THE LITTLE JOHN CHALLENGE WALK - 28 MILES

I first walked this route in 1986, when | just able to walk! It has remained one of my favourite challenge walks in the Midlands, and a popular one. I happened to be staying at Thoresby Hall and felt it would be wrong not to walk the route which was on my doorstep. So with mutterings from family members, I left at Gam and parked near the Hope Poles Hotel in Ollerton and set off. I was surprised at how little had changed since my last walk around the route and other walkers had not commented on any problems.

I strode out in fine weather, which was unusual being Easter and no rain!! I was soon in Edwinstowe and walking into Sherwood Forest towards Major Oak. I ammended the route to go  straight to it rather have as an alternative option. | am glad I did, a fox sauntered past and somemedieval jousting tents were close-by. I pressed on along the good track in pine trees with heather and gorse growing beside the path. I saw no one as I left the forest to walk through Church Warsop; all was quiet for this Saturday morning. I left the houses behind and followed a path to Cuckney and its dam. Then on past St. Mary's church and back to paths to one of my favourite places of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, Creswell Crags. Such a magical place and steeped in ancient history. The area has been considerably landscaped returning it back to what it originally looked like and was a pleasure to walk through past the limestone caves occupied
by early man. Several caving parties came along the path in muddy overalls and caving hats.

The Visitor's Centre seemed to have grown to accommodate the increasing numbers of tourists. At the end of the car park was a surprise, a memorial to a WW2 aircrew who crashed and died
here. I have written two books on aircraft wreck sites in Derbyshire and never heard of this one; it is now added to my collection. I pressed on along the track and passed around Welbck Abbey,
but unlike last timeI  saw no deer. The path coincided with Robin Hood's Way which didn't exist when I first did the walk. I was soon back in forest making my way to Truman's Lodge and the road to
Clumber Park. Here is was busy but soon left them to continue trough more forest of pine trees to Hardwick Village and more people, mostly cyclists. All were enjoying riding through the ford.
It was now early afternoon so I sat and watched their fun as | ate a couple of pork pies, a banana and two chocolate bars! Fortified | knew 1 would make it! Although I never consider I wouldn't!

Back on paths I reached the Clumber Park Hotel, which had changed names since | was last here. I left the Robin Hood's Way and headed for the attractive village of Bothamsall and its fine church. But the route skirts the central part and begins a lovely open walk to Conjure Alders and the River Meden; another of my favourite spots. I picked up another section of the Robin Hood's Way which led past Robin Hood's Gave close to the river. By now it late afternoon as I followed
the wide path through Walesby Forest to Whitewater Lane. Here my original route has heen diverted because of the extensive pig farms that the bridleway passed through. It is still there but now closed.

The new path keeps close to the River Maun and is very pleasant as | headed back into Ollerton and the Hop Poles Hotel. I had been continuously walking for 10 hours, walking 28 1/4 miles.
taking 57,265 steps to do so, as I burnt off 1,923 calories!

I was soon back in Thoresby Hall, soaking in a hot bath, looking forward to a three course mealand a nice cold larger shandy. I did a few dances but by 10pm I was fast asleep, much to everyone's annoyance! I took it easy the next day enjoying a remarkable morning. I only walked 1 1/2 miles but for the first half i had Abby, a barn ow! on my arm. The return leg I had Thor 2 1/2 pound eagle who was as placid as could be. Later a sparrowhawk weaved its way through the crowds to take a chicken leg out of my fist. A truly awesome experience being so close birds of prey in their natural habitat,

So, a few days later I sit at my desk and write these words recalling a most enjoyable 28 mite walk in Sherwood Forest reacquainting myself with some of my favourite places in Nottinghamshire. i can only hope that your walk is equally as magical. 1 shall be back again!

Happy Walking
John N. Merrill

A5, Pllaced in a plastic wrap around cover. Signed by John Merrill.

New wmbroidered cloth badge and signed certificate available to succesfull walkers.

Names added to the Walkers Roll of Honur page.