Monk Wood Circular (14th January 2025)

Eighteen walkers gathered in the long lay-by in readiness for our first snow free walk following the big freeze which seemed to have lasted for ages.

Su, our walk leader, modified the walk slightly so that it wouldn’t be too long given the damp underfoot conditions, so rather than taking a route past Ouzlebank cottage, we headed up the steep bank opposite the lay-by and continued on to Hallows golf course.

We followed an enclosed path into Monk Wood and after crossing the by-pass via the curly bridge we made our way to Barlow Fishing Ponds via Barlow Lees. After a relaxing break for hot chocolate or coffee in the cafe we headed back towards Monk Wood, taking a more direct route via Monk Wood farm.

For the homeward leg of the walk we re-traced our initial route back to the lay-by.

Many thanks to Su for leading us on this lovely walk which went down really well after many of us had been stuck indoors for a week.