Welham RFM Blue Line

December 17, 2024

Welham

RFM Blue Line

17/12/24

This December walk was a short length of the Cuckoo Way to the east of Retford and connecting to the Clarborough walk. The weather was windless and mild at around 9C. Perfect walking weather again.

I parked near the Hop Pole pub on a long layby. The first site was the red house with its cute roof and strange shape. This is a building, near the canal, with a history but I have no idea what it would be.

The first stretch was a mile or so along the Cuckoo Way next to the Chesterfield canal. The route was muddy but very pleasant. I passed one lady walker and that was it. The bird life was typical of the area, Coots, Moorhens, Mallards, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Wrens, Crows, Rooks, Doves etc.

The land to the left of the canal was lush flat farmland. Just before I reached Clarborough I spotted some Tree Sparrows near the canal high in the trees. I could make out their brown caps but the photo just shows a shadow. Still good to see.

I left the canal at Clarborough at the bridge I had reached on the last walk in the area. It really is very pretty.

The Ginnel lead to the local park where I met a guy with 2 dogs, an old Romanian rescue dog called Bobby and a lovely rescue spaniel called Tommy. They both barked their greeting with tails wagging. Very friendly even if Bobby was finding it difficult to walk. I stopped and we talked for about 15 minutes listening to and recounting adventures rambling in Derbyshire. Its great to meet someone else with the same passion for the Derbyshire hills.

The short walk through the streets and paths of this part of the village lead to the main road. Still quiet just like last time. I turned up Church Lane towards the church and the track out of the village.

This complex of old red brick and pan tile roofed buildings near the church was another treat to see.

I reached the church surrounded by some very expensive looking residences.

The Baulk, the lane out of the village was straight and slightly inclined. I am making a big assumption that Baulk means boundary as this definitely looks like a boundary lane. Just before I took this photo I met a lady with a dog, another Spaniel, called Jinny. She said the dog was deaf as it did not respond to my voice. We commented on the mild weather and I continued on my way. Just another friendly greeting, these are the elements which lift a walk. I have found all my walks in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire have had very friendly passers by. Good.

Over the railway and onward and upward but not too steep.

In the gloomy distance is Retford. Welham Hall was down the hill in the trees. I have a feeling this is just the back of the building.

The walk towards Little Gringley was blocked with a downed tree but I clamboured over it and carried on.

There was nothing outstanding about the hamlet but it looked like a nice place to live. I followed the extremely quiet road all the way over Leverton Road to Welham Grange.