2010-01-10T19:01:00.005Z

Spotted this yesterday on Repton FP27 just beyond Common Farm, Milton (SK319265). It looks like someone has tried to obliterate the footpath markers here with green paint. This has been done both sides of the stile so is no accident. The stile is on the edge of some fairly new barn conversions. Presumably someone does not like walkers around here?

Sir Henry's Lane Melbourne to Breedon and Back

2010-01-04T21:35:00.019Z

A lovely crisp day to walk from Sir Henry's Lane (above) to Breedon and onto Staunton Harold and back. The lane (named after one of the Harpur Crewes) is now blocked by two large tree trunks and is only accessible for 300 metres but before the reservoir was built it crossed the valley to Derby Hills and became Broadstone Lane. Even this short stretch is still evocative of an old coach road.

Opposite Sir Henry’s Lane is Melbourne Footpath 25 which leads to the Park Drive near Breedon. The path is not clear to begin with but follow the poles and it should become clearer. You pass by a curious concrete stile on your left which is not now connected to any Right of Way. Eventually it meets the Weir to Burney Rough path (FP24), also known as the Motts Path. According to the OS map the path should go straight over but the reality is different. Turn right and by a footpath sign turn left down a well marked path towards a little wood known as Paddock Pool.

Curious concrete stile – Melbourne Common

The route through Paddock Pool is obvious and involves a little climb.

At the top you cross a track and an open stretch of land. Follow the hedge uphill keeping it on your left. The next stile is slightly to your right. The next wooded area is very small and you leave it with a nice view of Breedon Church ahead. Walk towards the church across a large field. The path is usually well trod here. At the other side of this field you meet a track running left to right coming up from Green Lane Wilson. Turn right then at the next junction follow the path to the left of the hedge. You are walking along the edge of a green belonging to Breedon Priory Golf Club. Watch out for a path on your left that drops down into a ditch. If you reach forest planting you have gone too far.

The route now is very clear into Breedon where you can stop for a drink (two pubs). However if you want to press on, about 100 metres before reaching the main Breedon Road there is a stile on your right. Take this and watch out for posts all the way to Staunton Harold. It is Leicestershire path M1 and is well named as it is pretty straightforward throughout. You basically head straight on (south west if you have a compass) following those lovely Leicestershire yellow topped posts from point to point avoiding any paths to the left or right.

Sheep at Staunton Harold – viewed from the Permissive Path

When you arrive at the entrance to Staunton Harold turn right. I suppose you could go down the drive and ignore the no entry traffic signs and pick up the path on your right. However if you walk along the main road for about 80 metres you will see a gate on the left. Squeeze around the side of it (it looks like this has been done many times before) and follow the track to meet a stile on the Permissive Path. Follow the path along the wall for about a kilometre. Don't be tempted to head downhill at any stage. Stay on the ridge. The path eventually crosses the Calke to Burney Lane road into Spring Wood.

The markers in the wood are easy to follow (thanks to John Blunt of Staunton Harold Hall) and eventually you emerge on the B587. Turn left and return to wherever you parked your car.

Foremarke Circular

2009-12-26T18:25:00.007Z

View from Fairview Farm, Foremarke

Here's a new walk which I have just written up. I have done it three times over the past 2 years and still enjoy it - especially in the fine crispy weather just before Christmas Day.

There are various other versions of this walk including one by peahen (see her blog right). She starts from the Reservoir Car Park but being someone who can't stand paying parking fees and also wanting a public transport link, I have started this near Coal Lane.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Start: SK334220
Route: Coal Lane – Foremarke Reservoir – Repton Shrubs – Fairview – Milton Road – Foremarke Reservoir – Coal Lane
Distance: 8.3 km
Terrain: easy.

Park the car at the “lay by” at the junction with Coal Lane on the A514 near Hartshorne.

The Derby to Swadlincote bus also stops here. Cross the main road and take the restricted byway to Buildings Farm. After 200 metres you will find a gap in the fence on your right. (It’s the second gap in this fence).

Follow this path straight ahead (do not veer off to the left). The path dips down into a small valley descending to the left. Take the pronounced path in front of you which runs to the right of a small ride of trees that follow a stream. The path leads into a large open field. Look out for a gap in the opposite hedge. The track leads down to a foot bridge and boardwalk. (Carver Rocks is to your right and is worth an investigation). Follow the boardwalk to your right. Before long you will reach the south end of the reservoir and another bridge. Cross the bridge and follow some steps up hill through woodland.

After 100 metres watch out for a path on your right that leads down to another foot bridge. From the bridge the path leads up to a notice board about Carver Rocks and a stile. The path leaves the wooded area and climbs almost straight ahead (slight left) to a stile at the top of the field. Here you meet a racing horse training track and pass through a small hinged gate. The path from here heads towards a small wood in front of you; aim to the right of it. You cross the race track again and follow a path with a wooden fence on your right. The fence separates you from the any race horses that might be training. After crossing a field you hit a metalled road where you turn right.

Walk past the Bondwood farm drive on your right and a large communications pylon on your left until you reach a gate at the point where the track starts to descend towards Repton. Do not follow this route but take the track on your right. The views over the Trent Valley at this point can be quite splendid. Just before Fairview farm take the bridleway on your left, heading downhill towards the reservoir. The track descends very pleasantly through open country. After 800 metres it starts to sink and become tree lined. Soon you reach a metal farm gate and some properties on your left. On reaching the Ticknall to Milton road, turn right. There is now 1.2 kilometres of road walking but the road is generally not too busy and after 5 minutes you can walk on the wide verge on the left. Ignore the turn to the Burton Sailing Club. It’s the next main track on the right that you want.

Enter the Reservoir area just beyond Bendalls Farm. To avoid the traffic you will find a path that runs parallel to the road on the left. The path soon reaches a wide gate which leads down the cycle path. Follow this very enjoyable undulating track for 2 kilometres. There are good views over the reservoir on your right.

The track eventually meets a “T” junction where you turn left. Follow the road around to your right to a set of gates on the Ticknall to Hartshorne road where you will probably find some cars parked. You should see your car (or bus stop) from here on the left downhill several 300 metres ahead.

Royal Label Factory

2009-12-14T13:39:00.011Z

I spotted this makers' name on the footpath sign opposite the Sir Frances Burdett B and B on Derby Road (click to enlarge).

It seems that the company originated in Stratford upon Avon, then moved to Chipping Norton. It is now located just outside Buxton at Dove Holes!

It received its royal warrant in 1876 when it made metal plant labels for Queen Victoria.

The company is now owned by Leander Architectural (since 1998).

I found an interesting article here.

Curious signs on Melbourne FP6

2009-12-12T17:23:00.013Z

Melbourne FP6 runs from Cockshut Lane to Derby Road opposite the old Sir Frances Burdett PH.

It makes a useful short cut avoiding a sharp bend in the road.

You can link it with Breach Lane, Poppy Wood and the St. Brides Bridleway to make a return stroll to Melbourne.

Half way across is this curious double sign erected, I guess, in the 1960s when the local Parish Council asked for intermediate signing along the route. It is by the small footbridge.

When I walked it this week the middle section of the path was very wet due to a month of rain.

Beyond this sign the route can be unclear, you have to make for the white Frances Burdett building.

Looking towards the Sir Frances Burdett from Cockshut Lane (distant white building on left).

Robin Wood - Misleading Sign

2009-12-11T12:06:00.007Z

I was very confused by this new sign whilst walking around the wood yesterday as a bridleway goes straight through the middle of the wood and a footpath along one side.

I have spoken to Alan Dowell of the Forestry Commission today who has agreed that the sign is confusing. He is going to add a new section to the sign pointing out that the ROWs are still open.

The Ingleby/Stanton Bridleway is to the right of the sign!

Smisby to Hartshorne circular - new walk

2009-12-05T12:11:00.016Z

Above: Harsthorne Church from Several Woods Farm, Smisby.

This must be almost the highest point in the District.

Best seen large - click on photo.

Route: Smisby - Several Woods - Hartshorne - Limehouse Dam - Daniel Hayes - Forties Lane - Smisby.

Distance: about 8 km. Terrain is easy.

Transport: Regular bus through Hartshorne - so walk could start there.

This walk was quite a discovery because it is very rural yet close to both Ashby and Woodville. In places the drone of roads was completely absent, something that seems to be increasingly difficult to avoid in South Derbyshire. It's also a good walk, in my opinion, because there is a pub at either end!

I started off in Smisby and took the path by the church. The path runs around the back of the church and squeezes by a house on its left. The stile into a large field has no marker and for a moment I was disorientated. You need to turn left here and follow the field edge around the corner. You need to be walking parallel to Forties Lane after a couple of minutes. The path is OK in the first field but missing in the next. Cross Heath Lane and into a small thicket. Walk over a drive and then follow the path through a few fields. This was clearly marked. Everything is fine until you come close to Several Woods Farm where a marker seems to point you north when you need to go west around the edge of the farm complex.

If you have managed to circumnavigate the farm you'll come to a notice board. From here take the track downhill. This soon goes through a small wood past a pool. Take the main track north west for about a kilometre. You eventually emerge on Manchester Lane, turn right and you come to the Bulls Head where I had a very good pint of Pedigree (they don't sell crisps!).

I wanted to look at the church so walked downhill to Church Street. After the church a path can be seen on your right, take this uphill past a couple of bungalows. The stile in the fence was missing, clamber over it and at the next stile turn left. The route is now straightforward as you pass around Limehouse Dam and make for Daniel Hayes. When you reach a turnstile gate turn right (though if you turn right you can still get back around to Smisby by a longer route). The path is now along a low escarpment until it enters Sharp's Bottom wood. This section is very well marked for South Derbyshire. Eventually the path climbs quite steeply, keep straight ahead ignoring a track on your left. At the top just before emerging from the wood you can turn left by a sign warning about race horses or go straight on.

I went left and passed by some uninspiring forestry plantings on my left. At the end of this section you need to make your way around a large shed on your left. I didn't, ending up walking through the Calke Abbey Racing Stables. Nobody seemed to bother. I should have come out opposite Forties Lane which I took back to Smisby.

About 3 hours, slow walking with a drink in Hartshorne.

Coast access bill becomes law!

2009-12-01T10:56:00.010Z

I have been away for a few weeks but on return was cheered by the fact that the Marine and Coastal Access Act has come into existence (12 November 2009).

I know that Melbourne is about as far from the sea as you can get but like many walkers coastal walking is one of my favourite activities when I get the opportunity.

I am looking forward to accessing some of those bits of coastline we haven't been able to get to before.

(Photo from Defra website)

New barrier on Melbourne FP 12

2009-11-03T16:44:00.003Z

I was pleased to see that a new barrier has appeared on the bridge over the Carr Brook close to the Station Road end of Melbourne FP12.
I am guessing that this is to stop illegal motorcycling on the footpath.
DCC has done a nice job and deserves to be congratulated.

Melbourne to Donington walk

2009-10-31T20:55:00.015Z

Click on image to enlarge

Today a group of walkers from Melbourne Civic Society walked to Castle Donington (along Melbourne FP 20 and Castle Donington L87) to check the condition of the paths and test routes through Isley Walton, Langley Priory, Tonge and Wilson. Part of the Castle Donington leg had been closed last year for 6 months at the behest of Donington Park Racecourse.

The weather stayed fine with the odd glimpse of sun. They had a short break in Donington before walking up towards the airport and Isley Walton. The path from Langley Priory to Tonge was challenging as a section had been ploughed up and another area was heavily cropped with no clear right of way.

The group really enjoyed the walk (over 10 miles) but were quite tired by the time they returned to Melbourne!

New walk - Melbourne to Donington and back.

2009-10-30T19:32:00.010Z

Route: Melbourne – Donington Park - Castle Donington – Isley Walton – Langley Priory - Tonge – Wilson – Melbourne

Start: Castle St by the White Swan PH – Parking spaces here.

Refreshments: Castle Donington and Wilson.

Distance: 17 km. Moderate – mostly flat but a long walk including some pavement work.

Walk along Castle St to the Washpit, turn right down Station Road.
Pass by the new housing estate and Paddock Hotel (formerly The Railway Inn). Cross over the railway bridge and walk on the grass verge past Station Farm. There are two concrete remnants of the Melbourne Military Railway (1939-1945) in a field on your left. Cross the “New” Bridge and walk uphill. Watch out for traffic.

Melbourne Military Railway
At Ramsley House on your left take the signed path by the side of a yew hedge. Follow the path by the side of the house until you enter a large field. Walk along the field edge until you reach your first substantial tree/shrub and turn 90 degrees right. If you have reached a pylon you have gone too far. There is a good panorama of Melbourne and Kings Newton at this spot.

Ramsley House

Vista of Melbourne and Kings Newton
Walk towards a large solitary tree the remains of a hedge can be seen at ground level. There should be a gap in the hedge in front of you but this is sometimes overgrown. You need to find a way into this field so that you have the hedge on your left, the field on your right and the road further to your right. Having managed this soon you will see Melbourne View Hotel on your right on the main Melbourne to Isley Walton road. There is also a nice view of Breedon Church to your right.
The path goes through several fields with the hedge still on your left. You will cross a small footbridge (with a marker upon it) and squeeze through a gap in a hedge. Ramsley Wood appears on your left along with a barn building in the middle distance left at Newtons Corner. After you cross a track, walk alongside a row of telephone poles. In the corner of a thicket, ahead of you partly to the left, you’ll spot a Leicestershire yellow footpath marker. The path winds its way through a small scruffy thicket until it reaches a tarmac area. Follow the clearly marked path uphill between a wire fence and crush barrier. Turn left at the top where the rest of the route is obvious taking you round a large parking space used for the Sunday Market.

Donington Hall
In the far corner of the car park the path begins to pass between a fence and the concrete security wall of Donington Park. This section can be a bit muddy. Where the path descends there are good views left of Donington Hall. The path begins to climb and leaves the concrete wall as it turns to the left. It enters a large pleasant grassy field which must have been landscaped by the Donington Estate. Keep the small wood to your right and follow the way around to Gate 6 of the Race Course where there is a good view of the track.
Climb a curious metal stile and turn immediately left along a wide rutted track. The countryside starts to open out. You cross a another track and can see the spire of Castle Donington church (St Edward) and the towers of Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station in front of you. Continue straight ahead, soon you will see the yellow footpath marker at the start of Dalby’s Covert. Follow the narrow track through this which can be muddy in wet weather.

Curious metal stile
Exit the Covert by another curious metal stile and head in the direction of Castle Donington, where houses start to appear in the distance. Cross a footbridge and pass through several fields until you reach a children’s playground. Exit by a gate into a small housing estate. Turn right along Bosworth Road then left into Shields Crescent. Next turn right into Park Avenue and then left into Shields Crescent again. You eventually come to the main road Kings Mills-Donington road (Park Lane). Turn right here and eventually you come to traffic lights after passing some interesting old houses. If you wish to visit Castle Donington shops/restaurants take the road by the Turks Head PH which is Market St. where there are many local amenities. The church yard is a pleasant place to eat your sandwiches.
The walk resumes by climbing Main St towards East Midlands airport. Once again there are many interesting houses and structures on this route with large gardens. On your right do not miss the recently refurbished Long Wells.

Long Wells, Castle Donington
The path gets steeper towards the Nags Head PH but flattens out as you approach the roundabout by the Aero Park. Cross the road at this roundabout to reach a safe metalled pavement. You have about a kilometre of wind-swept walking here that takes you around the airport perimeter. Look out for an old metal milestone cast in Coalville with a curious spelling of the town.

When you see a bus stop on your left cross the road. A few metres on is a track through a hedge on your left. Ignore the sign pointing right for the airport trail and head straight on along the track between two airport car parks. Make for the main road over a track, stiles and a footbridge. Cross the very busy road to a stile ahead of you to the right of the roundabout. The path turns sharp left, crosses a closed and gated metalled road and enters another field by a footbridge where you turn right. You are now on a path that skirts two reservoirs on your left. Soon you are in open countryside and the path climbs uphill slightly to your left (there is a marker). At the top, pass a solitary tree and enjoy the views of Charnwood Forest ahead of you. Cross an open field to a hedge which you keep on your right until you spot a stile in the corner.
After passing a short and lovely hedge of oaks the well marked path goes through several fields until you reach a farm road coming up from Woodhouse Farm (Diseworth) which is on your left. Cross the road and make for another solitary oak tree. You are now in a very large field where navigation is difficult. You need to make a diagonal for the distant hedge on your right. The marker is well to the right of the barn conversion in the far distance. The path you want is roughly in the direction Smooth Coppice which is also on your right. If you get really stuck comb that hedge until you find the yellow marker. If you reach the barn conversion at the entrance to Langley Priory you have gone too far!
The path now cuts the corner of a field and crosses the main drive to ancient Langley Priory (private). Your next maker is ahead of you to the right of a telephone pole in the distance. Cross the stile there and skirt around a pond and the garden of Windyridge. The next post shows two footpath routes. Please make sure you take the right fork. If the route is not clear keep the right hand hedge parallel to your route. When Breedon Priory Church comes into view make for it. At the bottom of the field you will see a yellow marker. The path leads through another field then gently down to a main road. Cross it carefully and follow the well marked route through several fields one of which has humps and bumps and a concrete slab bridge. After passing around the back of the cottage “Church View” cross a minor road and take the path that leads you down to the railway where you turn right.

Walk along the disused railway track for 1.6 km until you reach a footpath sign for a path on your left. Make your way into Wilson and walk up Short Hill. Turn left for the Bulls Head PH for refreshment or straight ahead. Just past the South Derbyshire sign look out for a track that runs parallel to the road. This is part of the old Melbourne Hall Park carriage route. Keep on this track for half a kilometre until you reach an electricity pylon then rejoin the road down a short track.
Statue on Sustrans Cycle Path

Continuing towards Melbourne on the road watch out for a metal footpath marker on your right. This is Melbourne footpath 12 which crosses a large field to Station Road. If the route is not clear head for the small farm building in the middle of this field and then make for the houses on Station Road. You will need to find a wooden bridge that crosses the Carr Brook. The path climbs up to the road by the last house in Railway Terrace.
Turn left here and soon you will reach the Washpit that you passed at the start of this walk.

Why are there so few footpaths around Wilson?

2009-10-11T20:40:00.005+01:00

Wilson, Leicestershire, is a small place about a mile from Melbourne (with a nice pub) but when you compare the two places Wilson comes off very poorly for footpaths.

However when you look at the old maps you can see that Wilson had a lot more in the past. Some today lead nowhere like the one heading past the mill.

Why did so few paths reach the Definitive Map?
Even tiny Isley Walton has more paths than Wilson.

Problems close to home!

2009-10-10T18:43:00.005+01:00

It's amazing that you can walk over large areas of South Derbyshire rechecking the condition of paths for "Walks around Melbourne" then miss completely problems on your doorstep.

Two of these have arisen this week and both have been flagged up by other walkers as well.

1. The footpath sign on the path opposite the closed Sir Francis Burdett has gone. I think it was one of the nice old metal types like the one at the Cockshut Lane end. When I checked out the route, that looked pretty poor as well.

2. The footpath from Derby Rd to Main St Kings Newton (near the main turn to the town - see below) is also missing.

I have reported these to Derbyshire County Council using "Fixmystreet". It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get these fixed. I am not using the Derbyshire report form as in the past it has not submitted properly and all the entered data has been lost. This can be very frustrating!

Anchor Church Circular

2009-09-29T19:27:00.030+01:00

Route: Foremarke Hall drive (park on the verge by HGV entrance) - Anchor Church - Ingleby - John Thompson Inn - Ingleby to Foremarke Rd path (the "blue gates" path) - bit of road walking back.

This includes part of walk 8 in "Walks around Melbourne".

Anchor Church - beautiful setting
A lovely autumn day tempted me to revisit Anchor Church at Ingleby and I was not disappointed. I parked on the wide verge by the HGV entrance to Repton Prep school at Foremarke. Ignore the path opposite and head along the road to Ticknall. After a 100 metres take a path on your left which crosses a field to some metal structures by the side of the track. The path now heads straight ahead towards Anchor Church with a cliff face on your right. Over a curious metal stile and you have reached the intriguing caves which contain the Anchor Church. A steep climb up from the caves takes you to a great view of the ox-bowed Trent. Soon you spot Barrow-on-Trent church on the left bank and then the hamlet of Ingleby ahead.

Metal stile leading to Anchor Church caves
Look out for the llama farm and then follow the road (left) into Ingleby. Lots of recent building here with many barn conversions.

Ingleby hamlet with llama farm in foreground
Make sure you see the village well cut into a small cliff opposite Well cottage.

The well at Ingleby
The only problem on the walk so far was spotted in the field, on the right, leading to Ingleby Toft just short of the John Thompson (not on this walk). The farmer here usually doesn't bother to return the path after ploughing without pressure.
After refreshment in the excellent John Thompson Inn retrace your steps to the footpath that came down from the ridge above the Anchor Church. At the top of the first field take the left hand path (you came down the right hand one). This bridleway was new to me and absolutely delightful. Half way along the path you meet a series of sturdy blue metal gates. The last one is on the Ingleby to Milton road.

Looking down the “blue gates path” to the first blue gate
Less than one kilometre of road walking takes you back to the starting place. Not a true circular walk and not the best walk around here but very enjoyable nevertheless!

Calke to Smisby and back

2009-09-26T21:30:00.100+01:00

Route: Staunton Lane - Southwood House - Heath Farm - Pisternhill Plantation - Harry's Wood - Forties Lane - Smisby - Pisternhill Farm East - Wicket Nook - South Wood - Heath End Farm - Calke Estate.

Today we walked a large chunk of the Ticknall to Smisby circular (Walk 9). We started on Staunton Lane Calke close to Standley's Barn and Southwood House where there is a roomy parking spot on a bend. The route was clear all the way to the top of the Pisternhills. The weather became cloudier as we progressed uphill but it was dry and reasonably warm. The path from the ridge top to the main Ticknall to Ashby Road was clear except for the last hundred metres where ploughing has destroyed it (below).

The path should run across this ploughed field - top to bottom.

The rest of the route to Smisby was uneventful though I always enjoy walking down the sunken part of Forties Lane. After a pint (decent Fullers London Pride) and a lunchtime snack at the Smisby Arms we headed back to Calke. The next stage of the walk had several problems.

Missing finger post on the Ticknall-Ashby Road - SK351193

Firstly the signpost was damaged on the main road (above) and then the path along the side of the field was very overgrown and difficult to walk. Worse still, the path across the field, lower down, was nearly impossible to walk being completely cropped with potatoes.

Field in crop with potatoes near Pisternhill Farm - SK353193.
Impossible walking.

The route from Pisternhills onwards was fine. Wicket Nook is a wonderful spot as is the approach to Heath End Farm.

Missing fingerpost Calke Estate - SK359217

The only blot on the final part of the walk was a missing finger post at the junction of Staunton Lane. I am pretty sure that I have reported this already.

Melbourne FP 12 problem again!

2009-09-21T09:49:00.007+01:00

Click to enlarge - the path should run by the small farm building.

No sign of Melbourne FP 12 but there is a strong crop growing through. The field was ploughed well over a month ago and once again has not been put back in.

I think we need some action here.

Weston on Trent Circular - Walk 10

2009-09-18T10:15:00.009+01:00

This walk from Melbourne to Weston is very easy to follow and is almost entirely on the flat. It is mostly on well made paths.

The only place where you can get lost is at the far end of the lake opposite the Coopers in Weston.

This sign (left) is in a hedge and has never been easy to spot but now is even more difficult to see since the circular markers have been torn off. A dob of fluorescent or yellow paint might help as well!

The highlight on this walk for me is the section above the Trent close to the Parish Church. The path winds down a sloping path after passing an old pub (?).

Magical at any time of the year.

Breedon Circular

2009-08-26T16:24:00.014+01:00

I spent the evening investigating the Breedon Circular - Walk number 12 in the book.

Route: Breedon Green - The Delph - Breedon Church - Squirrel Lane - Golf course - Green Lane - Golf course - Breedon Green.

Wonderful evening light at the top of Breedon Hill, an enchanted spot.

The view below was taken looking towards East Midlands Airport. I was fascinated by the closeness of farming to the airport.

I managed to scout the route down to Breedon where there were unsurprisingly no problems.

But there was a missing fingerpost on the path down to Squirrel Lane from the church (reported). The route across the golf course is fine, so is the section along the Green Lane past Park Farm.

Breedon Priory Church

The only section I haven't checked is the part of the route from Green Lane back to Breedon. This weekend's job!

Stanton-by-Bridge Paths: Eastern side

2009-08-21T13:56:00.027+01:00

Sign at the Stanton end of the Causeway.

Looks like this sign has been clattered by a vehicle at the Stanton end of the Causeway.

Route in Google Maps - an experiment.

Route: Stanton Oak - Derby Road south - Waterworks - Pylon - Wards Lane - Stanton Barn - Hollow Farm - Causeway - path back up to Stanton east of Hollies Farm.

I took the route above to check out a few paths that sometimes have problems. It's also a pleasant and interesting stroll that takes about 40 mins at a very leisurely pace.

As it turned out the most difficult part of the walk was crossing the main road after parking close to the Turkey Oak in Stanton. Turning into the track by the Waterworks I spotted an old footpath sign in the trees which had become engulfed in branches. The marker on the stile opposite had gone. The path moves uphill skirting a wood on your left until you reach a stile by an electricity pylon where you turn left. At this point there is a new byway notice prohibiting the driving of motorcycles - no doubt a problem here. The first property on the left always seems to house some very noisy dogs.

Walking down to Stanton Barn you spot a quarry on your left. I am always surprised how quiet and rural it is here considering you are not too far from the Causeway. The track leads back to the Causeway past a timbered house, yards and a small holding.

Crossing the busy main road again the path is not clear as the finger post has been clattered (above). The route then winds back to Stanton passing very close to well tendered gardens and greenhouses.

Swarkestone Massey's Bridge Footpath

2009-08-21T11:37:00.005+01:00

Footpath from Massey's Bridge to Swarkestone Church (Swarkestone FP4).

After being unwalkable for some time due to a dense crop, the path is now open again and is clearly marked.

Dimminsdale Circular

2009-08-10T11:11:00.022+01:00

View of Staunton Harold through the Deer Park wall close to the Dimminsdale car park.
Route: Dimminsdale car park (Severn Trent) - Dimminsdale - Heath End -Staunton Harold - Permissive path - Deer Park wall - Dimminsdale car park. 4.3 km. Walk 11 in the book.

Lots of recent work in Dimminsdale - new boardwalks and bridges - has made this route easier to walk in damp weather. The route through Heath End is clear as the book leads you down the main vehicle access to Heath End's vernacular buildings. Leicestershire CC has installed several new Centrewire metal swing gates along the route (below).

Looking towards cottages at Staunton Harold

The path from Heath End to Staunton Harold was rather squelchy. The posted bulletin from John Blunt (owner of Staunton Harold) was amusing as usual. Look out for it on the noticeboard opposite the Ferrers Centre. Staunton Harold as always was a "picture" with its wonderful lawns for public use.

The only anomaly that occured to me on the walk was the spelling of Keith's Clump (as it appears in the book). The sign provided by the Staunton Harold estate reads Keiths's Clump. Is this a misplaced apostrophe or have we made a mistake?

New bridge at Dimminsdale

Heath End - Sign to nowhere

2009-08-10T11:01:00.006+01:00

The above sign can be seen by the side of the track to Heath End passing by the long closed and lamented Saracens Head PH.

The track is not very clear and a bit forbidding to walk as you pass in front of what is now a private house with a "grand" drive and posh gate.

I hope that Leicstershire County Council Rights of Way officers (who are excellent) will improve the marking here and reposition the sign in the correct direction and chop down the offending foliage.

Melbourne to Breedon

2009-08-02T20:46:00.012+01:00

Old sign on Melbourne Lane, Breedon.
Photo taken about 2004. Now gone.

Route: Parish Church - Pool - Weir - Chestnut Park - Green Lane, Wilson - Golf Course - Melbourne Lane - Wilson - Chestnut Park - Melbourne. 5 km. Walk 2 in the book.
A breezy day with sunny spells. Pleasant walking. Newish stiles in Chestnut Park, especially good one at the top of the hill.
Still no finger post on the Derbyshire side of Green Lane opposite the handsome Leicestershire sign pointing across the golf course.

Green Lane Wilson - footpath sign still missing despite being reported.
The golf course seemed different - new tree planting? Certainly very attractive. At the Melbourne Lane end of the golf course Leicestershire has installed a metal kissing gate. Very sensible - should last 50 years without much maintenance. Melbourne Lane is always a delight even with the occasional car passing by. It was a blow however not to be able to find the sign at the top of this post, one of my favourites. It got me thinking about how important it is that we preserve these lovely old signposts. The one at Riding Bank sprung into mind.

The walk back to Wilson is along the road. This wasn't too bad with not a great deal of traffic. Great to see the Bulls' Head is open again and is serving Everards Tiger!

The stroll back through Chestnut Park was enjoyable as usual with its panorama over Melbourne, the Hall and the Parish Church.

Market Gardening

2009-08-01T21:31:00.008+01:00

Please click on photo to view large.

It's amazing how quickly you are into the country from Melbourne.

This shot was taken early one morning from the footpath that runs north east from Melbourne cemetery to Kings Newton.

Breedon-on-the-hill church can be spied in the distance.

Melbourne to Ticknall Part 2

2009-07-31T13:27:00.025+01:00

Wonderful old sign at Riding Bank, Melbourne. Click to view large.

Route today: Melbourne - Selina St - Allotments - Recreation Ground - Riding Bank - St Brides - Robin Wood - Woodside - Ticknall. First part of Walk 7.

This morning was warm and sunny (for a change). After leaving Melbourne and passing through Riding Bank Farm the views improve immensely.

At Riding Bank an orchard has been planted containing local Newton Wonder apple trees (amongst others) and two grass landing strips for light aircraft have been cut. St Brides Farm, dating back to Norman times, still looks impressive from a distance despite the barn conversions.

St Brides from Riding Bank

The route through Robin Wood was muddy but once out of the wood the walking was easy and particularly lovely past Woodside Farm where the meadow grasses were up to my waist.

The only blot on the walk was a broken stile plank at Woodside. Luckily I knocked into the farmer who agreed to carry out repair work on it (SK359246).

Trig point, near Robin Wood, with historical information about part of the route.

Melbourne to Ticknall Part 1

2009-07-30T21:22:00.019+01:00

Route: Melbourne - St Brides - Robin Wood - Ticknall - Lime Yards - Broadstone Lane - Derby Hills - Windmill - Melbourne - 8.3 km.

Walk 7 in the book.

Today I checked out the part of this walk which runs from Ticknall to Broadstone Lane.

I was pleased to see this splendid new plaque by the side of the Tramway Bridge in Ticknall.

The walk through the Lime Yards was quite muddy and eery especially if you are walking on your own. Part of the original route has been slightly diverted for repair work but the waymarking is clear. The scenery here never ceases to amaze with pools and rocky outcrops.

Stormy clouds over Broadstone Lane

Once out of the lime workings the path affords splendid views over Broadstone Lane. I returned to Ticknall via the latter as I had surveyed the return route to Melbourne on an earlier walk this week.

Melbourne to Woodhouses

2009-07-28T20:20:00.013+01:00

Above: Ashby Road, Woodhouses - the site of the demolished footpath sign.

Route: Melbourne - Pool - Weir - Pool Farm - Woodhouses - Browns Field - 2.6 km.

The shortest walk (Walk 1) in the book but there were several problems.

There was a missing marker into the field north east of Pool Farm (SK389245). This field itself was being harvested (oil-seed rape). I couldn’t see evidence that there had been a route across the field recently.

There's also a missing marker at the turn to Woodhouses complex (junction of Melbourne FPs 26 and 36); I think there should be a post or disk marker here (SK385243).

Then there's the missing finger post at the junction with Ashby Road (SK383242). This was mysteriously demolished after only a couple of days existence, early on this year. A replacement is on the way, but what happened to the original?

Melbourne to Broadstone Lane

2009-07-27T19:56:00.022+01:00

Route: Melbourne - Robinsons Hill - Windmill - Broadstone Holt - Derby Hills - Broadstone Lane - Reservoir - Calke Road - Browns Field - 5 km.

This is Walk 3 in the the "Walks Book".

It was a very easy and pleasant stroll in warm afternoon sunshine.

The views across the reservoir were stunning (above).

The only problems were loose stile planks either end of the Broadstone Holt section (SK372241).

One of the stiles can be seen at the top of the post.

Other than that a very pleasant outing.

Back in business

2009-07-26T12:26:00.008+01:00

Purchase from Melbourne News - £5.00

Or from Amazon.co.uk

I have been away from this blog for a couple of years; busy with other ventures.

I am now hoping to keep this blog up to date as I am rewalking the walks in the Melbourne Civic Society's "Walks around Melbourne". There are 14 in total and I am hoping to walk them all by the middle of September 2009.

Footpath diversion

2007-06-10T21:02:00.001+01:00

The route of this path should pass close to the building on the left.
Fortunately it was reasonably easy to walk.

New route for Melbourne FP12

2007-05-22T19:55:00.000+01:00

This picture is taken from almost the same point of view as the one previous!

Melbourne FP12 latest

2007-04-01T20:33:00.000+01:00

The footpath is back in again - marked out by weedkiller.
I walked the whole length this afternoon and it was very pleasant.

Some Good News

2007-03-28T23:05:00.000+01:00

Dave Adkins of SDDC tells me that Melbourne FP12 is being put back in by its recalcitrant* landowner.

The pallet blocking the Swarkestone Causeway path towards the north end has gone though it seems to have been replaced by wire meshing. The sign is still missing here also.

The problems in Ticknall have been reported and more have come to notice elsewhere.

*my description not Dave's.

March 20 Update

2007-03-20T17:29:00.000Z

The Isley Walton farmer who has to be constantly pushed to put back Melbourne FP12 from Wilson Lane to Station Road has been served "notice" by DCC. Let's hope this has some affect upon him.

The Stanton path from the Village Green to the Hills will definitely get a prominent metal FP sign.
Thanks to Dave Adkins of SDDC for working on these problems.

Update to March Status Report (11 March)

2007-03-18T22:24:00.000Z

The Stanton-by-Bridge path (from the Turkey Oak to the Hills) is to have a new metal sign to replace the decapitated wooden one.
There is a query about the (new) gate here.
Has there always been one here (as the house owner claims)?

Troublesome Ticknall

2007-03-18T15:46:00.000Z

The paths on the Calke estate are generally well maintained but cross the road in Ticknall and things become a lot harder.

It's the usual story, local farmers not putting paths back in after ploughing. The Scaddows side of Ticknall can be tough going with the heavy clay.

Two paths this weekend have been very difficult. The first one starts from behind Orchard Barn on the Ashby Road. After crossing a narrow field a rickety stile takes you into a large field with no discernible path. The route eventually leaves the field through a twin metal gate over a small stream heading towards Top Farm.

Looking back to houses on Ashby Road. Heavy clay - no path.
On the return leg of the walk the path from the Hartshorne Road is a nightmare crossing heavy ploughed up clay. This path has been a problem in the past. Is it ever properly maintained?

Footpath from Ashby Road. Over the stile things get difficult!

Status report - March 2007

2007-03-11T23:03:00.000Z

Looking back over the past few months I summarise below what the present status is with path problems reported in the Melbourne area to Derbyshire County Council.

Unresolved problems:
Swarkestone Causeway - missing sign and blocked access (reported December 2006).
Melbourne FP12 - route not put back after ploughing in Autumn 2006 (many reports over two years).
Melbourne Pool to Pool Farm - collapsed stile only partially repaired.
Stanton by Bridge - missing finger post on path that starts opposite Turkey Oak on the village green. 13/3 - a gate has now been installed across the path.

Resolved:
Melbourne FP12 - signs placed on Station Road and Wilson Lane.
Melbourne Cockshut Lane - redundant sign removed but no sign through Loake Court complex.

Proper signposting - La Gomera, Canary Islands

2007-03-10T12:44:00.000Z

Crossing the Valle Gran Rey, Encardo, La Gomera
Have just spent a week in remote La Gomera and was amazed by the quality of the footpath sign posting.
Even better than some local paths in Leicestershire.
As to some South Derbyshire local paths ....

Melbourne Pool stile repair??

2007-03-01T17:53:00.000Z

The stile by the Pool has had "some sort" of repair job done but not a great one! Compare this with the photograph taken in January.
Click here

Somerset CC's online map

2007-03-01T12:24:00.000Z

Over on the Footpath Guardians closed discussion group (www.ramblers.org.uk) is a thread about county council online mapping and problem path reporting.

The Somerset CC system is slow (at least on my system) but footpaths are labelled and problems can be reported directly on the map. The name of the reporter is kept anonymous but dates of reporting and action are available.

The Somerset site is here:
http://tinyurl.com/2pqrtr

There's also some good information about the Definitive Map on this site.

A tale of two mapping adventures

2007-02-19T20:47:00.000Z

Well done to Leicestershire on its online mapping project of the County Definitive Map. The web site is walker friendly and contains first class maps and Definitive Map information such as Footpath numbers and routes. It's fast and easy to navigate.

It can be found here:
http://magnet.leics.gov.uk/magnet/prow/Search.asp

What has Derbyshire been up to? Well, nothing near as good. To view the mapping portal you have to sign an online agreement! Then what you get is nothing better than the offering of multimap, streetmap.co.uk or viamichelin. I wonder how much all this is costing?

The mapping for walkers provides little more than is provided by OS. Perhaps I'm missing something. The old maps are interesting but sometimes the sheets do not abut (though they do on their original sites).

We, in Derbyshire, have more attractive countryside (I am biased here!) but worse DM mapping and much poorer footpath signage.

Derbyshire's mapping portal can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/2bvz55

Melbourne FP12 - Looking towards Station Road

2007-02-18T17:16:00.000Z

Another view from Wilson Lane looking north towards Station Road.
The path should pass just to the left of the small building in the field on the right but is still not back in. (Photo best viewed large.)

Redundant Cockshut Lane Post Removed

2007-02-17T17:30:00.000Z

This "lost" and marooned footpath sign on Cockshut Lane Melbourne
has been removed by the SDDC ROW team after being reported last month.

The path has been diverted but the post had been left in.
The new route, through Loake Court, is still to be signed however.

Swarkestone Path Problem

2007-02-13T15:46:00.000Z

The Swarkestone Causeway to Stanton-by-Bridge path is blocked by
a farmer's pallet. Within the last five years there was also a footpath marker here. Reported to DCC 4 Dec 2006. Waiting for action. Location: SK369281
A close up shot can be found here.