NG5 6QX in Arnold
4 miles (6.5km)
1-2 hours
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Arnold and The Dumbles Shorter Walk A
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 A follow the Dumbles
The shorter Walk A goes sharp right here, a fence on your left, along a narrow path
that is little used but well-maintained, running parallel to Catfoot Lane above
left. Although it can become overgrown with vegetation, wildflowers, birds and
butterflies are abundant. Eight stiles interrupt this half-mile
stretch. The drop to the Bottom Dumble is down at your
right.
Path Turns Left and Climbs
Follow the dumbles all the way until the path turns left and climbs to Cat foot Lane almost opposite Floralands. Turn right for half-a
mile (3/4 km) along the road, to get to the kissing-gate on your left at Point 2 that you exited before.
Brookfields Garden Centre Cafe or Home
You can retrace your steps to your start
point, or continue on the road to the corner, turn left on the B684 Plains Road for the café at Brookfields Nurseries. From here, continue in the same way, past Coppice Road to Spring Lane for your 47 bus, or
turn right to Ramsey Drive for the 56 bus, or continue down the alley to your car – or even walk home!
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