NG5 6QX in Arnold
4 miles (6.5km)
1-2 hours
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Arnold and The Dumbles Longer Walk B
Starting from the Plains Estate in Arnold. This is a ramble over a little-used path, with good views. Horses and cows may be met on both routes. Mainly due to stiles, the route is not suitable for those with physical disabilities. If arriving by car, park at the top of Eastham Road, off Ramsey Drive, by the shops (Post Code NG5 6QX). The No. 56 and 57 City buses stop on Ramsey Drive, conveniently close. The No. 47 city bus stops near the foot path entrance on Spring Lane. (Map Ref. SK603 449)
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Ramsey Drive Shops
From Eastham Road, pass the shops on your right to Davison Close, but turn
right immediately down the wide jitty to Ramsey
Drive — the bus stop is visible from the Arnold direction. Cross Ramsey, con
tinuing on the jitty to Plains Road (B684) at the T-junction with Spring Lane.
Spring Lane
Cross to the left side of Spring Lane, where the footpath is signed left. It is well-used and can be very muddy after heavy rain.
Left at the Signpost
Follow this path for three fields, but immediately after a second ditch, turn left at the sign post at Point 1 on the map below
Fields and Hedgerows
heading up the slope towards Catfoot Lane for 3 fields, with a hedgerow on your left.
In April you may see it draped with the pretty white Common Mouse-Ear. Before a wide gate to the road, bear right almost to the field corner, to find a metal
kissing-gate to Catfoot Lane at Point 2
Yellow Spring Fields
Turn right for 100 yards (metres) to a stile on the left – pass through the gap on its left. In spring, the world may suddenly change to yellow as you pass
down the path.
Narrow track after barrier
You will come to a sharp right, then left turn, into a field with the hedgerow now left. In the next field, a kissing-gate takes you left into a field to another gate opposite.
Signposts and open spaces
Pass through and turn right along a clear path,
hedgerow right, for about 350 yards (metres) until a signpost indicates left.
Narrow track after barrier
Go to the far side of the hedgerow, uphill to the corner, turn right at the
signpost, following the grassy path with the wood on your left until it dips into a hollow. A signpost here indicates straight on
butterflies and Flowers
Continue uphill with hedgerow on your left for two fields. In warmer weather, you may see a butterfly sunning itself on the
path – or spot tiny blue Speedwell flowers.
Hungerhill Lane
After crossing a footbridge, turn right
on to Hungerhill Lane, a wide bridle
way on which you may see horse riders for the next half-mile (3/4 km). Admire the fine view of Ploughman Wood over to your left, above Wood Barn Farm.
Exit to Lingwood Lane
In spring, butterflies like the Green-veined White will be skittering along among
the wildflowers. Exit at a bend on Lingwood Lane at Point 3 where you soon find (right) a metal gate. The path beyond
takes you diagonally to a hedge corner. Bear right with the path, hedgerow on your right, for two more fields, with a farm and perhaps horses on your left.
Cows
A gate in the hedgerow
in front leads to a field where you may meet cows with calves. Give them a lots of space (especially if you have a dog with you) and you should be OK. Cows can be curious and may follow you don’t run as they will run to keep up with you. Cows can be protective of their young so just be calm and cautious.
Area Information
The path left with a red telephone box will take you straight to The Woodlark, for
welcome refreshment. Otherwise, cross this path down to a
footbridge over Bottom Dumble, a surprisingly deep ravine, if
you’ve not seen it before. Up steps the far side, to an informative display about these
Dumbles. This is Point 4.
Walk B
continue straight on from the display at Point 4 for a few
yards (metres), then turn right on a path with the hedgerow
Weigela and bluebells
right, then go with the bends up to Catfoot Lane
Ladder Stile
You will reach a tall
ladder stile. Six steps up, hold on, turn round and four steps
down. Dogs and small children can go under to the left, but beware the bar at head height.
Signed Path Right
Turn left on the road for 100 yards (metres) to a signed path on your right. Over the stile on to a grassy path down slight-right to a further stile that leads to the Lambley School playground. Over this, bearing right to the far right corner.
Top Dumbles and Bluebells
One narrow path left leads down into the Top Dumble – worth having a look – but the main path continues through a hedgerow gap, along the field edge to Bonney
Doles. Bluebells and weigela blossom greet you in spring as you amble through to a footbridge over Top Dumble.
Playground and dumble drops
For a better look at the ravine, go over the bridge and left (past another
display) to the corner, where a path takes you in to the local children’s favourite playground.
Fields and Hedgerows to the Point you turned left
Continue on the right field edge from the footbridge, crossing shortly and putting the hedgerow on your left. This clear path is followed for several fields, all with the hedgerow left, until you meet the point at which you turned left near the start at Point 1.
Brookfields Garden Centre Cafe or Home
Continue over the ditch boards in the opposite direction you came out, to exit on to Spring Lane. The Brookfields Garden Centre cafe and the 47 bus stop are nearby. For Ramsey Drive, cross the busy Plains Road and retrace your steps up the alley to the 56 and 57 bus stop or your car on Eastham Road.
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