Start: Claremont Crescent.
[1] Turn left along Claremont Crescent, cross Northumberland Road into Damer Street and then cross Western Bank at the lights, pass the main entrance of Western Park Museum and turn right into Mushroom Lane. After about 75 mtrs. turn left into Crookes Valley Park at the Dam House sign, branch right down to the lake and continue straight on, going clockwise.
(A) Dam House, now a restaurant, was originally the Water Company Solicitor’s house, before becoming home to the Hunter family in the 19th Century. The Old Great Dam ceased as a public water supply in 1949.
Take the upper path beyond the pavilion to the playground and ascend the steps. Climb more steps to the right and exit beside the phone box.
[2] Go over the zebra crossing and enter The Ponderosa through the railings on Oxford Street. Turn left and then double back right along the low path.
(B) The Ponderosa, named after the ranch in the popular 1970’s TV Western series, Bonanza, this elongated strip of parkland was the site of a dismantled village and engineering works called Port Mahon.
After about 100 mtrs. climb the steps and bear left to the far exit, where there is an information board.
[3] Cross the road and by the information board re-enter the park. Descend and pass the bowling green on your left.
(C) Established in 1907, Crookesmoor is one of the oldest bowling clubs in the city.
Turn second left beyond the playground to rejoin the lakeshore, climb the second set of steps and continue clockwise on the upper path. Leave the way you came in and retrace your steps to the hospital.