The concluding part of our walk near Dunnshill starts about half way along the second side of the triangle on the path that runs in a north-easterly direction from Locko Park to the long distance path known as the Midshires Way which will return us to our starting point. A general map of the area can be seen by clicking the link to Multimap at the top of this page but this map at Streetmap.co.uk (opens a new window) gives a more detailed view.



As we walked along the fence that separated us from the sheep seen in Part 1 of this walk, a flurry of activity to our left attracted our attention where a number of pheasants were giving a fine impression of the cartoon character Roadrunner as they scurried across the grass (inset). At the corner of the field we crossed a wooden footbridge over a dry ditch to enter the next field.

A little further on as we walked around the edge of another field, the view towards Home Farm at Stanley showed the harvest had been safely gathered in. Between here and the farm road to Locko Grange Farm at what is probably one of the highest points of the walk, we were surprised to find part of the path was well and truly waterlogged. Picking our way gingerly through ankle deep mud we eventually made our way across the farm access and turned immediately right to head for the Midshires Way via a field that bore a warning notice to keep dogs on a lead because of sheep but contained nothing but bales of hay (inset).

That last statement is not quite true as we did meet a lady here exercising these two collies. It was here that we learned the reason for the waterlogged fields. Apparently this used to be an opencast area and the drainage is poor so that the fields retain the moisture even in the driest of conditions.

 

We were now on the Midshires Way where we passed this rotting tree trunk that no doubt, is both a haven for insect life and possibly a resting place for long distance walkers, at the side of the muddy track (inset).

The track veers off to the left to Hollies Farm but the Midshires Way continues through a couple more fields to rise up and pass through the trees to return to Dunnshill. Both fields contained cattle - not my favourite animals - so we did not waste any time in completing our walk.

From the safety of the trees we could see Hollies Farm but a quick scramble up the bank returned us to our starting point and a ten minute drive saw us back home. Now all we have to do is clean those muddy shoes ...

To start the walk over again click the image below.