h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

If you drive along the Great North Road, between Retford and Bawtry, you come across a village called Scrooby. On the Western side of the road, you'll see a pub call The Pilgrim Fathers. Just before the pub is a track that joins an old disused railway line, now used as a gallop for racehorses. Wander westwards along the gallop. Eventually the gallop gives way to overgrown railway track. As you carry on, the cutting the track was in becomes a bank, as you come towards the river Ryton. There used to be a viaduct across the river, but it has all fallen down now. You can sit on the precipice where the viaduct used to be and look into the distance at the fields and trees (try and ignore Harworth colliery).

Sit for a long time, gather your thoughts and just chill out. If you have brought a dog, even better, as dogs love it there. If you have brought a loved one, better still, as this is truly a place to fall in love in.

After you have had your fill, walk back along the track until you reach the pub. Go inside and have a beer and some food. If you are lucky, you can have a chat with the locals, who are all very nice.

The walk to Scrooby Drop doesn't have the breathtaking scenery of, say, the pennine way, and isn't particularly long. It will never be right up there with the great walks of all time, but it holds a special place in my heart, and always will.

If you've been there (maybe even with me), you'll know what I mean.