Hoe Hill (2-10-21)
Hoe Hill is thought to be the source of our village name: Cropwell certainly rhymes with Hoe Hill.
Two hundred years ago, Hoe Hill was not covered in trees. It probably had a rocky outcrop on its peak but most of the land around it was used to grow crops.
The top certainly had good views in all directions. A William Baldock, who lived in the Cropwells during the 1800s, recalled sitting there and seeing Newark Church and Lincoln Cathedral.
But then in 1875, the crown of Hoe Hill was planted with gorse and privet with the aim of making it a fox covert. Trees followed and so today those views are denied us.
This walk introduces you to Hoe Hill without having to climb its peak. It has always been a popular walk with people living in both Cropwells.
Tony Jarrow
On the western side of the road, beyond the block of garages, is a footpath that leads to the fields beyond.
If you don't meet a dog leading its owner in the next 300m, I would be surprised.
At the wood's entrance, there is a metal swing-gate but it is no longer used: a gap in the hedge makes it redundant.
The trees may prevent us seeing Lincoln Cathedral but we can always go on the Cropwell Wolds walk for that: it does take rather more effort though.
Initially, you will notice that the Cropwell Butler land is open farmland, but further along the path, it becomes dense woodland. That woodland is older than the trees on Hoe Hill, having been planted decades earlier.
Twenty years ago, that was the case, but then the right of way was diverted to the right. So, here, you must turn right and follow the path alongside the wood.
On the other side of the left-hand hedge is the canal: only 700m of it passes through Cropwell Butler.
