Ilkeston Fair Walk 2018

Friday 19th October after Circuit Training a really nice group of our fitness family made our 5th visit to Ilkeston Fair. It's become a tradition that we have to go up together, it doesn't matter if there are 4 of us or 15, we know it's a good laugh going on a few rides and getting out in the fresh (slightly onion smelling) air at the fair. All fitness family friendships get put to one side for the annual smash fest on the dodgems.

     

A rough mapping out gives us around 5km of walking, make that 6km with all the weaving around people. There was a really good atmosphere at the fair including police taking selfies with groups the kids. The weather was perfect and we all loved it, 9 of us made the walk this year with a few people stuck at work wishing they could have joined us. We did dominate on the horse racing game taking up over half the seats, I managed my first ever win to claim a little minion toy.

It's always great to see so many families out walking around town, no games consoles or mobile phones in hand. Just families out having a great time together and while walking too!

Ilson Glowsticks 

Bring on our 6th annual walk to the fair in 2019. Will you be part of our little fitness community and join us on the walk?

Keep you eye out for the next newsletter on the 28th as there maybe another fitness family walk coming your way soon.

Keep active and earning your MEPs!

Isle of Wight Challenge & Training walks

This blog is long overdue.

On the 30th April a group of us "Team Ilson Glowsticks" participated in the Isle of Wight half Island Challenge. As you have seen from previous blogs we have done various training walks throughout 2015. These walks carried on in 2016 to make sure we were fully prepared.

24th January - Erewash Valley Trail 21km

Jo, Tricia, Rob, Jo, Danny, Sian, Me, Lauren. 

After all the different training walks this was the first one we managed to get all 8 Isle of Wight Challenge walkers together.

It was a simple 21km walk around a small part of the Erewash Valley Trail. We did the area around Ilkeston linking the West and East sections of the Trail. It just shows what you can achieve without having to travel too far. Check out your local walking routes and see what you can link up to turn a couple of 5/10km walks into a full day out exploring your local surroundings.

13th February - Kinder Scout

Ready for Isle of Wight I went to Kinder Scout with Lauren for a nice hill test walk. Fully kitted out for the conditions forecast we set off. The walk started in the rain, which turned to sun, followed by at least 3 good flurries of snow as we closed in on the top. By time we got back to the car it was the nicest part of the day and glorious sunshine.

Between the snow flurries and blustering winds attempting to blow our lunch away the views were spectacular. The walk wasn't all straightforward and you can easily see how people get lost up these places especially when the weather can change in seconds.

If you do go and attempt Kinder Scout or any major walk please make sure you're fully prepared. You've got the correct kit, supplies and training.

Map of our route with incline chart.

20th March - High Peak Trail 46km

This was our last big training walk and I made sure it was a little bit dull! The views, walk, company etc weren't dull but walking 23km along a trail then turning back and walking the same 23km back made it a little bit tedious. This was intentional as the Isle of Wight Challenge won't just be tough physically but mentally challenging too. This walk was the last chance to break the boredom barriers and get focused on the big task coming up. We set off from High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal walking to Parsley Hay and back.

A good walk 23k out and 23km back all on the High Peak Trail.

This wasn't our first time on the High Peak Trail as you will have seen in previous blogs. Last time we took on the climb to Middleton Top we didn't enjoy it. However this time after Kinder Scout and no snow around the walk up seemed a lot easier this time! Much to the joy of the little group on the walk.

Middleton Top

The views were brilliant as always along the High Peak Trail and I would recommend a walk along there no matter what time of year. The walk joins up with the Tissington Trail which we previously walk along at Halloween. On the Tissington Trail walk we turned back just before we joined with the High Peak Trail. This time we pushed on past the join to have a little rest at the Parsley Hay.

Once we had refuelled we set off on the return leg. We knew where we were going as we just retraced out steps along the trail. We had given ourselves plenty of time for the walk but with it being such a long walk and in a rural area we required our head-torches as we closed in on the finish. Again this gave us good preparation for isle of Wight Challenge as they would be required on the day. It proved a simple cheap head-torch provides a bit of light but maybe something a bit more powerful would be required along with our glowsticks.

The walk was eventually finished in the dark with all 5 of us feeling the effects of such a long walk. There were some major blisters which again allowed for good preparation as it highlighted suitability of footwear.

30th April - Isle of Wight Challenge 2016

The big day is here and we all made it down and across to the Island safely. There were lots of pre-walk nerves but all the training had taken place and I knew we could do it.

Sian, Jo, Jo, Danny, Lauren, Rob, Me, Tricia - Photo taken by Cliff!!!

We couldn't have asked for any better weather, the sun was out a gentle breeze coming off the sea and smiles all around. The route was the reverse of the route I did a couple of years ago. We set off from Chale walking West towards the Needles, then back East to Cowes. 

As with previous Action Challenge events I've done this event was really well organised, signed and supported. We all had different reasons for doing the event, personal goals, in memory of loved and lost family members, charity, health, fitness, the list goes on. Between the group we were supporting Cancer Research UK, Crohn's & Colitis UK and Miscarriage Association.

Since the event I've set up a team page on JustGiving so you can support all team members really easily - Ilson Glowsticks

We've raised a lot of money for the great charities and hopefully we can keep the donations coming.

The event went as close to perfect as possible. There were ups and downs along the way, tears, stress, doubt, but the was all cancelled out by laughter, joy, food, views, jokes, conversation, friends, and most of all crossing the finish line like we started as a team of 8!

At that point more tears followed, maybe because it was over, we could rest, or maybe because the jokes ended!!! Those on the walk understand why I focus on the jokes.

A massive well done to everybody who took part, it nearly broke us but we did it and you should be very proud of yourselves and each other. A big thank you to our "support crew" with Mum aka Fitness Mum, Seacombe family, Maron Family, and Bradshaws. It was nice seeing you along the way for a little boost and encouragement. Finally a thanks to everybody who has already donated and to those who donate after reading this.

JustGiving Page - Ilson Glowsticks.

Bring on the next challenge.

Ilkeston/Kirk Hallam Walk - 5th December

With light being an issue in December but we still wanted to get another walk in to keep us gooing we did a local walk. We aimed to link a few local walks into one with a little stop off at Hollies Farm for snacks on a cold day. It was a combination of the Hermits Walk - Erewash Route 1 and Millers Walk - Erewash Route 8.

Setting off from home we walked to Kirk Hallam and Pioneer Meadows. At this point we followed the Hermits Walk following the fields across to Furnace Pond and onto Dale Road. From here it's a short walk to Hermits Wood and Dale Abbey.

From here we switched to Millers Walk and crossed the fields to reach the A6096 and Hollies Farm. After a little stop for some nice home made warm food we set off again over the fields we've walked before to Lower Hagg Farm, Upper Hagg Farm and eventually to Cat and Fiddle Road. Once back down across the A6096 we rejoined Hermits walk near Ladywood Farm and it wasn't long until we were back in Kirk Hallam.

Now we just walked back into Ilkeston and to the finish. To say it was a nice little local walk, combining two different routes we still covered just under 16km/10 miles.

Please visit the Erewash walking page and see all the different routes in the area - Erewash Walks.

We've covered parts of this walk on a few occasions now as you will see on previous blogs but at no point do the routes become dull. They all look totally different as the seasons change and are well worth trying. I'm looking forward to doing smaller local walks again once Isle of Wight Challenge 2016 has been completed.

Carsington and Middleton Top Walk

On the 21st Novemeber we did out next training walk for isle of Wight Challenge 2016. We took ourselves off to Carsington Water to do a bigger walk I found - Map.

This walk is 21km so shorter than last month however it included a big climb up to Middleton Top and a nice descent back into Carsington. The morning on the walk we woke up to a nice little covering of snow. It had been forecast but we didn't think it would actually arrive. But in Ilkeston it was just a little covering, nothing major.

So we set off to Carsington and soon realised that short distance into Derbyshire the snow had been falling a little bit heavier.

Carsington Water

We set off on the walk from the Carsinton Water visitor centre where we've done previous walks from. The route took us 3/4 of the way around the reservoir before we left the path. At this point it was a nice climb over a couple of fields in ankle deep snow. You work you way towards Wirksworth with some really good views. 

From here you make your way towards the National Snow Centre near Cromford. At this point it's once again up hill to join the High Peak Trail. We had already had a few inclines along the walk but this was a main one! The climb to Middleton Top.

Middleton Incline!

Middleton Top Visitor Centre.

Once at the top it was a great feeling knowing we had done the biggest hill on the walk and something we wouldn't have to do on the Isle of Wight Challenge. The cold winds and snow made it a nice challenge and we all dug in deep to get through it. From here we walked along the High Peak Trail with another couple of inclines towards Hopton. This is when we left the trail and headed across a deep snow covered field (Carsington Pasture). 

Ilson Glowsticks in Trainingwith Carsington Water behind us.

Once over these fields it was a "simple" little descent back into Carsinton for a bite to eat and 3km walk back to the car.

Please notice the "simple"!!!

This little descent was far from simple, it was great fun in my eyes but others in the group took a few slips and stumbles as it was very steep and slippery with the melting snow on the grass.

The walk was really good and easy to follow, it was a really nice addition to the usual Carsington Water loop. I would definately recomend this walk if you're capable of walking 20+km and can cope with some good hills. I can't wait to go back in Summer and do the walk again to see how different it looks without all the snow.

Again some hard work went into the walk and people deserve sponsoring.

Lauren - Cancer Research UK

Danny - Crohn's and Colitis UK

Short Walk November

The short walks had taken a bit of a back seat with the focus shifting to longer training walks for Isle of Wight Challenge. However in Novemeber we managed to fit a short and long walk in.

On the 15th November we did a 6.4km walk along the trusted Nutbrok Trail. We've done the walk so many times but it's so simple and easy to do and the views are great all year round.

The Power of Nature

By now you will have figured out that there is a great little coffee shop on the Nutbrook Trail called Nutbrok Coffee Shop. This was our aim for the walk to get a nice little "healthy"ish snack and a warm drink. 

We had a good group of us from some Ilson Glowsticks members to other clients just enjoying a morning walk away from work with their family.

Nutbrook Coffee Shop and the Nutbrook Trail

This walk wasn't about pace, distance or anything serious. It was all about a stretch of your legs, some fresh air and a nice social time.

Bring on the next walk on 21st November for the Long walk and more Isle of Wight training.

Tissington Trail Halloween Walk

31st October 2015 (Halloween) the long walk in preparation for Isle of Wight Challenge 2016 took us along the Tissington Trail.

A little group of four of us met up at Mapleton Lane Car Park near the start of the Tissinton Trail. It was a really foggy morning so very fitting for Halloween. The aim for the walk was to cover around 35km with a nice simple there and back walk along the trial. It might not be the most imaginative walk but that was the point. With Isle of Wight Challenge fast approaching we needed to not only see if we were physically on course but mentally prepared for a full day of walking too.

Map - Tissington Trail

Just as we approached Thorpe car park we could see a ghostly looking couple in the distance. However when we got there nobody was to be seen! I would say how fitting for Halloween but they probably thought better of a day walking in fog and took their dog home before it ran off and they lost it.

Spooky Figures

We powered on walking in the lovely fog past Tissington and Alsop. At this point we got lucky and on a cool day of walking we found a tea van pulled up on the road and had a nice arm drink.

You can't see much past the edge of the trail.

With low light conditions we decided at 20km to take a lunch break and turn back so we didn't end up walking in the dark. While sat on the side of the trail we lost count of how many cyclists pointed out "how good a view we had" in the fog, the first time it was funny but not so much by time we finished eating.

We then set off back to the cars along the same route we came out on. This was to see how we felt going back on where we already walked however nature decided to change things. With every km the fog lifted and it looked a totally different walk.

A nice Autumnal view.

Jo enjoying the views now the fog has lifted.

We actually made really good time on the walk and finished the 30km in 7 hours including rest stops. This gave the four of us real confidence with our training being on schedule ready for Isle of Wight Challenge.

At the end me and Jo had to walk the length of the tunnel just to round up the km and to walk on the little bit we missed out.

Lauren - JustGiving for Cancer Research UK.

Danny - JustGiving for Crohn's and Colitis UK.

They have both put in amazing effort on all the walks and in training session too. They both deserve to raise as much money as possible so please visit their JustGiving pages.

Ilkeston Fair Walk

This blog and 12 others are long over due. It's been a very busy 6 months in the World of Adam Fretwell PT. With preparation for Isle of Wight Challenge 2016 well under way, loads of CPD courses including two massive Level 4 courses with lots of coursework and everything else involved the blogs have been pushed to the back of the to do pile.

So way back on the 23rd October 2015 a big group of us set out to Ilkeston Fair. It was a nice evening, we all enjoyed a laugh on the rides. A few people enjoyed being big kids as they didn't go on the big bull ride but the kids version.

Ilson Glowsticks being big kids

To say we just set off one evening to have a little walk around Ilkeston Fair we actually covered 6.4km. It just shows how when you're with a good group of people how easily you can add some walking into your day/week. Half the group walked straight back while the other half headed down to the Nutbrook Trail for a little night time dark walking. Thanks to it being so sheltered down there it didn't take long for our eyes to adjust and it really wasn't too bad to walk along.

So once Ilkeston Fair arrives this year ditch your car and take a walk :)

September LONG WALK!!! Erewash Valley Trail

So the aim for September was a 30km walk so we can build up 5km per month ready for the Isle of Wight Challenge next year. We were going to cover a large section of the Erewash Valley Trail including the section on the previous walk - Trent Lock Long Walk.

We had mapped out a route that was almost bang on the 30km mark so we knew it was a good route to do. The bad thing was this was planned in August and my memory is shocking and I forgot which point we joined the Canal path. Basically we went wrong at the top on my street as I keep getting reminded of nearly a month later.

The walk ended up being 40.5km so a huge 10.5km longer than planned. However everybody on the walk is doing next years Isle of Wight challenge and the distance has to keep getting bigger. We all had sufficient food and hydration with us and managed it.

Our 40.5km walk

Now the walk is over everybody is looking back on it and feeling a massive sense of achievement and pride that they did it. I actually really enjoyed the walk and loved the views, the banter and being out exercising for the majority of the day. 

The walk covered a few sections of previous walks on the Nottingham Canal (Trowell Garden Centre) and the Trent Lock walk at the end. However my addition to the walk added going past Bennerly Viaduct and Winston the windmill which explains the 10km extra as we shouldn't have joined at that point. Once past Trowell Garden Centre we walked towards and in Bramcote Hills Park, this provided our first little rest stop and time for a coffee for one walker. The next section of the walk really isn't the nicest. It's off the paths and just walking along pavements over the new Tram line until you get to Attenborough. Here we had our main rest stop on the picnic tables at the visitor centre. We didn't stop too long as it was a cool windy day as we didn't want to start to stiffen up. Once out of the Nature reserve it's along side the River Trent until you get to Trent Lock.

Along the River Trent.

On the River Trent.

Trent Lock provided our next little stop and time for a well needed ice cream as it was at this point the walk had clocked up just under 30km so we should be home, however we still had 12.5km left to walk. 

This was the hardest part of the walk, but also the most important section. Everybody was starting to feel tired and their legs were aching. However we just kept going! The locks on the return leg were vital as they let us set mini targets, rest at a lock, walk past a lock, rest at a lock etc. From walking this section on the previous walk it meant we knew we could do it and we knew how far sections were. It wasn't long until we could see the M1 so knew Ilkeston was coming. By time we left the Canal back in Ilkeston at Nottingham Road it was dropping dark and I was lucky not to have been pushed into the canal.

We might have only been 2km from home but a quick stop in the garage for water to keep our hydration levels up all the way to the end was needed. Once we got back it was time to sit and chill! After walking 40.5km (25 miles) setting off just after 10am and returning in the dark it was reflection time. Some people had been worrying about next years IoW challenge but this proved to them it is and will be possible. 

Danny is doing the IoW challenge for Crohn's and Colitis UK - www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Brooks3

Lauren is doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Roper2015

Joanne is also doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Seacombe2

Sian is doing it for Miscarriage Association  - www.justgiving.com/Sian-Pickering

For the fact I pushed them to walk so far and they didn't push me into one of the canals please visit their JustGiving pages read their individual stories and make a donation. 

Not only are these walks improving our lives physically with exercise but the social and psychological benefits from walking and exercise are amazing too. But we are all doing this not only to improve our lives but the lives of other people too by raising money for some very good charities. 

Exercise can improve lives, not only yours but as we are proving the lives of others too.

September Short Walk

On 5th September it was the short walk around Shipley Park and Wood. I had a bit extra time before the walk so I parked up at Shipley Cricket Club and walked over the meet everybody in the main visitor centre car park. There wasn't any aim for the walk other than to visit Nutbrook Coffee Shop again. As you will have read in previous blogs it's rather nice there and if you can combine a nice walk and a nice green tea it's a winning combo. Once again with the short walks it was suitable for everybody and we welcomed the 3rd new addition to the fitness family thanks to the 3rd and final post-natal client return.

A nice refuel at Nutbrook Coffee Shop.

All of the paths around there are suitable for all people and abilities, the views are great and you now have multiple different options for a little snack or warm drink on a cold winters day:- Nutbrook Coffee Shop, Shipley Visitor Centre and The Lodge.

Looking back over the last couple of years we've been on the Nutbrook Trail, around the old American Adventure site and Shipley Wood/Park loads. There is a reason for this, the walks are simple and easy to follow, you can walk for as long or as little as you like and the views are always really good no matter what time of year you're walking.

Trent Lock - Long walk

On the 9th August it was time to stretch the legs out on a longer walk and the next one in the training for Isle of Wight Challenge 2016.

The route wasn't anything special it was all about getting some miles in our footwear, so it was a there and back walk. Starting off from mine to Trent Lock on the Erewash Canal. The views on the walk are lovely as always especially on a nice sunny summers day as the photos below show.

The walk totalled 25km or 15.5 miles if you work in old money. The isle of Wight Challenge is 54km so this was our first test on a longer walk. In the end it didn't matter it was a there and back route as we all enjoyed the views, chatting to each other and the fact we were outside exercising and socialising. 

I'm walking the IoW Challenge for Cancer Research UK again next year, my JustGiving page link is below.

www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Bring on the next long walk taking in a large section of the Erewash Valley Trail in September.

Trowell Garden Centre Walk

On 1st August I found a nice short walk suitable for all abilities as it was time to return to exercise for 2 of my Post-natal clients. We've done the Nutbrook Trail multiple times as you've seen from previous blogs:- Nutbrook Coffee Shop, 2nd Visit to Nutbrook Coffee Shop, Shipley Walk, and Fair Walk. So it was time to find a different route and use the Nottingham Canal. Our meeting point was Cossall Road car park walking towards Trowell Garden Centre and The Digg Cafe.

The walk was around 3km from the car park to the Garden Centre and was a simple route for pushchairs apart from a slight bumpy field. Once there the cafe was lovely and the food was really nice. A light snack and time for the two newest fitness family members to get a change of nappy and nap. It was time to set off back to the cars but not before a little projectile vomiting incident. It didn't take too long to get back over the bumpy field and back under the M1. From there it was a nice flat walk back along the disused canal path back to the cars.

Some people talk about Ilkeston as a bit of a dump but it has to be said it only takes a few minutes and you have some really nice walks along the tracks and trails all with really great views packed with wildlife.

Second Nutbrook Coffee Shop Walk

Saturday 25th July A nice group of us gathered at Nutbrook Cricket Club for a little walk to the Nutbrook Coffee Shop. At the start of July we visited there on the longer walk - Nutbrook Coffee Shop Walk.

This shorter walk was suitable for more clients this time. It was a reasonable distance for one client coming back from a broken foot (thanks to a dog toy & stairs, nothing to do with my training) and another after having her baby. The whole route from Nutbrook CC to Nutbrook CS is almost 100% smooth path with no stiles or gates in the way for a pushchair. The Nutbrook Trail really is very useful for an active life, perfect space for walking, jogging, cycling, getting fresh air with the kids as there are numerous parks and green spaces along it to explore. Once again for the walks the weather was spot on, the sun was out and a little bit of shade along the route. 

We got to the tea rooms in just under an hour, walking at a nice steady pace looking at the wildlife along the way. 

Thankfully we weren't on circular walk 6 today as the cows owned the field now.

Once again the staff at the tearooms were really friendly and the food and drinks went down a treat. I am slowly working my way through their Green Tea selection, it's three different ones I've tried there now. Twinings Cherry Bakewell, Gingerbread and Caramelised Apple. All of them are really nice and I need to add them to my green tea selection at home.

Plotting how to set up their own tea rooms.

Feeling all broody.

It was a nice little walk taking about 2 hours 30 minutes including drink stop, around 6km long. I would recommend a visit to the Nutbrook Coffee Stop if you're walking there from Ilkeston or Shipley. A relaly nice friendly atmosphere and over the Summer Holidays I'm sure they're open everyday, just double check their Facebook before you visit - Nutbrook Coffee Shop.

Enjoy your exercise over the School holidays.

Nutbrook Coffee Shop Walk

Recently a new coffee shop opened up right where we've been needing one on the Nutbrook Trail, it's name should be easy to remember for people seeing as it's called Nutbrook Coffee Shop.

This month I'm doing two walks as I wanted to drop in a longer walk and a shorter one too so people of all abilities can join in. The first walk was the longer walk covering 19km (11.8 miles)

The route took us from the Beauty Spot on the Nutbrook Trail all the way to Shipley Wood and Park, around the old American Adventure site and to the Nutbook Coffee Shop. It's only been open a few weeks but it looks fantastic and fit's right in with the surrounding area. I treated myself to a Gingerbread Green Tea, others in the group tried out some of their other items (cakes) but I was being well behaved. Everybody on the walk really enjoyed their food, drinks and the service while watching a bunch of dogs that some other walkers had with them. The coffee shop was nice and busy and is currently looking at expanding it's opening hours over Summer. The prices are also really reasonable and I need to have a walk back to buy some eggs from the chickens they have. Keep looking on their Facebook for details.

A nice selection of Jams

On the walk back we took a different path which is one of the old railway lines which took us directly to Nutbrook CC. On the lovely sunny day they were hosting a T20 tournament with matches between Nutbrook, Spondon, Elvaston and Duffield. We managed to catch a few overs of the Elvaston v Duffield match and saw a flurry of wickets as they looked to put some runs on the board. It was good to see people down there enjoying the fresh air, BBQ and cricket.

From here we set off to Swan Lake and back to the trail, going back up the golf course and home for me.

We've covered a lot of the walk on previous walks, as the Nutbrook Trail is so handy to get on and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. Please look back at some older blogs and see different links of points of interest and walks around Ilkeston and Erewash.

The next walk will visit the Coffee Shop again but setting off from Nutbrook CC so will be a flatter shorter walk of around 6 to 7km so suitable for all abilities, children and pushchairs. 

Hollies Farm Double Walk

On the 23rd May I organised a walk from Hollies Farm Cafe, well actually two walks.

I wanted to accommodate clients of all abilities and those who are/were pregnant. So I planned a couple for walks both around 6km in length with a little bite to eat between the walks.

The first walk took us down towards Hermits Cave and Dale Abbey.

Walk 1

We did have some fun in the woods as there are some steep steps and they weren't suitable for all walkers so after a little jog around the edge of the wood I met up with some of the group who took the longer but flatter route around. We then all met up at Hermits Cave for a group photo before walking towards The Carpenters Arms for a quick drink and toilet stop before walking back around to Hollies for our food stop and the end of the walk for a few people.

Hermits Cave

After some lovely food as always, we set back out the other direction from the tea rooms and looped around to Cat & Fiddle Windmill. 

Walk 2

We've been on most of the paths/trails before in other walks - Miller's Walk and Hermits Walk but it was nice to cover them in two smaller walks so all ages and abilities could enjoy the lovely views. Don't forget to look at the walks in Erewash on their website - Erewash Walks.

Just watch out for cute lambs, horses and cows on your travels....