Crookford Ford

The River Ryton slips quietly under a low stone bridge just outside Worksop, and that's Crookford Ford - nothing flashy, just an old crossing that's been here longer than most of us care to think about. It's the sort of place that rewards a five-minute detour on a country walk rather than a dedicated trip, though if you're already exploring the Sherwood area, it's absolutely worth knowing about.

The ford itself sits in a proper rural setting with woodland either side and the water shallow enough that you can see straight through to the bed. There's something genuinely timeless about it - you half expect to see a medieval traveller emerge from the trees. The stone bridge above is modest but well-constructed, and locals clearly still use this as a walking route rather than a major road.

Honestly, plan for fifteen minutes here, maybe thirty if you fancy a proper poke around the banks and a bit of bird-watching. It's the kind of spot that works brilliantly if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Clumber Park Caravan and Motorhome Club is practically on your doorstep at under three miles away, and the National Trust's Clumber Park itself offers far more substantial attractions. But don't expect visitor facilities or formal infrastructure. This is walking country, pure and simple. Best visited on foot from a nearby base, ideally on a dry day when the water's clear and you can actually see what you're crossing.