Hardwick Park & Knotty Hill: When AllTrails Does You Dirty

When you hear the name "Hardwick Park," you usually think of a peaceful stroll around a lake, feeding the ducks, and keeping your shoes clean. That is not the walk I had today. I put my trust in an AllTrails circular route, and let’s just say it led me into a battle with the elements.

The Great Muddy Racetrack

The walk started off innocently enough, but the further I got into the "Knotty Hill" section, the more the ground vanished. It wasn't just muddy; it was standing water everywhere. At one point, the path was so impassable I had to U-turn and find an alternative.

That alternative led me onto a muddy racetrack! I didn't stick around long enough to see if any cars were coming, making a quick exit straight into—you guessed it—a flooded field.

The Waterproof Test

The route took me right through the middle of the deep water. I spent a good while zigzagging around the deepest parts, but eventually, I just had to go for it. This was the ultimate test for the waterproof coating on my hiking shoes. I’m happy to report they passed with flying colours; despite the wading, my feet stayed bone dry!

Chasing Memories at the Lake

After more slipping and sliding through the mud, I finally hit the solid ground of the golf course and headed up toward the hotel. At this point, I’d had enough of the "off-piste" adventure.

I abandoned the AllTrails route and headed down to the lake. It was much busier, but it was the Hardwick Park I remembered: ducks, swans, and—most importantly—a non-muddy walkway.

Verdict: If you follow the circular route, bring your best waterproofs and a sense of humor. If you want a quiet life, stay by the lake!