Skegby Trail

The Skegby to Pleasley line opened to goods in 1898 and was built to get access to the collieries in the Nottinghamshire coalfields. It was run by the Leen Valley Lines of the Great Northern Railway. Passenger service followed soon after. Closure came about as collieries closed over many years, and, lines have been modified around the area, we cannot find a definite date. There are a number of railway lines in the area now designated as bridle paths that give the rider ample choice of the route they decide to go for. We have seen a photo taken some while ago of a 'pinch' gate on the Skegby line with signs restricting horse riding on the cycle path from south of Skegby to New Cross. We enquired at the Ashfield council ROW and were assured that the line can be ridden along its entire length. The bridleway looks to be a pleasant leafy and grassy ride with much of it on firm ground (not so much tarmac!) The distance from Pleasley to New cross is just over 3.5 miles. Grid ref: SK 5016 6444 Parking in area at end of Chesterfield Road (Great Northern Cottages) SK 5004 6498 Grid ref: SK 4973 5918 Parking in Northern View, New cross - same grid ref.