Woolley and Notton Walking with Lacey 12/06/24

 Woolley and Notton 

Walking with Lacey 

12/06/24

Parking next to the green, dominated by this huge tree, in Woolley we commenced our walk. Lacey is always good company on a walk as she never complains no matter the terrain or the weather but she remains chatty and good to be with.

Walking out of the village along Water Lane we soon had a long view across the fields to the woods at Haw Park. The rural nature of this whole walk contrasts so much to what would be expected from the mining history of the area. It truly shows that believe it or not the area between Barnsley and Wakefield is a pastoral delight.

Turning right onto Parson Lane we encountered a very narrow road with barely enough room for a car to pass and no passing places. Luckily we did not encounter any vehicles. Turning right at the end of Parson Lane we went down Common Lane and crossed the main Barnsley to Wakefield road following a path towards Bushcliff Wood.

At this point we chanced upon a sheep and her lamb browsing the leaves of a tree.

The path met the old railway just on the edge of Newmillerdam Country Park and we turned right down a path onto the railway bed. Whilst wandering along this woody track we got to discussing avocados. Lacey's contention that the consumption of avocados was as harmful to the climate as consuming meat actually echoed an article I had read in the Observer on sunday. It sounds odd that the wonder food should be a villain but we agreed it was. The effects of avocado production on the rural populations of Mexico is becoming more well known and its cultivation is a cause of many issues including gang violence, deforrestation and water table issues. Besides anything else its got an odd texture and is unpleasant when it turns to grey.

The wide open wheat and barley fields as we headed towards Notton were in excellent condition and had been spared the ravages of this year's wet weather and they looked beautiful. On the way into Notton we passed quite a few dog walkers and people just enjoying the countryside. It was good to see a few women amongst them as normally it is mainly men walking. Everyone was happy to exchange a cheery greeting which always makes me happy.

The green at Notton echoes the green at Woolley, both traditional and in their own way marvellous.

The path towards Notton park along Applehaigh Clough was exceptionally green and the wooded stream well below the level of the lane was densely covered in thick vegetation. These areas in the countryside where humans or their pets have no real access must be exceptional sanctuaries for all sorts of wildlife. 

Towards Notton Wood we passed a lady with her dog. The dogs name was Sasha and she was so friendly and happy it made you glow. Not sure what breed the dog was but it was about knee height and lightish brown with short hair. 

Passing Notton Wood we made our way alomg another Lane, Keeper Lane, and re-crossed the main Barnsley Wakefield Road. A little overcast but quite warm and good long views over the beautiful coutryside.

Wakefield Way was actually quite easy to follow as it pushed through the corn fields in a narrow but well defined path. As we were quite a long way up a slope the long views towards the south of Wakefield were lovely.

The fields gave way to Woolley Golf Course another hue of green but pretty enough. Looks like a bit of a hilly course. I did play golf briefly but I never really managed to hit the ball with any kind of consistancy. To be honest like the famous quote I prefer the walk.

Lacey and I discussed the merits and demerits of her class's photo exhibition and without going into detail it was an interesting discussion.

The house at Mount Farm was preceded by a bank of various flowers which was stunningly beautiful so we took photos. As we proceeded along New Road a few minutes later, the owner of the farm, on a golf cart, stopped us and wanted to know why we were taking pictures of his house. It's a shame that security is such a big problem for these rural dwellers but I understand his concern. I explained the innocent motivation for our photos and he was understanding and we parted without rancour.

The road back to the car through Woolley had a huge wall on one side with old properties behind it a legacy of the days Woolley Hall was a stately home not a college.

This was not our best walk for things to see but was interesting in its own way. Sometimes simple walks can be simply wonderful.