Clays Cloggers
Clays Cloggers is a group of enthusiastic walkers from the "Clays" group of villages - not just Wheatley, but Sturton le Steeple, Bole and other places.
Members walk on circular routes throughout the year on various days of the month and in different areas. Membership is free, but a nominal charge of £1 per walk is made to cover administrative expenses. Non-members are invited to join the walks on an ad-hoc basis.
If you want to join them, or suggest suitable walks see the contact details below.
FUTURE PLANNED EVENTS
Thursday 8th March . Sutton-on-Trent and Grassthorpe Once on the main road from London to Newcastle, Sutton-on-Trent is still a substantial Trent-side village, with two hostelries, shops and a library. By contrast, Grassthorpe is just a scatter of pleasant houses on a double bend, but it has its own charm. An easy rural and Trent-side walk of 5 miles.
Leave Wheatley Village Hall at 9.30 am Lunch in the bar of Markham Moor Hotel Walkers to contact walk leader Derek Turner to confirm attendance on (01777) 702929 by 6th March.
RECENT WALK REPORTS
Wednesday 8th February. 14 members undertook the easy, gently undulating, morning walk of 5 miles, taking in Blyth Leper Hospital, Ash Holt Marshland Bridge, Hodsock heights, Hodsock Priory and a glimpse of Snowdrops under the snow covering, Winks Wood and Blyth Park, with lunch at the local pub
Saturday 14th January a good party of Clays Cloggers took the Commando route to Retford, hardly placing boots on a road surface. Initially climbing to Sturton High House, soon - perhaps – to be surrounded by the unsightly Industrial Wind Farm, the route then followed Shrog Hill, Whelham Windley, Little Grindley and Glynojoke, arriving at a Canalside Pub for the usual happy convivialities.
Wednesday 14th December The Cloggers enjoyed the annual Christmas Walk and Christmas Lunch. Initially weaving around the Trent Riverbanks and the waterside lanes, the group benefited from new views and lots of riverside wild life. Thence to an excellent and happy Christmas Lunch at The Reindeer in Sturton, organised at short notice by Eric and Gill Emmerson: to whom we give our thanks.
November 23rd saw a fine autumn day (the first for a week or so) as 21 Cloggers travelled to Linby village in Nottinghamshire. From there a 6 mile stroll around the beautiful russet-coloured countryside - through the grounds of Newstead Abbey - stopping only for a coffee. On to a local pub for an excellent lunch.
Wednesday 12th October. On a dampish morning with low cloud obscuring the local cooling towers, six intrepid (mad?) Cloggers set off to conquer more Derbyshire Peaks, all buoyed up by rumours of a favourable weather forecast. The bright sunshine seen as we passed through Chesterfield had disappeared by the time we reached the rendezvous with walk leader Mick Burgin in Eyam.
We had a very interesting and pleasurable walk punctuated by anecdotes relevant to an area which Mick Burgin knows very well as he was one of the wardens at the Bretton Youth Hostel for over 35 years. We walked through varying countryside including moorland, woodland and open meadows with hills and valleys. We saw places of historical interest, and not only items related to The Plague. The weather gods were reasonably kind as it was dry most of the time with some sunny intervals and just a bit of light drizzle from time to time.
Following the walk we retired to the Robin Hood Inn for an excellent meal where we discussed plans for a walk starting and ending in Baslow on 10th October next year.
Wednesday 7th September A disappointing number of walkers arrived for 'The Way to a Windmill' walk led by Eric Emmerson but happily those who did enjoyed a superb walk with views way over to Lincoln Cathedral.
Sunshine and showers were encountered along the way and a fantastic lunch prepared by Mrs Barbara Bartle at High House Farm was enjoyed by all before setting of on the last leg home.
Friday 19th August. The group started from Alkborough.. The seven members had an easy walk of 7 miles, with spectacular views along the Trent bank & Julian’s Bower. The walk started from Paddocks tearoom with coffee beforehand and lunch there afterwards. A very enjoyable day had by all, with the benefit of sunny weather. - led by Arthur Radford.
Tuesday 16th August. 33 members enjoyed their annual treat of a fish and chip supper at The Sun Inn. The evening concluded with a unique quiz with prize-winners receiving a free meal.
Wednesday, 27th. July. Led by David Sampson, the walk went well with eight members attending. The route started by following the river Trent before passing reclaimed gravel pits, now used by Girton Sailing Club. The lunch stop – a picnic - was eaten in Spalford Warren Nature Reserve. Apart from crumbling tree stumps and an ant invasion this was enjoyed by all. The final stretch crossed an area of commercially grown lawn grass before ascending Clifton Hill (62ft.) and enjoying the view. An excellent walk of some eight miles not too far from home.
Wednesday 6th July - 14 members enjoyed another Nottinghamshire heights walk of some 7 1/2 miles, with several steady climbs - one steep but short -and wonderful views. Starting from The Plough Inn Farnsfield, with late pub lunch there on return. Led by Eva Collins we had the benefit of great views in perfect summer weather.
May 25th and 18 members walked a beautiful 6 mile around Doddington village. Led by Tony and Jean Johnson in perfect weather. Coffee in Harby village and lunch in Doddington's restaurant.