Category: Things to do

The village of Plungar is very near to Barkestone and accessible by canal path or roadside so an easy, mostly flat, walk or cycle ride for most groups. We have mapped a 2.5 mile loop for you taking in both kinds of path but of course you could make it a quicker walk by doing the whole thing there and back by the roadside or a more picturesque but longer hike by doing both legs along the canal.

Please note that there is no made path by the roadside so you will have to keep aware of motor traffic and be prepared to walk on the grass verge, which is reasonably wide. Take this route at your own risk and if in doubt stick to the canalside way. Please keep control of children, dogs and wayward adults and wear light coloured clothing. Take a torch if walking at night.

It’s a fine walk through grassed fields from the cottage to the Windmill pub, with the Belvoir Estate woods and castle always in view. The walk does include some potential hazards, namely styles to climb over and, on most days, at least one herd of cows to bypass, but it’s also a great way to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a meal and a drink after just a little exercise.

You can return to Cherry Tree Cottage by the same route or take the longer way back via the canal. To take that route, from the pub just walk north-west out of Redmile (away from the castle), over the canal bridge (beware cars here please) and down the steps onto the canal path here. Head west (under the bridge) and follow the canal path to where it meets Barkestone Lane. Cross the road and continue on the tow path round to the bridge at Jericho Lane. Here, join Jericho Lane as it heads uphill to your left. Follow it past the church and the small village green and turn left onto New Causeway when you get to the old schoolhouse. From here it’s two minutes to Cherry Tree Cottage at 27 New Causeway.

If you are a dog owner please please keep your dog on a lead in any fields with cows in and please please pick up any mess they leave.