About
The ‘Beast of Bolsover’ is a 20 mile circular hike from Bolsover, passing historic houses along the way and taking its title from the fearsome nickname of Bolsover’s long serving MP and keen walker Dennis Skinner.
The route takes in views of Bolsover Castle and the English Heritage and National Trust properties of Hardwick Hall, which appeared in the Harry Potter films The Deathly Hallows Parts I & II as Malfoy Manor, and the old Sutton Scarsdale Hall, famed as the derelict Wayne Mansion in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
We will also pass through Pleasley Country Park, and enjoy the villages of Heath, Palterton and Teversal, the setting for Lady Chatterley's Lover.
This was once coal mining country and although the mines have all but disappeared you will find a warm welcome in the communities that they have left behind.
Please bring some sandwiches to enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Hardwick Hall, or some money if you wish to buy hot or cold food from the National Trust Café.
Please bring a packed lunch.
Route grading - strenuous (walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level).
Organised by Bolsover District Council
Guide Prices
Free of charge
Booking essential
Facilities
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Public toilets - Toilet available at some point on route
Routes
- Accessibility of route - Not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs
- Description of route - Circular walk, 2 rest stops, 6-10 stiles
- Length of route (miles) - 20
- Typical duration of route - 9 hours
Opening Times
Season (26 June 2021) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Saturday | 08:00 | - 17:00 |
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From North (follow brown signs for Bolsover Castle) Leave M1 motorway at junction 29A and take 1st exit off roundabout (Markham Road). At next roundabout take 3rd exit (Markham Lane). Follow road to next roundabout and take 3rd exit (Markham Lane). At next roundabout take 2nd exit (A632). Follow road for approx 1 mile and, at roundabout, take 2nd exit (A632). Follow road for just under a mile into Bolsover and take right turn (Castle Street, brown signpost for Castle). Follow road past Castle entrance and continue round left hand bend into High Street. Take 1st left turn (Cotton Street) and Library is on right at bend.
From South (follow brown signs for Bolsover Castle) Leave M1 motorway at junction 29A and take 3rd exit off roundabout (Markham Road). Follow road under M1 and, at roundabout go straight on. At next roundabout take 3rd exit (Markham Lane), then follow route from North.
From East Follow A617 to junction with M1 motorway. At roundabout take 4th exit (M1 North). Leave M1 at next junction (29A), then follow route from South
From West Follow A619 to Chesterfield. At traffic light controlled roundabout (Matalan) select middle lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and, at traffic lights go straight on. At roundabout select middle lane and take 2nd exit (A632). Follow road, going straight on at traffic lights, for about 1 mile and, at traffic lights (Royal Hospital) go straight on. Follow road, going straight on at mini roundabout, for approx 1¼ miles to traffic lights and go straight on. At roundabout take 3rd exit (A632). Follow road for just under a mile into Bolsover and take right turn (Castle Street). Follow road past Castle entrance and continue round left hand bend into High Street. Take 1st left turn (Cotton Street) and Library is on right at bend.
Public Transport Directions