Pets

5-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM NEWSTEAD & ANNESLEY COUNTRY PARK

START: NEWSTEAD AND ANNESLEY COUNTRY PARK (CAR PARK, OPPOSITE THE PIT MICROPUB) TILFORD ROAD NEWSTEAD NG15 0BS.

This month we go back 4 years to October 2017 to revisit a perfect autumnal walk. This walk has a bit of everything. We begin walking through a country park with some great views before looping round to pass the historic and picturesque Annesley All Saints Church and then onto the pretty Annesley Forest.

A mid length walk which should take you and your dog around 2 1/2 hours to complete. There is a mix of terrain, with some uneven and muddy bits, particularly depending on the weather so please wear appropriate footwear. There is one particularly busy road so be careful, keep dogs on leads if unsure and as always, follow the countryside code.

1. Standing with your back to the car park entrance, walk straight ahead to pass through a large wooden gate, pass by a signboard reading ‘Newstead and Annesley Country Park’ on your right and then continue along a wide and well laid path.

2. After a short distance you will pass a lake and a building on your right. Pass through a gap, continue straight ahead along the wide path climbing gently uphill, to pass a second and then a third lake on your right.

3. After the third lake you will begin to descend for quite some distance until reaching a large metal gate. Pass by the gate and then pass beneath an arch bridge. After some distance pass by another large metal gate and continue ahead to reach a road.

4. Turn right and continue until reaching a T junction of roads. Turn right and after a short distance turn right again along ‘Moseley Road’.

5. Continue along Moseley Road to the very end and then turn left along another road. Follow this road to the very end and then turn left once more onto ‘Byron Road’. After a short distance turn right along a road signposted for ‘Parish Hall’. After a short distance pass the Parish Hall on your right and then continue straight ahead along a tarmac footpath.

6. After a short distance pass through a metal width restrictor and then continue straight along the path going uphill. Near the top of the hill pass through some concrete post and, almost immediately, turn left along a footpath opposite a bungalow (No.9) to pass between some houses.

7. Continue straight ahead to walk across the top of a cul-de-sac and then towards a block of garages. Thread between the garages and pass through a metal chicane to continue along a footpath. After a short distance pass by a graveyard on your right and then a church on your left.

8. Immediately after the church cross over a crossroads of footpaths and continue straight ahead along a footpath into some trees. Continue downhill until you reach a road. Turn left along the road for a short distance and then turn right onto a lane going uphill passing a sign on your right reading ‘No unauthorised vehicles’. 9. At the top of the hill the lane bends sharp right. At this point continue straight ahead to pass through a gap onto footpath heading into the trees. Ignoring all the other paths to the left and right, continue straight ahead along this path. Eventually the path bends around to the right. Continue for a short distance to pass by a large metal gate and to a main road.

10. Cross straight over, pass by a large metal gate and then continue along a well laid path. Follow the path around to the left and then continue straight ahead going through woodland. After some distance you will reach a major junction of paths. Take the left option going gently uphill and then continue straight ahead.

11. Continue on the main path for some distance and then pass by a metal gate to reach a main road. Cross straight over the road pass by another metal gate and continue straight ahead along a footpath going through woodland.

12. Continue along this path for some distance until the path splits in two. Take the left split, continue straight ahead and then continue to go steep downhill. At the bottom of the hill you pass through what is often a very wet boggy patch of land making the path ahead difficult to follow. Be sure to continue straight ahead going uphill.

13. Ignoring all other paths to the left and right, go straight to the very top of the hill and then drop back down the other side. At the bottom of the hill and at a crossroads of footpaths turn right along a well laid footpath. After a short distance pass by a large metal gate and to a road.

14. Cross straight over the road to pass through a wooden chicane and onto a recreation ground. Continue straight ahead passing a skate park on your right and then pass through a wooden swing gate onto a road.

15. Turn left to follow the main road, ‘Tilford Road’, with terraced houses on the left and then after some distance pass’ Newstead Centre’ on your right. After a short distance cross over a railway line and then after a very short distance turn left back into the car park.

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

Winter Weather Tips for Dogs

Despite the dangers winter can sometimes present, winter walks with your dog can be safe and enjoyable providing you take the necessary precautions. Take a look at our nine top tips to keep both you and your dog safe while walking during the winter months.

Consider a coat for dog

During the winter months, it’s important to keep your dog warm. Let your dog’s coat grow and for short-haired breeds, senior dogs and puppies, it may be worth investing in a winter dog coat.

Winter walks

Walking your dog during the cold, dark mornings and nights can present its challenges; poor visibility being one of them. If you’re walking when it’s dark, it’s a good idea to make sure your dog is visible either with a flashing collar light or a highvis jacket. It’s important you’re also dressed for winter. Think about your own footwear when you’re venturing out with your dog and make sure you’re just as visible as your dog.

Beware of deep snow

The British weather is often unpredictable. Keep your dog on a lead if it’s snowing. There could be some deep pockets of snow or snow which maybe covering up some unsafe areas.

ID tag and microchipped

It’s important to ensure that your dog is wearing a collar, ID tag and is microchipped. It’s also vital to ensure your microchipping database is up to date with your address and contact details.

Returning from a walk

When you and your dog return from a winter walk, remember to wipe your dogs’ legs, feet and stomach. The grit from roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their skin.

Don’t leave your dog in a car

Leaving dogs in cars is dangerous all year round, even in winter. You should never leave your dog unattended in a car.

Frozen ponds

Don’t let your dog walk across frozen ponds. The ice may not be thick enough to take the weight of your dog.

Anti-freeze is poisonous

Even the smallest amounts of anti-freeze can have a very harmful and it can often have a fatal effect on your pet. Keep anti-freeze well out of pets’ reach and clean up any spillages right away.

Check leads, collars and harnesses

It’s a good idea to check items such as leads, collars and harnesses are all in working order. They can often get damaged by the winter weather e.g. wet weather may make metal clips rust.

If you’re having difficulty choosing the correct sized harness or coat for your dog, please visit our pet care retrial store at Pride Veterinary Centre where our friendly retail team will be able to provide advice.