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Farndon circular

 Route type

 walk (circular)

 Distance

 3.5 miles

 Surface and gradients

 mixed surfaces and no steep gradients

 Parking nearby

 yes

 On bus routes

 yes - plan a journey

 On-road sections

 yes

 Starting point

 Picnic area by the River Trent, in front of the New Ferry restaurant.

 OS map number

 Explorer 271


A gentle walk from the pretty village of Farndon and its attractive marina, mainly following the River Trent with its abundance of wildlife.

Directions

  1. From the picnic area near the landing stage, follow the public bridleway in front of the New Ferry restaurant. After passing through clapper gates continue for a few yards and cross over the footbridge which spans the entrance to Farndon Marina. A well-defined path continues along the riverbank and a high hawthorn hedge on the right conceals the gravel pits beyond, now used as a marina and for angling. Continuing straight on past a fingerpost, the path is beside the Trent with crop fields on the right hand side. This section of river is known as 'Baggarley Rack'.

    Fact: Farndon pits are very valuable for wildlife. In summer many migrant birds including chiffchaffs, whitethroats and willow warblers breed here. In the winter, wildfowl and grebes can be found searching for seeds and weeds in the lake margins or diving for fish and insects.

  2. Continuing along the river towpath, the direction gradually changes to north-east and, on the far bank, the remains of Staythorpe Power Station can be seen. The path is still well defined following beside the river and across it you start to get a good view of Averham Weir. It gives the appearance of the River Trent having broken its bank but this is due to the water falling over the weir.

  3. Beyond Averham Weir the river changes direction to south-east and the route is on the path following the curve of the river and around the edges of crop fields. Where the arable fields finish the route is over short grass. Looking ahead you can see a disused windmill which is soon reached following another curve in the river.

  4. After passing through the clapper gate in front of the mill, turn right following the public footpath sign onto a surfaced path which runs along the wall of the mill and along the backs of Mill Cottages. Upon reaching a lane continue straight across past paddocks and out onto tarmac road (Marsh Lane). Continue to the mini roundabout and turn right onto Long Lane. Ignoring the turning onto Walters Close, continue straight on for approx. 150 yards and then turn left onto a wide track. After passing the school the path becomes grassed as it passes through Farndon Meadow.

  5. Our route then emerges through two rows of garages and onto a narrow road. Turn right and then almost immediately left to follow the public footpath sign. Continue along this path, through the picnic area before turning left as you rejoin the riverside path, to return to the start point.

Attachments