My Walking Journeys

Exploring a Scenic Belvoir Castle Walk

Dec 10th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today the Three Amigos enjoyed an 8.4-mile circular walk from Woolstorpe-by-Belvoir, taking in views of Belvoir Castle and The Grantham Canal.

It was the day after Storm Bram so we were expecting some wet conditions underfoot. We parked by ‘The Duck’ pub early doors and headed along the Grantham Canal. It was going to be a blue-sky morning. A flight of noisy geese passed overhead – it was lovely to see. We observed that the canal has plenty of water in it following weeks of rain.

Shortly, we left the canal towpath, crossed Longmoor bridge and headed uphill following The Viking Way. The morning sun was just rising.

We passed through a short wooded section and then a beautiful vista opened up in front of us with Belvoir Castle on the left and the Vale of Belvoir in front-its moment’s like this that make walking a joy.

We headed downhill towards Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir village taking care on the slippery path. Passing through the village we crossed over the River Devon and then headed slightly uphill across open fields containing sheep. Belvoir Castle got closer and we were enjoying the views. Chris collected some rubbish that had blown into the field with the aim of disposing of it elsewhere – well done Chris!

We started to notice some cloud and soon we spotted a rainbow – rain was imminent.

Before long before it was raining. We were passing Belvoir Castle Retail Village so we took advantage of a wooden hut to shelter from the rain and have a cuppa. This also gave Chris an opportunity to put on his new wet weather gear.

It was still raining after we had finished our break so we continued onwards down a road to reach the turn that would lead us back to the Grantham Canal. The rain didn’t last much longer and blue skies returned once more.

After easy walking along good towpath, as we neared the end of the walk, we encountered some very boggy conditions which were hard going.

We all could feel in our legs that it had been a good walk. It had been a therapeutic walk – the sun makes all the difference.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Didn’t expect to find a Woolly Mammoth!

Dec 3rd, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, the Three Amigos were out and about enjoying a 6-mile walk at Watermead Country Park north of Leicester. The park is a network of lakes, woodland and nature reserve created from 340 acres of ex-gravel workings along the River Soar. https://leicscountryparks.org.uk/parks/watermead-country-park/

The weather forecast was for a sunny morning, however, as we arrived the day was grey and overcast. Still, we were hopeful that the mist would eventually burn off.

A bird hide

I had downloaded a route that someone had put on OS Maps so we set off following this route. We soon discovered that the route was nonsense and so abandoned it. However, we did take a look in a two- level bird hide – it was very substantial. The mist was slowly lifting 😊.

One of the views from the bird hide

All was quiet and still, just the odd dog walker or jogger here and there. We passed a container adjacent to a lake which had interesting graffiti painted on it – the container belongs to the Leicester Sup board club.

The path in this section was well constructed and Chris was setting a quick pace. He was targeting 3.4 mph.

Soon we were crossing a bridge over the River Soar. The water was moving swiftly following the recent rain and the level was high.

Crossing the river Soar

As we followed the River Soar we passed boats moored along the bank – smoke was billowing from their chimneys. It was a chilly morning.

We were now walking on muddy towpath – the pace dropped as we avoided slipping on the mud.

We walked beside Leicester Marina.

Leicester Marina

Reaching another lake we saw a lot of birds and a rat!

Plenty of birds

We climbed a hill where we found a Mammoth sculpture on top. The sculpture is called Silent Witness by Daniel Jones and is constructed from steel and concrete Apparently, the remains of a Woolly Mammoth have been found in the valley – 10,000 years have passed since the last mammoth passed this way.

Chris and Mick by the Mammoth.

Contrary to popular belief, the woolly mammoths were not really giants by appearance, but roughly the same size as modern African elephants, standing at heights of up to 12 feet at the shoulder and weighing about 12 tons. Their dense fur reached a length of up to a meter and had a fine undercoat of wool. Their ears and tail were small so as to avoid frost blisters.

View of the lake below the Mammoth sculpture

Further along we came across a Polar Bear! He was a friendly chap and didn’t bite 😊

We crossed another bridge adjacent to a weir.

We passed some anglers fishing by the river. One was landing a large bream just as we passed by – he told Mick it was his eighth of the morning! The sun was out and it was blue sky heaven- wonderful!

Soon we were arriving back at the car. It had been a lovely walk – it’s always nice walking by water. There is more to explore at the Park so we will do that another day.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring Nottingham’s New Pedestrian Bridge: A Scenic 9.5-Mile Walk

Nov 18th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Mick and I enjoyed a 9.5-mile circular walk which had two aims. Firstly, to see the new pedestrian bridge across the River Trent and secondly to avoid muddy fields.

Our route

We caught a bus to Radcliffe which was the start of the walk. The bus was full of passengers so it was squeeze to disembark – especially carrying large rucksacks. Well, it was rush hour so what did we expect!

We headed to Holme Pierrepont and The National Water Sports Centre. It was a chilly morning – we are currently receiving an Arctic blast following the ridiculously warm weather of the previous two weeks. Sleet/snow is forecast for tomorrow.

The last time I had visited the Centre was during the summer and there had been a Regatta in progress – it was very busy on that day. Today was entirely different -it was very quiet. There were a few people practicing on the water but generally the ducks, swans and herons had the water to themselves. The clouds overhead looked intriguing.

Heron just taking off

We made our way to the slalom course and could see immediately that there had been flooding from Storm Claudia and the path was inaccessible.

We took a walk to Holme Lock and went around the flooding. The Colwick Sluice gates were scaffolded out. Following extensive flooding in Nottingham in 1946 and 1947 these gates were constructed in 1955 to reduce water levels in flood conditions and to maintain water levels through Nottingham. There are five sluice gates which are triggered by ultrasonic detectors which monitor the water level.

Colwick Sluices

Continuing on we crossed over a wooden bridge above the Slalom course – the water was rushing fiercely past.

The Slalom course

We stopped for a drink and a breather- we both had hot Bovril in our flasks – ideal for a chilly day.

Warmed from our hot drinks we passed the empty car parks for the Water Centre and joined the bank of the River Trent heading towards Nottingham.

River Trent

The new pedestrian bridge is the first bridge to be built across the River Trent in 60 years. The bridge was assembled on the bank and lifted into place by a very large crane on the 10th November. The bridge is not due to open until spring next year – we will be back to walk across it!

As we continued along the river bank we got tantalising glimpse’s of the bridge – however we could not get closer because the riverbank path is closed for the construction works. I wonder what name will be given to the bridge?

The new bridge

Assembling the bridge

The bridge being lifted into position

Artists impression of the finished bridge

Nottingham’s new Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge – Transport Nottingham

Having achieved this objective we set off for the Grantham Canal and a towpath walk out of Nottingham. I was pleased to see that there was water in the canal. When I walked this stretch in the summer it was dry.

Mick walking along the Grantham Canal

There were plenty of Ducks enjoying the water- they are so cute.

Before too long we were away from the canal and heading across fields towards Radcliffe – our destination. Thankfully, the fields were not too muddy.

Our clear route across the fields

So, we arrived at the bus stop to catch the bus back – the bus was almost empty, a complete contrast to our earlier trip!

We had enjoyed a good walk and achieved both of our objectives..

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Newark’s Queens Sconce: A Walk Through History

Nov 16th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today Angela and I enjoyed a short circular 4.5-mile walk in Newark. The weather for the past couple of weeks has been very wet culminating in storm Claudia a couple of days ago. Everywhere was water logged so we chose a route with good paths.

We parked in Sconce and Devon Park – the largest open space in Newark. You may be wondering how it got such an unusual name. Well, within the park lies The Queen’s Sconce – a scheduled ancient monument and the river Devon. Neither of us had been here before.

Because it was early on a Sunday morning the park was occupied with dog walkers mostly. The Park Run team were setting up for a Children’s Park Run.

During the English Civil War Newark played a vital role. It was a Royalist stronghold and was besieged on three occasions. At the end of the second siege the towns defences were fortified by building two earthwork defences. A Dutch Engineer named Sir Bernard de Gomme designed the new defences – the word sconce is the Dutch word for fort. The two earthwork forts were named the Kings Sconce and the Queens Sconce – only the Queens Sconce survives.

A view of the Queens Sconce

The Queens Sconce would have been garrisoned by around 150 troops during the siege. The soldiers had their quarters close to the ammunition store in the hollow at the centre of the sconce.

The hollow at the centre of the sconce

The third siege lasted six months and the Royalist forces were weakened by famine and plague. Finally, the King ordered the surrender of Newark. After the surrender the parliamentarians left quickly, not wishing to risk the plague. Hence, the Sconce is still here today.

We crossed over the forts ditch using the attractive bridge.

Bridge to reach the sconce

There is a lovely sculpture of a canon on the high point of the sconce.

From the top of the sconce we could see the swollen river Devon below.

River Devon in flood

As we walked around the park we found that our access was restricted because the river Devon had flooded the paths.

Do you fancy a paddle Angela?

As we left the park, to head for the Trent Navigation, we passed another nice sculpture (by Phil Neal)- a bicycle made from bicycle cogs to commemorate the Tour of Britain in 2017.

Reaching the Trent Navigation we could see that the water was moving quickly.

I love this walk by the Trent Navigation – its steeped in history. You can just sense it.

View from Newark Town Lock gates

Our riverside path took us beside the ruins of Newark Castle.

It was pleasing to note that some restoration works are occurring and what looks like a visitors centre is being built.

At the town wharf an old barge is being used as a café. I imagined it with its sails hoisted.

We continued along beside the river until the path became too muddy. We then crossed a pedestrian bridge with the famous sugar factory stack billowing steam in the background. There was a distinct smell of sugar beet in the air.

Walking along the opposite bank we passed the entrance to Kings Marina and a bridge that we had crossed earlier.

Kings Marina

Our onward progress was frustrated by a path closure and a diversion. We decided that we were not going around the houses and headed back to Sconce and Devon Park. We stopped at the café in the park and enjoyed a coffee.

Rumbles cafe in the park

We will return to the park in the future to enjoy the areas that we couldn’t see today because of the flooding.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
A Relaxing 7.5-Mile Walk from Farndon to Newark

Nov 6th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning I was out early and enjoyed a delightful 7.5-mile walk from Farndon to Newark along the river Trent and the Trent Navigation. I parked at the Riverside pub in Farndon and set off walking at 07:30. The pub lies adjacent to the River Trent and I was soon walking beside the river – all was still and quiet.

River Trent

It wasn’t long before I was crossing a white pedestrian bridge over the entrance for Farndon Marina where there were boats galore to admire!

Bridge over entrance to Farndon Marina

Farndon Marina

As I walked along the bank of the river I had super views of Staythorpe Power Station on the opposite bank. The buildings were reflecting in the calm waters.

Staythorpe Power Station

The power station is owned by the German energy company RWE Generation UK. It is the second largest gas fired power station in the UK and the third largest in Europe.

Staythorpe Power Station

Soon after this I passed by Aversham Weir. You couldn’t help but notice it – the sound of the tumbling water was booming and an indication of just how powerful moving water can be. It was just after this that I left the river Trent and joined the Trent Navigation.

Aversham Weir

The Trent Navigation was completed in 1772. It created a navigable channel right through Newark. Goods such as corn, wool and coal could now be landed right in the town and the economy prospered.

The Navigation is rich with swan life.

Swan life on the Trent Navigation

I passed under the A46 road bridge and in the distance I could see a church spire – Newark was close.

A46 road bridge

My path took me past the bottom of peoples gardens and I saw my first old warehouse of the day- it is being restored, presumably, into apartments.

I passed a wonderfully quaint boat called ‘Ruffian’ moored up at the bottom of one of those gardens – I really liked it.

Further on I reached the outskirts of Newark, passing Newark Marina. Nearby is Newark Rowing Club – founded in 1873 according to a proud sign on one of its buildings.

Newark Marina

As I walked further I saw an old cobbled footbridge and thought that looks great!

As I neared the centre of Newark I passed more converted warehouses to admire. I just love to see the heritage buildings still enjoying a useful life.

A light shower remined me that the weather forecast for the morning had mentioned rain. I passed a Canal and Rivers Trust site and their dry dock – the largest inland dry docks in the UK.

CRT dry dock

A couple of police dinghies past by, heading for the lock.

Soon I was walking by Newark Town Lock – I could see the ruins of Newark Castle behind.

Newark Town Lock

The castle was built in the mid-12th century. During the English Civil War the castle was besieged three times but remained loyal to the Royalist cause.

The ruins of Newark Castle

I continued along the path passing under Trent bridge and then further along I crossed on to the opposite bank via a modern pedestrian bridge.

Trent Bridge

Pedestrian Bridge

I had reached the turnaround point on my walk so I headed back retracing my path but taking a short cut back to the start point.

I had thoroughly enjoyed my walk, seeing new sights and the rain kept away.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring the Beauty of Autumnal Walks

Oct 30th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today the Three Amigos enjoyed a 9-mile circular walk, starting by The Duck pub at Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and taking in Denton reservoir and the Grantham Canal- one of my favourite walks.

It was a clear, blue-sky morning as we assembled by the pub to begin our walk. It has been a few weeks since our last walk together and we were all looking forward to a nice walk.

The Grantham canal adjacent to The Duck pub

The clocks had gone back by an hour at the weekend for the winter months- I find it always takes me a while to adjust. The towpath was quiet, with no one about, as we followed it along – at this point it is part of the Viking Way.

The Grantham Canal

At Longmoor bridge we left the canal and headed uphill away from the canal. We noticed that the footpath has had repairs done to it since we last walked it – the deep ruts have been filled in with stone, making it easier to walk.

Chris setting the pace up the incline

After a steady ascent we reached Brewers Grave where there is a minor gated entrance to Belvoir Castle.

Having visited Belvoir Castle recently I can highly recommend a visit – its a fabulous house. https://www.belvoircastle.com/

We continued through woodland taking in the beautiful autumnal colours. It is a magical time of year.

Chris and Mick were identifying the various species of birds that were singing as we passed by. We joined a track which is the disused Ironstone Railway.

Through the woodland we go

After a while we arrived at one of the old Ironstone Railway bridges and left the track taking the road down into the village of Denton.

It was a perilous walk along the road – there were cars treating it as a speedway. Can anyone tell me why, when you are driving, no matter what time of day or where you are, there is always another car stuck up your exhaust pipe? Talking of which, why do so many cars tailgate these days? Its a pet hate of mine.

Having arrived safely into Denton we made our way along a muddy track to reach Denton Reservoir (built to supply water to the canal). As always, it looked splendid in the morning sun.

Denton Reservoir

There is only one bench at the reservoir and thankfully it was unoccupied this morning. We were 5-miles in on the walk and a break was in order. Whilst taking our refreshments we took in the view and watched the wildlife.

Revitalised after a break we headed towards Harlaxton bridge to pick up the canal once again.

View from Harlaxton Bridge

Walking along a solid towpath was easy going. We just needed to keep an eye out for cyclists!

At Denton slipway we passed a swan family enjoying the sun.

As we walked along we noted how crystal clear the water in the canal was. Chris spotted a Kingfisher but it disappeared before Mick and I could see it. Soon we were arrived back at the pub and the end of our walk. It was a perfect day for a walk.

The pub

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
We finally completed the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Oct 22nd, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

It was a chilly start as Angela and I set off to park the cars at the start and end of todays walk – our final leg of the Yorkshire Wolds Way. I parked my car at the Filey Brigg Country Car Park (for an astronomic fee) and then Angela drove us to Folkton- the start for todays leg.

We had a 2-mile, uphill, walk to reach the Yorkshire Wolds Way path where we had finished on the previous leg. We passed a field where the potato crop was being harvested which was interesting to see.

It was a lovely blue sky morning, although the grass was sodden following yesterdays rain.

We spotted one of the special Wolds Way wooden benches and stopped for a break overlooking Camp Dale.

Taking a break in Camp Dale

After a cuppa we continued along Camp Dale and then dropped into Stocking Dale- a dale full of trees, wild bushes and bird song.

Stocking Dale

Leaving Stocking Dale we started walking adjacent to agricultural fields and in the distance we could see the sea – our first glimpse.

Our first glimpse of the sea.

Our route took us through the village of Muston and soon we arrived into the outskirts of Filey. As we made our way towards the seafront we passed a model steam train adjacent to the railway station. The train commemorates the arrival of the railway which transformed Filey from a small, but important fishing village, to a major east coast seaside resort.

We arrived onto the promenade and treated ourselves to a coffee.

I had never been to Filey before and it struck me as an unspoilt seaside town. The beach was sandy and quiet.

We walked along the promenade, passing an impressive statue of a fisherman, and then had some ups and downs along the cliff path to Filey Brigg- the end of the walk. There were lovely views along the way.

The beach at Filey

A large stone marks the finish of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

The finish point of the Yorkshire Wolds Way

Being close to Filey Brigg, we decided to take a stroll along the Brigg where we again enjoyed nice views looking back towards Filey.

Along the Brigg we found an impressive stone bench so we stopped for lunch and took in the views.

The view at the end of Filey Brigg

We both had thoroughly enjoyed walking The Yorkshire Wolds Way and would highly recommend it. So many beautiful views along the way and, surprisingly, not at all busy with walkers.

Happy Walking 😊🚶
Discovering Driffield’s Canal: A Scenic Walk

Oct 21st, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Angela and I enjoyed a 9-mile circular walk from Driffield to Wansford and then on to Nafferton before returning to Driffield.

We were out early once again to avoid the predicted rain in the afternoon. We parked in the Eastgate car park (free) in Driffield and walked through the town, which was eerily quiet, with only the bin men about.

Early morning in Driffield

Walking past the railway station I admired the old railway benches that were in a garden area. They still look functional today.

We were headed for the start of the Driffield Navigation. In the 18th century Driffileds fortunes were boosted by the cutting of a canal from the town to the River Hull. It was opened in 1772 and carried broad boats and keels carrying 60 to 70 tonnes. The boats from Hull carried coal, linseed or other seeds to the Driffield oil mills and returned with oil cake, corn and flour to Hull. In the late 1940’s the canal fell into disrepair but the Driffield Navigation Trust has been formed and is working to restore the canal. http://www.driffieldnavigation.org

Information board on the wharf

One of the cranes used for loading / unloading cargo from the boats

Some of the old warehouses have been converted into apartments.

Typical old warehouse

There was no shortage of Ducks in the area!

Leaving the warehouse area we set off along the canal heading for Wansford.

We passed a couple of locks along the way.

Whinhill lock

Wansford Lock

At Wansford bridge we left the canal and joined Nafferton Beck. Joining the Beck was quite interesting because signposting was poor and we were trying to avoid walking up a private driveway!

Joining Nafferton beck

Autumnal scene along Nafferton Beck

There had been a substantial amount of weed clearance along the Beck. We thought a long reach excavator had probably done the work.

Weeds cleared along Nafferton Beck

After a long stretch adjacent to Nafferton we arrived into the village itself passing the large pond. The clouds were being replaced by blue sky.

Walking through the village we found ‘Elsies Parlour’ – a lovely little café, where we took a break. When we came out we found the blue sky was being replaced by cloud once more.

The final leg of the walk was back through the village and then head for Driffield. We crossed the railway line for the fourth time.

I had enjoyed the walk and particularly exploring the Driffield Navigation.

Tomorrow we will do the final leg of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
A Day Out in the Yorkshire Wolds: 7 Miles of Beautiful Landscapes

Oct 19th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Angela and I enjoyed a lovely 7-mile circular walk in classic Yorkshire Wold’s country, starting in Fridaythorpe and visiting Huggate. We had done this walk on two previous occasions and the fact that this was our third time speaks volumes.

Fridaythorpe claims to be the highest village along the Wolds Way – but there again, so does Huggate!

Sign in old telephone kiosk in Fridaythorpe

The morning’s weather was better than we had expected as we set off from Fridaythorpe quite early in the day. The leaves were crunching underfoot as we walked along.

Entering Holm Dale

Sunrise over Holm Dale

Quite soon after leaving Fridaythorpe we entered Holm Dale and, as the sun was rising over the wold, it was a spectacular view. A fine start to the walk. There was an old church pew nearby. The words ‘A pew with a view’ were engraved on the seat – indeed it was.

Our route took us through a large and modern farm yard where I remembered there was a life sized statue of a deceased Farm Manager. He was clearly held in affection by the people at the Farm. I pointed this out to Angela. The reason I mention this will become clearer later in the blog.

What’s so nice about walking in the wold’s is that you can walk all day and not meet a soul.

The wold’s are rolling chalk hills with deep green dry valleys.

It wasn’t long before we arrived into Huggate and took a break in the bus shelter.

Refreshed, we took a stroll around the village.

Pond in Huggate

Whilst we were looking at the pond a chap in a nearby house hailed us and began asking us about our walk. He was a very friendly chap, but by strange coincidence, his partner turned out to be the daughter of the man whose statue was in the Farm that I had pointed out to Angela earlier. How strange is that!

Leaving Huggate we followed our route, arriving into Horse Dale, where we took advantage of one of the special wooden benches that can be found along the length of the Wolds Way.

Special Wolds Way benches

Horse Dale

We headed down the side of Horse Dale and then walked along the valley bottom of Holm Dale, eventually climbing out of the valley and along the footpath to Fridaythorpe.

Walking down the side of Horse Dale

Arriving into Fridaythorpe we headed for the Seaways Cafe – a popular bikers café where we enjoyed a drink and cake 😊.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring the Yorkshire Wolds Way: Sherburn to Folkton

Oct 18th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today myself and Angela did a 11.5-mile walk, mostly along the Yorkshire Wolds Way, from Sherburn to Folkton. We are walking the Wolds Way in stages and are nearing the end of the 79-mile route which runs from the Humber Bridge to Filey. Its been a while since we started the walk and we thought it was about time that we finished it.

When we last walked the route we finished at Sherburn so that’s where we started this morning. It was a faff getting the cars to the start and finish with unexpected road closures along the way.

It was definitely pheasant shooting time as we set off from Sherburn to pick up the Wolds Way again- it sounded like there were many guns on the shoot. There were plenty of squawking pheasants flying around as we disturbed them.

There had been overnight rain so I donned my gaiters in anticipation of wet conditions underfoot.

The route would be undulating with 1,300 ft of ascent. Out of Sherburn we headed uphill and would have got good views but it was a misty day. Descending down again, we passed a golf course where golfers sounded a bell prior to teeing off and then passed a pig farm – one of many that we would pass on the walk.

As usual the signposting along the route was excellent.

One of the route marker posts

Soon we were passing the RAF Staxton Wold – a radar installation with its big white dome and masts.

View of the Military base

A downhill section into a wold was followed by a very steep uphill climb up the side of the wold.

Having got to the top we were rewarded with nice views of the landscape.

Nice views

We reached a point on the walk where we needed to leave the Wolds Way and make our way down to Folkton. We got to our turning point only to find there was a footpath diversion in place which meant we had to backtrack about half a mile to get on the alternative path. We were not happy!

The path diversion sign

Eventually we were headed downhill to Folkton to pick up a car.

Descending into Folkton with a view

Some curious sheep attracted our attention.

Curious sheep

Our final 9-mile leg to Filey will hopefully completed next week – weather permitting.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶