Hemlock Stone to Bestwood village

I’ve adapted the walk a bit …only 4 days available so a walk and a bit of bus!

After yesterday’s football debacle , the sun and the rain showers I’m hoping it’s better today.

The first stage has been omitted as it’s very familiar … Nottingham castle to Wollaton Hall, and I’m starting at the Hemlock Stone - after negotiating the local buses from Donnington and East Midlands Airport !

I was introduced to the odd stone 50 years ago on a university trip- it’s odd isolated and 31 ft high made of red sandstone capped by harder pebbly stone! It has a strange back story …druids, religious rites , especially the cult of fire and sun worship ! Our prof said it was a stone thrown by the devil at Lenton Abbey - it missed ! Of course he was right!
Stapleford hill provides from its trig point and you can see three counties and the old Nottingham canal !
These trips are never without those lost moments - today was one overshoot and two misdirections !
Finally on the right direction it’s via Trowell and old church with old city clock and then on to Strelley with quaint hall and impressive church with carvings.
We’re also on the Monks Way which has some large stones that traced an old route to monasteries …and some amazing walls too .

There’s a big section of countryside and fields and skylines on the way to Kimberley.
My guide book suggests I cross a busy by pass! Or have I lost my way again ?
Kimberley is an old industrial village only since 1816 and its most famous product ? Beer …ale …. And the old brewery building fills the skyline !
It’s lunchtime so beer …lucky for me it decided to throw it down whilst on the Hardy Hanson pub complete with locals discussing the football and the building!
After the pub I adapt the walk via Greasley and over to Hucknall which after a long lane and countryside emerges into one of the largest new housing estates being constructed ! A lot of nice houses !
After navigating through them I reach my hostelry for the evening !
16 miles or so - bath !Read more