Blanche's Gorse Walk


Blanche's Gorse (22-9-21)

Map
3 miles in 1 hour (both approx)

This is the second in the unfolding series of Cropwell Bishop Walks.

The numbers on the map, along the route, refer to the numbered photos below.

The walk is around 3 miles long and will take about an hour.


Tony Jarrow

Blanches Gorse Walk
1. The starting point is at the heart of the village, The Turn, which is the meeting of Nottingham Road, Fern Road and Church Street.
Walk through the gap between the houses, numbers 1 and 3 Nottingham Road.
Blanches Gorse Walk
2. After 30m, climb over the stile.
Blanches Gorse Walk
3. Continue on the right-hand side of the field – no doubt the electrified fencing will dissuade you doing otherwise!
Blanches Gorse Walk
4. At the next hedge is a gap which, once you have lifted the chain, you can hopefully squeeze through into the next field. Don’t forget to replace the chain.

Before going forward, take a look at the map.

From points 4 to 7 on the map, the path is shown as going from this corner of the field, diagonally to a point on the other side, where the fence comes to an end. This route is the ‘right of way’ that has existed for centuries. However, it may well be that you can see no clear trodden path ahead of you.

Landowners are obliged to make these paths accessible: even after ploughing they are allowed only a few weeks in which to make them visible and walkable.

However, it sometimes happens that these visible routes are created in a slightly different place. With this in mind, I suggest you start by walking alongside the right-hand hedge, keeping a look out for a trodden path across the field. This might be one created by the farmer, or by regular walkers.

If by the time you reach the big tree in the hedgerow you haven’t seen one, now is the time to make your own way across the field. Aim for where the fence ends and open fields appear.

In difficult circumstances, for example when the land is waterlogged, you could instead keep walking alongside the right-hand hedge until you reach its end, and then turn left (don’t cross the footbridge) keeping the hedge on your right. This last stretch is not a right-of-way but I don’t imagine anyone will object, and it will bring you back on route.



Blanches Gorse Walk
5. If, by this point, you haven't seen a path across the field, then it is time for you to tread your own.
Blanches Gorse Walk
6. Your aim is to reach the fence on the opposite side. In this picture, there is no obvious path, but in fact a faint one did exist.
Blanches Gorse Walk
7. Once you have crossed the field, turn right and go along the wide grassy roadway which leads to a bushy bush (is that the right description?).
Blanches Gorse Walk
8. At this bush, the route leads slightly to the left, along a diagonal line which, you will soon discover, continues in the same direction through several fields.
Your first target is the wide gap in the far hedgerow. The path is usually clearly worn by either feet or tractor tyres.
Blanches Gorse Walk
9. Once you reach the gap, you will see the path continues to a gap in the opposite hedge.
Blanches Gorse Walk
10. At this gap, you have to cross a small footbridge: how exciting! On the other side, cross the small field to the next gap.
Blanches Gorse Walk
11. There is the next gap on our travels.
Blanches Gorse Walk
12. No bridge this time, but a metal gate: no chance of getting bored on this trip! Through the gate and into a field which has a very different feel. Keep to the left.
Blanches Gorse Walk
13. It somehow seems more ancient – as long as you turn a blind eye to the electric fencing and pylons.
Blanches Gorse Walk
14. There is more electric fencing where a new roadway crosses our path, but don’t worry, you can hop over the two stylish stiles to reach the opposite side.
Having to contend with all these different stiles, puts me in mind of horses in show jumping competitions. Nevertheless, don’t hurry, there are no rosettes for you here!
Blanches Gorse Walk
15. This roadway appeared only a few years ago. No need to wave it goodbye – you will meet again.
Blanches Gorse Walk
16. You will soon reach the end of this narrow field and your way forward is through the gap on the left.
Blanches Gorse Walk
17. As you leave the gap turn right: electric fencing will deter you doing otherwise.
Blanches Gorse Walk
18. Then head to the stile in the corner: its only about 30m away.
Blanches Gorse Walk
19. Does this remind you of horse-jumping?
Blanches Gorse Walk
20. Once over the stile, turn left and head up the roadway to the top of the hill.
That wood on the right is called Blanche's Gorse: now you know where this walk got its name from.
Blanches Gorse Walk
21. At the very top of the hill is Home Farm but you are not going that far. Before the farmyard, turn left onto the wide grassy track. This turning can be a muddy spot in winter; thank you cows.
Blanches Gorse Walk
22. From now on you will be able to enjoy distant views – even as far as the other side of Nottingham.
Much closer, you may be able to spot earlier sections of your route today.
You are now heading home and, once again, electric fencing will stop you going astray.
Blanches Gorse Walk
23. But first you must go over the same roadway you crossed 10 minutes ago. This time, no stiles, you are trusted to open the metal gate, and to close it again – twice.
Blanches Gorse Walk
24. Down there are fresh footprints: yours.
Blanches Gorse Walk
25. The electric fence and hedge will guide you to a gate into the next field.
Blanches Gorse Walk
26. A gentle downhill slope will lead you to the end of Pasture Lane.
Blanches Gorse Walk
27. As you toddle down the slope, you may get the feeling that something is looking down on you: it is.
Blanches Gorse Walk
28. You have reached Pasture Lane. Your final task is to get to its other end on Fern Road.
Blanches Gorse Walk
29. It’s an easy job; the track, telegraph poles, and your line of sight all trace a dead straight line. Straight as a Roman road.
The Romans didn't establish this lane but they did occupy land around Cropwell Bishop. First Century Roman Broaches were found here in 2019.
Blanches Gorse Walk
30. You are at the end of the walk. Turn left down Fern Road and in 200m you will be back where you started an hour ago.