The basics The walk is 4.5 miles (7 kilometres) on good popular footpaths, mainly through arable land, with no cows or horses. It passes through the Netherfield Lagoons, a wildlife Nature Reserve popular with native and migratory birds. You may also find frogs at your feet in Spring, with butterflies over- head in Summer. The last two miles by the Trent are very pleasant but with little cover in poor weather.
How to get there From the A612 Nottingham to Southwell road, turn off right shortly after passing under the railway bridge at Gedling. If coming from Southwell or the A46, turn off left one mile (1.5 kilometres) after Burton Joyce, at the traffic lights where it is signposted for Stoke Bardolph. Follow the road through the village and the Ferry Boat Inn will be found overlooking the riverside on your left.
Parking Either leave your car in the large inn car park, or in the smaller public car park by the river.
The Ferry Boat This is an inn full of character. Dating back over 170 years, it takes its name from the ferry that plied from here to Shelford across the Trent. It has been well refurbished again recently, with an indoor soft children’s playroom, loos and ramps for the disabled, a heated courtyard and an outside children’s play area. You may bring your dog, but keep it on the front lawn or in the courtyard. The spacious dining area is a pleasing mix of old and new, where up to date décor blends with the traditional appearance of low ceilings and old timbers.
The inn belongs now to Spirit Pub Company, with a range of drinks that includes Guinness, Tetley’s ales and Strongbow cider, with Beck’s, Foster’s, San Miguel and Stella Artois lagers.. The range of wines includes the house dry, medium and red, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It is open all day Monday to Saturday, midday to 11.00 pm, with meals and bar snacks at lunchtime and evening. On Sundays the licensing hours are 11.30 am to 10.30 pm, with food available between 11.30 am and 9.30 pm.
You’ll find a comprehensive menu that is changed twice a year, with a mouth-watering selection of sweets and sundaes, plus a full range of sandwiches and baguettes for those of lighter appetites. Sunday lunches are also served, with children and vegetarians catered for. Telephone 0115 9871232.