u3a

Mansfield

Pathfinders

Status:Active, open to new members
Coordinator:
When: Monthly on Thursday mornings 10:30 am
Last Thursday of the month
Venue: Various Locations

Pathfinders is a thriving, welcoming walking group for couples and singles, with room for both seasoned hikers and complete beginners. We explore a wide variety of routes across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire—through woodland and fields, over gentle hills, and along riverside and canal paths. Some walks include stiles and rough ground; where that’s the case, I’ll flag it before you sign up.

When we walk

  • Last Thursday of the month
  • Start time: 10:30 am
  • Distance: typically 5–7 miles
  • Duration: about 2–3½ hours

How it works

  • Route check: I pre-walk the route one week before and email everyone that evening with full details: terrain notes (and photos if anything may be challenging), the meeting point, toilets on route, start time, and an approximate finish time.
  • RSVP: Please email to confirm you’re coming. If you’re running late, we’ll know to wait for you.
  • Breaks: We pause around halfway for refreshments—bring a drink and a snack if you’d like.
  • After the walk: If there’s a café or pub nearby, some of us stop for a relaxing drink—totally optional.

Our ethos

We keep the pace leisurely and the conversation friendly, with plenty of chances to share knowledge of local history, nature, flora, and fauna.

What to Bring

For your comfort and safety, please come prepared with:

  • Walking boots
  • Warm and waterproof clothing – weather can change quickly
  • Hiking/trekking sticks (optional, but useful)
  • Personal first aid kit – I carry a basic one, but it’s always good to have your own

Car Sharing

We encourage car sharing where possible. The cost is 40p per mile, divided between everyone in the car (excluding the driver), and paid directly to the driver.

Joining Pathfinders

Pathfinders is open to all Mansfield u3a members. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or taking your very first steps, you’ll find a warm and friendly welcome.

If you’d like to join the mailing list for upcoming walks—or just want more information—please use the enquiry button above or speak to me at the monthly u3a meeting.

Linda Kennedy, Group Leader

Links

Risk Assessment

Forthcoming events

28th May 2026
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Pathfinders
Starting in Cromford, this is a lovely trail, heading over the gentle hills, offering a nice variety in scenery and terrain. You'll start along the path through Middleton Wood and […]
25th June 2026
10:30 am
Pathfinders
Distance/Time: 5.8 miles approx 3 hrs Terrain Type: Mixed Starting and end point: TBA Standard of walk: TBA Refreshments: TBA
Booking Required
30th July 2026
10:30 am
Pathfinders
Initial 4 mile walk on Mam Tor with options afterwards to visit Castleton independently or add a further walk onto the route to Hope. Distance/Time: 4/8 miles Terrain Type: Mixed Starting and […]
Booking Required
27th August 2026
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Pathfinders
Enjoy winding along the River Trent from the site of Newark Castle to Farndon and round the farm fields. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you make your way […]
Booking Required
24th September 2026
10:30 am
Pathfinders
Distance/Time: 5.7 miles approx 3 hrs Terrain Type: Mixed Starting and end point: TBA Standard of walk: TBA Refreshments: TBA
Booking Required
29th October 2026
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Pathfinders
This is a wonderful circular route in the Peak District National Park through Chatsworth Park. You will visit the tranquil Emperor Lake, a series of waterfalls, and the banks of […]
Booking Required
26th November 2026
10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Pathfinders
Lovely, peaceful walk at times near the water but also a lot along a forest path. Generally a steady walk overall going clockwise apart from between the 5th and 6th […]
Booking Required
28th January 2027
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Pathfinders
Enjoy winding between the lakes and wetlands and along river as you make your way round part of the Idle Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife including a variety […]