Langold Country Park
A couple of people have mentioned Langold and thought that I ought to include it in the Rotherham pages. Conning my map I can see why as the county border runs right through the middle of the lake. Some of the country park is in Yorkshire whilst most is in Nottinghamshire so I have opted to put this page in Round & About Rotherham.
Langold Lake was one of my father's favourite fishing haunts back when I was a child and before country parks were invented. Sometimes the Yunga Bruvver and I were permitted to accompany him as long as we behaved ourselves: this was a great treat as other than the odd afternoon down Whiston stream we were rarely permitted to disturb a peaceful afternoon's kip on a riverbank.
Langold Lake is man-made lake with several other ponds within a small country park in Langold village. The 400 acre estate was laid out as the basis of a planned stately home in the early 1800s but the house was never built. The grounds became part of Firbeck Colliery and were owned by the National Coal Board before coming into the hands of Worksop Rural District Council. It has been administered by Bassetlaw District Council since 1974. The Langold Gala was held here from 1929 featuring the British Long Distance Swimming Association Championships and very busy they were too. I haven't discovered when the Galas ceased to be held but it doesn't look as if swimming is encouraged much these days.
Information
The country park is criss-crossed with paths most of them muddy in wet weather. The walk around the lake is under 2 miles and is mostly flat with a hard core surface suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs though I'm not sure motorised buggies can get through in places. You can strike out to Firbeck and Letwell if you fancy a longer wander. There is a Langold Country Walk which is 8 miles from the park around Carlton in Lindrick, South Carlton and Hodsock back to the country park. You'll need to contact Worksop Tourist Information Centre for a copy. The park is popular with children, dogs, fishermen and bird watchers and I think that a canoe club meets there. There is a small café serving snacks and an ice cream kiosk. Skatepark, children's play area, bandstand, Sunday football.
The main car park is off Church Street in Langold and is free in the week but there is a charge at weekends. There are two smaller car parks. There are fishing pegs and platforms but I could not find details of the fishing club.
Address:- Langold Country Park, Langold, Worksop. Tel. 44 (0)1909 730189.