Spike Island Walk


Spike Island Walk (17-11-21)

Spike Island is well known to those in the village who enjoy taking walks beyond the built-up area of Cropwell Bishop.

For those who don't have a natural urge to explore their surroundings – or who who don't have a dog to drag them out, Spike Island is north-west of Cropwell Bishop.

In fact, it is in the parish of Cropwell Butler, but don't let that put you off, the folk there are happy to share it.

The oddest thing about Spike Island is that it is not an island at all, but a pond. Beyond that fact, I know nothing of its history.

Its location has a history of mining and brickmaking and it may be that this pond was, somehow, a result of it. But, who knows – certainly, no one I have spoken to.

Ah well, don't let this mystery put you off: Spike Island is merely a point of interest on this Walk, but has, at least, enabled me to give the Walk a unique name.

Enjoy your trip.


Tony Jarrow



Spike Island Map
2.6 miles in 1 hour (both approx)


Spike Island Walk
1. The Walk begins on Nottingham Road at its junction with Kinoulton Road.
Spike Island Walk
2. Go through the gate to this bridlepath that runs alongside the Memorial Hall Playing Field: now you are on your way to Spike Island.
Spike Island Walk
3. It is a wide grassy path.
Spike Island Walk
4. The shape of the wooded top of Hoe Hill is ever present on the horizon – and it continues to grow bigger as you go along.
Spike Island Walk
5. We are all familiar with weeds invading our flower gardens, but, at times along here, it looks like the garden shrubs are taking revenge on the outlying weeds.
Spike Island Walk
6. When the sun shines, everything looks brighter, and you feel more cheerful – don't you think?
Spike Island Walk
7. When you see this gap on the left, don't be tempted to follow it. It is a right of way and neatly fenced but it has not been trimmed back for years.
It is passable, but brambles make progress difficult. However, further on, it does become very pleasant path which will be included in later Walk.
Spike Island Walk
8. Just 20m further on, you will come to this crossing of paths, and this is where you should turn left.
Spike Island Walk
9. A metal gate allows you entry to a grassy field. The path is straight on and runs parallel to the hedge on your left. It is well used and its route should be obvious.
Spike Island Walk
10. As you climb the gentle hill, ignore the path that may appear on your right; you need to go straight on.
Spike Island Walk
11. The ever-present view of a hedgerow ahead eventually reveals a metal gate in it. Go through it.
Spike Island Walk
12. From here, the path snakes its way to the far end of the narrowing field
Spike Island Walk
13. You will eventually come to a gate, but before going through it, glance behind you to admire the view.
Spike Island Walk
14. Now go through the gate. Ignore the canal bridge on your left, instead, follow the farm track that runs alongside the hedge on your right.
Spike Island Walk
15. It is easy walking as the track goes gradually downhill.
Spike Island Walk
16. After a couple of sharp bends, it becomes even more restful. Soon, you will arrive at the place which gives this Walk its name: Spike Island.
Spike Island Walk
17. You are no doubt wondering how a pond came to be called an Island: me too. And where did the name, Spike, come from? I can't give you an answer, it is just one of those mysteries.
Spike Island Walk
18. Do not turn right at Spike Island, go straight on and follow the track around to the left as it skirts the pond.
Spike Island Walk
19. In a 100m, or so, you will see a sloping path on your right.
Spike Island Walk
20. Follow this path. On the brow of the hill, it swings to the right and leads straight to a hedge.
Spike Island Walk
21. There is an inviting gap in the hedge. Accept the invite and go through it.
Spike Island Walk
22. Beyond, is a large field. There are rights-of-ways across it and, in future walks you may wish to follow them. However, today I suggest you take the easier route which alongside the hedge.
Spike Island Walk
23. Walk on the path that runs by the hedge on your right. It should be clear to follow because lots of other feet will have gone this way before you.
Spike Island Walk
24. As you reach the field's corner, the path sweeps to the left, continue along it.
Spike Island Walk
25. Look out for a path coming from your left because that is the sign for you to go right.
Spike Island Walk
26. That path on your left should be clear to see because it is popular with both Bishop and Butler folk.
Indeed, it is the alternative route we could have followed earlier on. Maybe you will next time.
Spike Island Walk
27. Back to today's route: a gap in the hedge lets you into the next field where you begin the final leg of your march to Cropwell Butler. It is straight on all the way.
Spike Island Walk
28. On the other side of the field, a gap lets you into the next field.
Spike Island Walk
29. And then another hedge-hole leads to a path across another field.
Spike Island Walk
30. As you walk along this stretch, there are pleasant views to the left.
Spike Island Walk
31. At the end of this field there is no hedge, but a lane. This is an ancient bridlepath called Hoe Lane.
You are going straight on to the Cropwell Butler end of Hoe Lane. Turning right, takes you to the Cropwell Bishop end.
Imagine how busy this lane must have been in the many centuries before powered transport.
Spike Island Walk
32. Here, Hoe Lane is a proper road because there are several houses off it; elsewhere it is less grand.
Spike Island Walk
33. Hoe Lane leads to Back Lane – there it is ahead. Turn right when you reach it.
Spike Island Walk
34. This part of Back Lane is very narrow, so it is one-way. As you walk up it, take care, because any traffic will be behind you.
Spike Island Walk
35. It is not far before you reach Butler Close on the right.
Spike Island Walk
36. You are going down Butler Close, but only as far as the other side of that white house.
Spike Island Walk
37. You could easily miss the narrow pathway between the two houses if you were not concentrating – but I don't doubt, for a moment, you have been fully alert every step of the way.
Spike Island Walk
38. After 20m, or so, go right.
Spike Island Walk
39. And go through the metal gate.
Spike Island Walk
40. You are left in no doubt as to where the path is going – and your every step will be watched.
Spike Island Walk
41. It is now straight on to the far corner of the next field.
Spike Island Walk
42. This is where you join the Butler-Bishop road.
Spike Island Walk
43. Turn right for Bishop.
Spike Island Walk
44. On the crest of the last hill you could take a welcome rest on the seat. But, then again, it's downhill all the way to the village so why not push on and look forward to a seat in your own home.