Condon two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I very much enjoyed this Slow Way. It is a bit of a tour but that takes in the best bits. Stiles, steps but cattle only seen behind fences. Lots of good bonded surface, services about half way, what is there not to like. Could be more direct and plotting at Doncaster not helpful so loses a star.

I started at Conisbrough and was pleased that the route takes in a good view of the castle although it needs to use steps to access Castle View, which can be avoided. Being picky the route could use Calvert Way at the foot of Castle Hill. The next path, I would suggest, is an early confirmation that this is a walking only route. We pass the back of houses then through woodland and approaching the viaduct care is needed to take the right hand fork to climb.

The view from the viaduct makes the tour worthwhile. Once over the other side we start a long use of the bonded surface cycle track but stay alongside the viaduct, the other path offers bikes a better gradient via a longer loop. The river side path is very easy walking but there is not a lot to see beyond the trees and bushes except an infrequent boat on this under used navigation. There was the heady smell of Elderflower and wild garlic and later there will be the scent of Himalayan Balsam, it may be invasive but I like it.

The Boat Inn at Sprotbrough Lock is about half way so well placed for a break, there are also occasional seats along the trail. Beyond here the path is compacted earth and there were signs of flooding so at times this could be an issue.

Passing under the busy A1 road bridge the cycle route turns left along a disused rail route. We continue river side and leave the tree lined path into open fields along the top of the flood bank. An alternative direct route would be along the cycle track but I rather enjoyed the contrasting openness of the riverside as it made a gentle curve.

After passing through the farm of Newton Lane Bridge it was impossible to locate the cross field path, so I followed locals and remained on the well walked flood bank. An impressive bridge takes a dead end right of way over a branch of the river and would offer a more direct route but we stay on the west bank as the open countryside becomes the back of the hospital and industry.

Once on the road we are nearly there but as reported elsewhere the plotting lets us down so it was fortunate that I’d approached Doncaster this way before. Cross onto the north side pavement and after we cross the railway there are two options of steps that lead down from the bridge to ground level. Follow the road at this level then take an arch right under the road which leads into the bus station, signs then direct us to the train station.

This walk could be more direct but this would most likely remove the bits I most enjoyed.

This is a very pleasant walk that can be done between two railway stations as a day out. Leaving Doncaster train station is probably the most confusing part, but it is straight forward after that.

Condon 2 is by far the best of the 2 Condon routes, (passing The Boat Inn at Sprotbrough Lock).
River work is being done currently at Marsh Gate prison however you can still stay Riverside from Newton Farm to the works fencing and then follow the River Don to the cement works at Marsh Gate.
From Connisborough Viaduct walking from Doncon you can stay on TP2 all the way to Liverpool!!.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.