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See this
map of the entire walk.
Millennium Walk Map - Click to
View Larger Version
1 The
walk begins at the Goldsmith centre, Sprotbrough Road, Sprotbrough.
From here, cross the road, turn left and walk towards
the old railway bridge. Look for this waymarked stone on
your right.
Access to Linear Park
Go
down the steps and turn right onto Linear Park, a former
railway line in use from 1908 until the late 1960 and now
part of the Trans Pennine Trail from Liverpool to Hull.
The Linear Park is managed by Doncaster
Council's Countryside Service for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders
2 The
housing estate on your left was the site of Fowler's tank
factory. Roads in the estate are named after World War II
tanks.
3 If you look
left above the railway cutting, you'll see Cusworth Hall,
a Georgian mansion built for William Wrightson between 1740
and 1745. Carry on along Linear Park to the next waymark
stone. Turn left here and pass Newlands Park Playing Field
on your right.
People Looking Towards Cusworth Hall
4 Look out
for Gamekeeper's Cottage - once part of the Cusworth estate
- and Lower Fishpond. The pond is one of three in the parkland
and used to be stocked with trout for the Hall. Pass Middle
Pond on your right to find the next waymark stone on your
left. Carry on beside Upper Pond, a popular spot for local
anglers. The ponds are currently being developed as part
of major renovation project for the Hall and country park
which is being funded by the National Lottery.
When the ponds are refilled, look
out for coots (with a white bill) and moorhens (with a red
bill) on the water.
Gamekeeper's Cottage
5 Cusworth
Country Park has seating, good pathways and open space for
picnics, together with free admission to the Museum of South
Yorkshire Life, which is based in the Hall. The Hall is also
being extensively restored at the moment so visitors have
limited access, but still worth a visit. On a clear day a
walk up the hill is rewarded by views across Doncaster to
Lincolnshire. The power stations in the distance are situated
on the River Trent at Newton. After exploring the country
park, rejoin the walk at the bottom of the hill, in the right-hand
corner of the park. Crocus and tulip are plentiful here
in early spring.
6 Continue
right at the bottom of the hill. Long Plantation is on your
left. It once stretched as far as the ponds - sadly it is
much smaller now. Walk diagonally across the field under
the motorway; notice the land begin to rise. At this point
you are climbing the limestone escarpment that stands above
coal measures to the west.
7 As you pass
the lone hawthorn tree situated next to the waymark stone
you are 175 feet (53m) above seal level. Looking east you
can see another view of Cusworth Hall and the panorama of
Doncaster. Look out for impressive St George's Church, which
was designed by Sir Gillespie Scott and built in 1803. Then
cross the field until you come to Melton Road.
8 Turn right,
cross the road and turn left just before the Ivanhoe public
house. Skirt the cricket pitch to reach the stile. Turn left
onto Thorpe Lane towards 800 years old St Mary's Church,
containing a wealth of interest for historians.
St Mary's Church
9 Turn left
at the church along Park Drive. The area used to be
the gardens of Sprotbrough Hall. Built in the 18th century,
the Hall was demolished in 1926 for development. Keep right
at the fork in the road.
10 At the kissing
gate follow the footpath to Brompton Road; cross and continue
along the path. You're now standing on old parkland; once
part of Sprotbrough Hall's grounds.
11 Follow the
waymarked path to the footbridge across the A1(M). At the
other side, take a moment to enjoy excellent views over the
Don Valley. Carry on past the woodland and through the field,
passing houses to your left. Follow the edge of the field
towards the Linear park, passing a reclaimed former landfill
site on your left
12 Turn left
onto Linear Park. A short walk brings you back to the start
point near the old railway bridge at Sprotbrough Road.
Well done, you've completed
the Millennium Walk
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