After several days of cold, wet weather we were blessed with a crisp dry day for our walk. Sixteen walkers met at the Little John on Main Road for the seven mile walk. Walking up the path from the car park we crossed over Ricket Lane and followed the footpath into Harlow Woods until we were close to the MARR road. We left the route briefly to view the Forest Stone. Dating from 1752 this stone was the central pillar of the Old Market House in Mansfield. We then viewed the Balancing Pond, a man made structure to reduce the risk of local flooding.

The walk continued over lanes and tracks until a lunch stop on an open grass area on the outskirts of Blidworth. Leaving the area we followed footpaths (occasionally muddy) where we encountered horses, sheep, alpacas and a huge turkey that had managed to survive Christmas.

The path then brought us along open fields with far reaching views to Ravenshead, Blidworth and beyond. The walk took us past the Druid Stone (although missed by some members who were too busy talking!), a natural geological rock formation. From here we returned to the Little John to enjoy a drink together in pleasant, friendly company. Total distance of almost 7 miles walked in just over three hours.