Mansfield & Ashfield

Trail and Ale - Ginger Giraffe

Length - 5.2 mi (8.5 km) or 3.5 mi (5.6 km)
Terrain - A short section of roadway with pavement, single track lanes and undulating, well-made bridle paths.

In this issue, we’re out at the western fringes of the branch, walking from the Ginger Giraffe Micro Pub at Underwood, along country lanes, before following an undulating bridle path around the fringes of Morning Spring Wood. With the continuing unsettled weather, a walk along good tracks beats sliding around in mud, though I cant guarantee your dog will stay clean! The walk can be shortened by parking at the south end of Felley Mill Lane North which cuts out the road and lane parts of the walk. It’s then a short drive back to the Ginger Giraffe afterwards.

Route - From the Ginger Giraffe, head southwest along the A608 for 250 yards until you come to the junction with Felley Mill Lane South before turning east along the lane (1). Continue until the end where the lane meets Felley Mill Lane North then turn right and head South (2). Upon passing the barrier, continue for approx. 200yds, then at the open area (3), turn left and head northeast. Continue along this track heading for the tree line in the distance. Once at the top, you might want to rest a moment on the bench and enjoy the view back towards Underwood (4). Continuing along the track, pass America Farm before crossing the M1. After another 400 yards, turn right at the junction (5) and head along Kennel Lane. The lane twists and turns, passing houses and through a steel gate before straightening out and continuing south with the M1 parallel to your right. After 0.9 miles, the path arrives at a junction (6). Take the right path and then right again, continuing under the M1 and heading west. Follow this path for 1 mile, which will bring you back to point 3. From here, retrace your steps along both Felley Mill Lane North and South back to the A608 before turning right at point 1 back to the Ginger Giraffe.