Bramcote Hills and Hemlock Stone Circular Walk
17 people attending
3 places left
This circular walk takes in the suburban areas of Nottingham around Bramcote Hills Park and the Hemlock Stone, returning via the Erewash Canal.
The Hemlock Stone is an outcrop of New Red Sandstone, deposited more than 200 million years ago in the Triassic Period. Approximately 28 feet (8.5 m) high, it is formed of different kinds of sandstone. As a result, the lower part of the stone is more vulnerable to erosion than the upper part, resulting in differential erosion that has given the stone its current "waisted" shape.
In the Middle Ages it was claimed that the Devil threw the stone there from Castleton, Derbyshire, about 40 miles (64 km) away, because the ringing of church bells annoyed him. Quite apart from the fancifulness of the legend, there is no New Red Sandstone outcrop in that part of Derbyshire from which the stone could have come
Bramcote Hills Park is a stretch of woodland and fields that used to be a part of the manor house, but the house was demolished in 1968 and its grounds became the public park. You can still see the manor house ruins in the park today.
Dogs are welcome but owners must ensure they are kept under control at all times.
Waitlist: If this event is fully booked and you really want to attend, add yourself to the waitlist because places often become available. If you are on the list but can no longer come, please cancel your attendance as soon as possible to allow waitlisted people to attend in your place.
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Image Credits: All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch as required to eat during the walk. We will break for lunch in the early afternoon. Ensure you have plenty of water. Cafe refreshments will not be available at lunchtime.