The ‘Needs to Know’
Distance: Just under 2 miles (3.22km)
Time to walk: Roughly 1 hour, but this is a place to stroll & explore off the main paths. There’s also a lovely cafe three quarters of the way round
Difficulty: All on hard surfaces so accessibility / disability friendly. The walk is mainly flat with a couple of slight inclines
Parking: The car park opposite the entrance to the John Lowther Scout Centre (postcode NN14 1QF). This is also called Entrance 5
Public toilets: The cafe when open
Map of the route:
The legwork for this short stroll has been done for me by Linda Jennings & Anita Sharp who, after driving past the car park several times & spotting walkers & dog walkers, decided to go & investigate
This linear walk is based in the centre of an industrial estate & is a meadowland with a small lake. There are parts along our route where you can go off course to lovely spacious picnic areas with picnic tables & benches. There are also lots of bins & dog poo bins on this route, allowing this whole area to keep the lovely clean space that it is
Let’s Walk!
1. The starting place for this walk’s the car park as mentioned above…
2. Facing the entrance, leave the car park through the wooden bollards in the left hand corner…
…& turn left along the path, passing the information board showing the route
3. The path is now easy to follow as it veers left & then right…
Just continue to follow it
4. Shortly you’ll arrive at the junction in the picture below…
Take the right hand path
5. Shortly the path arrives at a brick, cobbled area which is the overflow area for the lake. Walk up to the top to have a look. It’s possible to just walk across if the area is dry but, if there is water in it, just walk around & walk down the cobbled area on the other side
6. Now follow the path to the next junction…
…turning left & walking past the signpost informing you you’re on the bridleway…
7. There’s another board along here telling you you’re at Entrance 4…
Shortly you’ll arrive at some fencing where you take the right fork…
8. Continue to follow the path…
…past entrances 3 & 2
9. At Entrance 1 take the right path towards the road….
Follow the path up the slight incline.passing Entrance 3 & 2 until you come to Entrance 1…
10. Take the right path towards the road which can be a slightly noisy stretch…
Keep your eyes on the hedge on your left you might be surprised to see hundreds of bunnies, they love this hedgerow…
11. Follow this outside path along to the end then bear left to the next left hand turning, signposting Grange Lodge Farm
You’re now walking away from the main road, heading towards the entrance of the farm on your right
12. On the corner is a hidden gem, the Fox & Peony Cafe which is great for a refreshment stop…
There’s great seating both inside & outside…ideal for a stop.
13. Leaving the cafe retrace your steps to the end of the track…
On reaching the road cross over to the top of Hipwell Road
14. Now follow the path through the hedge on your left until you find yourself back at the car park at the start of this walk
So that’s it. A great, hidden, little park that’s accessible for all so…
Go Walk!