BMC Midlands Area Walk | Sunday 30 March

Midland Area Walks
20 Feb
2 min read

BMC members are invited to join a social walk, hosted by BMC Midland Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Chris Sweetman guiding the route. This social walk will explore the legend of The Wise Men of Gotham and visit three points that are named after one of the most famous legends - The Cuckoo Bush. These include the site of the cuckoo bush which is

Booking a place

Secure your free place on the walk by following the link below.

Important Note: Places are limited. If you or someone in your party can no longer attend, please notify us immediately so we can offer the spot to someone else.

Register

Location

Cuckoo Bush, South Nottingham

Meeting point and start time

Date: Sunday 30 March 2025
Time: 9.45 for a 10am start (Note the clocks go forward today!)

Location: East Leake Car Park, Gotham Road

Postcode: Location is 107 metres to the North NorthWest of LE12 6PG

OS Grid Ref: SK554263

Parking: In the car park which is free at the time of preparing this information - 23rd January 2025.

Facilities: Toilets are available across the road from the car park.

Public Transport: At time of writing NCT number 1 bus leaves Nottingham Beastmarket Hill at 9am and arrives at East Leake shops at 9.38am. Please alight at this stop as it is just across the road from the car park.

Your BMC walk leader

Chris, is a qualified Mountain Leader and the Hill Walking Rep.

The route

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors. This social walk will explore the legend of The Wise Men of Gotham and visit three points that are named after one of the most famous legends - The Cuckoo Bush. These include the site of the cuckoo bush which is also a tumulus, a farm and a public house. Also, we will discuss why the village of Gotham has tried to twin with New York City in the good ole USA! From East Leake we gently ascend to Fox Hill and then onto West Leake and through woodland. Arriving at the ancient track of the Portway, which is over 3000 years old, we pass the first two cuckoo bushes and follow to the high ground to the NW of Gotham with extensive views of the River Trent. Then we descend into Gotham passing the third cuckoo bush. In the village centre we will stop for lunch with an option to visit The Star pub. From Gotham we take The Logan Trail, follow field paths, and Lantern Lane towards East Leake and the end of our walk. Please note that there is the possibility of sheep in some of the fields and if this is the case dogs must be on a lead.

Distance: Approx. 18.3 km (11.4 miles)

Ascent: 122m (400 ft)

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

BMC members will be asked to wear usual clothing appropriate for a day walking in the hills and bring their own food and drink for a full day.

What to bring

The terrain is over mildly undulating countryside in an English lowland area. Please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear:

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good traction.

Clothing: Dress in layers, including waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves for cooler areas and perhaps sun cream depending on the weather forecast.

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s hike; there will be places to purchase refreshments en route in Gotham and there is an option of a pub stop.

Other Essentials: Although we plan to finish within daylight hours, carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies.

Who can attend:

This walk is open to BMC members, accompanying friends and family, and anyone interested in BMC’s work, under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

All participants must book in advance.

Please do not attend if you have COVID-19 or are feeling unwell.

Health Considerations:

If you have health issues that might affect your ability to complete the walk safely, inform us in advance. Carry any necessary medications and inform the leader where they are located if needed.

BMC Participation Statement:

This is an approved BMC event.

The BMC recognizes that climbing, hill walking, and mountaineering are activities with inherent risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Questions?

Please contact walk leader: chrisonholiday@outlook.com

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