Thursday, June 17, 2010
Nice Out Again...
I have still been quite active! Decided to do an 18 miler Sunday, which actually ended up being 18.75 miles (probably cos I got a bit lost!)
I followed the Trent Valley Way past Holme Pierrepont to Radcliffe-on-Trent, and then along the path at the top of the cliff, through the fields and by the River Trent to Shelford as before, then left the village by a footpath leading up to the Radcliffe/ East Bridgford Road.
Shelford
The path zig zagged round crop fields before climbing up to the road, giving an excellent view over the Trent Valley;
Trent Valley
I intended to take a Bridleway which eventually leads to the A46. I figured it would be closed off at some point, but a footpath leads from it down to Saxondale Village and the A52 road. The path lead towards some RAF buildings; I had noticed that it skirted some houses, which I had assumed were the abandoned and derelict ones originally occupied by RAF staff and their families. I was busy scoffing an energy bar, so when I saw hoof prints travelling left along the field edge, I didn't bother looking at the map and followed them past the RAF buildings.
I realised I was nearing the houses, and instead of the derelict, empty shells I was expecting, I was quite surprised to see washing hanging out and cars in drives! All the houses looked very much occupied, and I started to imagine I had gone back in time! I passed a garden with an elderly couple sitting in the sun- they called a cheery hello and I was tempted to ask them what year it was!
I stopped and consulted the map- and discovered I was in the village of Newton- the abandoned houses were further on- Newton is very much alive and kicking! The trouble was, I shouldn't have been there... I should have turned right instead of left when I saw the hoof tracks. I retraced my steps, and, sure enough, there were markers directing riders around the RAF site.
A new dog training centre had been built where the footpath branches off, and the path wasn't signed, so I followed a track to the corner of the wood where the map reassured me I would pick the path up- and I did, so my navigational skills can't be all that bad!
The path was well signed following this, and I reached the A52 without any problems. This was the least fun part of the walk as I had to walk/ run alongside the busy road- luckily there is a footpath/ cycle path.
When I got back to Radcliffe-on-Trent, I ran through the town centre and retraced my route home, I actually managed to run quite a lot of it so am quite happy.
I went out for another run/ walk Tuesday night- more walking than running cos I was chatting to both sisters for most of it. I walked up the road towards Tollerton to pick up the footpath to Cotgrave. Some good paths had been created through the crop field- unfortunately one had overgrown so much it was almost impassable- I felt like Indiana Jones creeping through the jungle! I took a photo with my phone;
Somewhat Overgrown Path!
The paths were ok after this, and I managed to run quite a bit;
I took a different path just before Cotgrave, and cut through field to the canal, then back home along the canal- about 6 1/4 miles.
Tonight I have done... nothing! But I have had an incredibly difficult day...
I followed the Trent Valley Way past Holme Pierrepont to Radcliffe-on-Trent, and then along the path at the top of the cliff, through the fields and by the River Trent to Shelford as before, then left the village by a footpath leading up to the Radcliffe/ East Bridgford Road.
The path zig zagged round crop fields before climbing up to the road, giving an excellent view over the Trent Valley;
I intended to take a Bridleway which eventually leads to the A46. I figured it would be closed off at some point, but a footpath leads from it down to Saxondale Village and the A52 road. The path lead towards some RAF buildings; I had noticed that it skirted some houses, which I had assumed were the abandoned and derelict ones originally occupied by RAF staff and their families. I was busy scoffing an energy bar, so when I saw hoof prints travelling left along the field edge, I didn't bother looking at the map and followed them past the RAF buildings.
I realised I was nearing the houses, and instead of the derelict, empty shells I was expecting, I was quite surprised to see washing hanging out and cars in drives! All the houses looked very much occupied, and I started to imagine I had gone back in time! I passed a garden with an elderly couple sitting in the sun- they called a cheery hello and I was tempted to ask them what year it was!
I stopped and consulted the map- and discovered I was in the village of Newton- the abandoned houses were further on- Newton is very much alive and kicking! The trouble was, I shouldn't have been there... I should have turned right instead of left when I saw the hoof tracks. I retraced my steps, and, sure enough, there were markers directing riders around the RAF site.
A new dog training centre had been built where the footpath branches off, and the path wasn't signed, so I followed a track to the corner of the wood where the map reassured me I would pick the path up- and I did, so my navigational skills can't be all that bad!
The path was well signed following this, and I reached the A52 without any problems. This was the least fun part of the walk as I had to walk/ run alongside the busy road- luckily there is a footpath/ cycle path.
When I got back to Radcliffe-on-Trent, I ran through the town centre and retraced my route home, I actually managed to run quite a lot of it so am quite happy.
I went out for another run/ walk Tuesday night- more walking than running cos I was chatting to both sisters for most of it. I walked up the road towards Tollerton to pick up the footpath to Cotgrave. Some good paths had been created through the crop field- unfortunately one had overgrown so much it was almost impassable- I felt like Indiana Jones creeping through the jungle! I took a photo with my phone;
The paths were ok after this, and I managed to run quite a bit;
I took a different path just before Cotgrave, and cut through field to the canal, then back home along the canal- about 6 1/4 miles.
Tonight I have done... nothing! But I have had an incredibly difficult day...
Labels: Cotgrave, Newton, radcliffe-on-trent
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Where's The Sun Gone Then??
It was absolutely gorgeous over the weekend. Really hot with lovely cloudless blue skies... we are now back to a covering of grey so maybe that was summer!
I took advantage though and decided to do a 15 mile walk, setting off for Radcliffe-on-Trent and the Trent Valley Way. It was so hot, I took my SLR camera and decided to walk rather than run. I set off past the National Water Sports Centre and followed the road which eventually leads to a path through playing fields to Radcliffe-on-Trent. This is part of the Trent Valley Way, and on reaching Radcliffe, it becomes a lovely path at the top of the cliffs rising above the River Trent. I could see right across to the path on the other side of the river I used to use when I lived in Netherfield!
Shortly after the weir, I climbed back up to the Trent Valley Way, which became a path through fields of rape- there is something really pleasing about the sight of the bright yellow against a deep blue sky- or maybe I am slightly sad!!
The path dropped to the Trent, which I followed to the Ferryboat Inn- seemed awfully strange being on this side of the River... it's a bit of a shame really that there isn't a crossing between the bridges of Lady Bay and Gunthorpe.
I followed a lovely little country lane up to the village of Sheldon;
Sheldon is a lovely little village, so I had a little wander around it and up a couple of lanes.
Sheldon Church
It was very very hot, and I was starting to run low on liquid, so had to start limiting myself- not the best of ideas! I had originally intended to go further and eventually reach the A52, but decided to cut the route slightly shorter- it looked as though it was going to be around 15 miles anyway. There was a footpath running from the village along the top of the rape field, joining up with the Trent Valley way, which was well maintained and a pleasure to follow.
When I reached Radcliffe-on-Trent I was starting to suffer a bit with the heat, and was probably getting a little dehydrated, so detoured to the Co-op and bought a bottle of ice cold mineral water- pure bliss! There was even a public toilet opposite- luxury!!
I walked back to the playing fields where there had been a football match in full progress. Only there wasn't any more- just a couple of ambulances in the middle of the pitch attending some poor soul who had obviously been overcome by the heat...
By the time I got back to the main road I had done just over 14 miles, so despite feeling hot, tired and in desparate need of a shower, I decided to walk up the canal to try to make it a full 15 miles.
The Canal- Near My House!
By the time I reached the bridge leading to my house, I had done 14 1/2 miles, so with a supreme effort of will I forced myself to battle through duck feeders, small children and cyclists to the next bridge and walk back home- clocking up exactly 15 miles! I now have a slightly sunburned nose (must have missed it with the suncream!)
I am quite tempted to try to walk the Trent Valley Way one day... I believe it's around 77 miles though... right, suppose I had better get back out there again!!
I took advantage though and decided to do a 15 mile walk, setting off for Radcliffe-on-Trent and the Trent Valley Way. It was so hot, I took my SLR camera and decided to walk rather than run. I set off past the National Water Sports Centre and followed the road which eventually leads to a path through playing fields to Radcliffe-on-Trent. This is part of the Trent Valley Way, and on reaching Radcliffe, it becomes a lovely path at the top of the cliffs rising above the River Trent. I could see right across to the path on the other side of the river I used to use when I lived in Netherfield!
You can just about spot the retail park in the distance...
I found a path down to the river and followed this for a bit to see where it led- it led to a large weir I had never noticed before!
Shortly after the weir, I climbed back up to the Trent Valley Way, which became a path through fields of rape- there is something really pleasing about the sight of the bright yellow against a deep blue sky- or maybe I am slightly sad!!
I followed a lovely little country lane up to the village of Sheldon;
It was very very hot, and I was starting to run low on liquid, so had to start limiting myself- not the best of ideas! I had originally intended to go further and eventually reach the A52, but decided to cut the route slightly shorter- it looked as though it was going to be around 15 miles anyway. There was a footpath running from the village along the top of the rape field, joining up with the Trent Valley way, which was well maintained and a pleasure to follow.
I walked back to the playing fields where there had been a football match in full progress. Only there wasn't any more- just a couple of ambulances in the middle of the pitch attending some poor soul who had obviously been overcome by the heat...
By the time I got back to the main road I had done just over 14 miles, so despite feeling hot, tired and in desparate need of a shower, I decided to walk up the canal to try to make it a full 15 miles.
By the time I reached the bridge leading to my house, I had done 14 1/2 miles, so with a supreme effort of will I forced myself to battle through duck feeders, small children and cyclists to the next bridge and walk back home- clocking up exactly 15 miles! I now have a slightly sunburned nose (must have missed it with the suncream!)
I am quite tempted to try to walk the Trent Valley Way one day... I believe it's around 77 miles though... right, suppose I had better get back out there again!!
Labels: radcliffe-on-trent, shelford, Trent Valley Way
