Reading & Libraries
Winter Mini Challenge 2024 - Marvellous Makers
An online challenge inviting children, aged 4 - 11 to read three books or more, between 1 December …
Alan has a story to tell about leaving and returning; of trying to make sense of something a stranger once told him; of male voice choirs, aubergine muffins, and Muntjac deer. He is joined by those come here as visitors, rangers, and volunteers, and for whom this place plays a big part in their lives.
The walk starts at the car park on Park Road with the Winding Engine House behind you. Walking up Park Road we come to Alexandra Lodge, and then retrace our steps for a moment before turning into the heart of the country park. We follow a path that passes Khalsa Wood before walking through the Big Wood glade to the Adventure Playground. Looking out over the landscape we then follow paths back down to the Winding House, past some very old trees and along the side of the reclaimed colliery area. Approaching the Dynamo House and the Winding Engine we continue towards the play area, coming into Bestwood village opposite St. Alban’s Road, with our starting point a couple of minutes away to the right.
The walk is on a variety of paths and depending on the weather these may be wet and muddy. The stretch of road up to Alexandra Lodge can sometimes have big puddles so you might want to bring suitable footwear. There is also a small steeper downhill section of the walk, although there are benches to stop and sit on (and we will) as we go down here.
There are a total of 14 tracks on this walk, with regular stops along the way. There are also sections when the audio is playing as you walk. It should take you around two hours to complete Alan’s story. Distance: 2.5 miles
You can download the audio tracks and save them to your audio device before you set off, or stream them from your device on the go; either from the links below or, if you prefer, via a streaming platform such as Spotify or Audible - see the links at the bottom of this page.
Track 1: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at The Bestwood Country Park car park on Park Road.
Track 2: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the noticeboard at the bottom of Broad Valley Drive
Track 3: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at Alexandra Lodge
Track 4: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the Park Rangers' noticeboard
Track 5: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the arch to Khalsa Wood
Track 6: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the picnic tables in the Big Wood glade
Track 7: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the Adventure Playground
Track 8: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the Bench on the downhill path
Track 9: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the bench by the old oak and copper beech trees
Track 10: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at the old oak overlooking the dip
Track 11: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to on the path alongside the reclaimed colliery area
Track 12: Alan's Story - Bestwood
To be listened to at The Winding House
To be listened to at the bench by the basketball play area
To be listened to on St. Alban’s Road
‘Alan’s Story’ was written by Andy Barrett and read by Phil Molloy. It was recorded by Phil Booth at J.T. Soar and the sound design was Adam P McCready. The photos that you come across were made by Julian Hughes.
Thanks to Roger Williams; the Bestwood Male Voice Choir; the African Apostolic Church; Katja Hock, Rob Wombwell and all those whose voices are included; everyone who shared their stories; and all who helped with the research for this walk.
The audio can also be streamed from a number of platforms such via the links below (and, if you have subscriptions with any of these, you should be able to download them as well):
For those who don't have access to their own devices, there are also a limited number of MP3 players available to borrow. Find out more here.
