Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, the Three Amigos were back together for a 7-mile circular walk starting in the Nottinghamshire village of Collingham. Chris had suggested the walk, which would take us close to water for a fair part of the walk. It turned out to be a super walk.

We assembled outside ‘All Saints’ Church which had plenty of road parking. It was a warm start to the day and forecast dry. The bell in the tower was chiming away.

A walk through the village revealed that it was a very charming village. We passed a quaint wooden door built into a stone wall – like something out of ‘The Hobbit’.

Soon, we left the village and headed across open fields. The path had been freshly mowed, which was a stroke of luck because at this time of year many footpaths are overgrown.

Just how freshly mowed it was, was revealed when we caught up with a chap riding a quad bike towing a mower! We decided to walk behind the mower which was acting rather like an ice-breaker opening up a path across an iced sea.

We arrived at the RSPB Langford Lowlands Nature Reserve, created from the old sand/gravel pits.

A walk through shaded wooded paths brought us to an entrance into the reserve. Chris had been here before and recommended walking through the reserve – so we did!

Chris took us to the highest viewing point where we met a RSPB ranger enjoying the birdlife. There were lush reed beds all around the lakes. Chris enjoys spotting the birds and I have a feeling he will return soon.

Our route took us to the river Trent – we could hear it before we saw it because we were close to the weir at Cromwell Lock and could hear the roar of the water as it spilled across the weir.

Anglers sat close to the shore below the weir – we noted that the river looked quite low, which is hardly surprising given the lack of rain in recent weeks. I wondered how a fish would feel having successfully survived the weir only to be caught by an angler shortly afterwards. Gutted, I imagine.

We followed the river bank as it meandered northwards. More Anglers were enjoying a spot of fishing.

Further along we came to a footpath diversion in place because of demolition work on a disused sand conveyor and wharf. No work was taking place so we passed through.

We left the river Trent and arrived at Bestwood Nature Reserve. Chris knew of a bird hide so we followed him there to take a break.

Inside it was hot so the windows were opened and refreshments taken whilst looking out of the windows. There were plenty of small flying insects about today and they were quite irritating being very persistently getting in your face!

Inside, people have recorded their bird siting’s in a diary and there was obviously a rich variety of birds to see.

After our break we headed back to join the river Trent for a short walk before heading back into the Nature Reserve.

We enjoyed walking around various small lakes.

Eventually we passed the quarry where sand / gravel is currently being worked.

We were following the Trent Vale trail apparently.

A walk along a narrow road brought us into Collingham after crossing the river Fleet.

I think we were all glad to reach the cars because it was getting quite hot and muggy. It had been a splendid walk though, one to add to our repertoire.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶