Farndon Riverside Loop
Barge Beagle – sniffing out good finds for crews with canines
ONE of Barge Beagle’s regular walks is the Farndon Riverside Loop, a gentle amble of just over three miles.
Leaving the public moorings of this picturesque Nottinghamshire location, Barge Beagle snuffles along the path in front of the Farndon Ferry Bar and Bistro. After passing through a picnic area with traditional clapper gates, the route continues over the footbridge spanning the entrance to the delightful Farndon Marina (well-stocked chandlery on site) where Knots Bar and Restaurant is housed in a former Norwegian ferry.
A well-defined path continues along the riverbank, a high hawthorn hedge on the right concealing former gravel pits, home to many birds and waterfowl, not to mention Barge Beagle’s favourites – rabbits!
Alongside here, in January 2007, six acres of previously arable farmland were planted with native trees including ash, cherry, lime, rowan and whitebeam to form Farndon Park Woodland where, in the spring, countless wildflowers can be seen.
Continuing, the route now wanders alongside crop fields to the east and the river reach known as Baggarley Rack, where there are numerous fishing places providing ideal river access for a hot dog in need of a cooling swim!
Where the river bends to the north-east, the refurbished hulk of Staythorpe Power Station and, just beyond, the long Averham Weir stand on the far bank.
Here the waterway divides, the river tumbling over the weir to flow west of Newark, the navigation running via Newark Dyke bending away to the south-east.
Passing through another clapper gate into water meadows, a disused windmill comes into view. Ensure your dog is on the lead as livestock frequently graze here.
From the windmill, the route turns back towards Farndon where Barge Beagle has his last run ‘off lead’ in Farndon Meadow, an enclosed grassy area, before returning to the starting point.
Barge Beagle will be more than ready for his lunch before sleeping it off while you enjoy refreshment. Although both The Riverside and the Farndon Ferry Bar on the waterfront do not allow dogs inside, a short walk away in Farndon village is the Rose and Crown, which is more than happy to accommodate dogs – worth remembering should the weather turn inclement.