Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊- the first for 2025.
Today the Three Amigos met up at Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and enjoyed a 10 mile walk along the Grantham canal to Grantham and back.
The route
Choices of where to walk today were limited, with much of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire suffering from flooding.
Mick had done a recce at Cropwell Bishop Country Park yesterday to see whether we could walk by the canal there, but sadly, the towpath was flooded. There was also a lot of water in the canal.
We arrived at Woolsthorpe after navigating icy roads – the temperature was below zero. Walking along the road to the canal was ‘interesting’ with black ice everywhere.
Lock 17
There was some ice on the towpath but it was much safer than walking on the tarmac road. We noted some ice on the canal. We were pleased to see the sun making an appearance- maybe it would be a sunny day?
Oldblokewalking
The towpath was quiet – we met more people on our return leg. We wondered how the swans cope with the cold water.
Naturally, the Three Amigos had a good old catch up. The latest Wallace and Gromit film ‘Vengeance Most Foul’ was discussed, particularly because, towards the end, there are canal boats and canals involved in the plot. It was agreed that it was very good film. Highly recommended.
Chris setting a fast pace
Chris was on a mission to set a fast pace so we pressed on and soon were arriving into Grantham. There were plenty of wild birds in evidence here, which was nice to see.
Grantham bird life
We stopped for a cuppa and a bite to eat. The sun had disappeared into the cloud which was a shame. Refreshed after our stop, but feeling chilly, we set off on our return leg.
The return leg
The towpath was good and mud free so we were very happy about that. Soon, we were arriving back in Woolsthorpe, passing the flotilla of Grantham Canal Society boats.
The Flotilla
It was a good walk to begin the year. Looking forward to some nice walking in the coming months – weather permitting!
Today myself and Angela enjoyed a 5-mile walk along the Shropshire Union Canal followed by a visit to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. It was dark when we set off from the house to drive to Tiverton, but the sun was just rising as we parked up in a lay-by close to the canal.
The towpath was grass/mud and quite uneven in places. We strolled along looking at the bird life – there was the usual Heron fishing and plenty of Mallard Ducks. The canal could obviously take boats larger than the current narrow boats – it was wide and the locks/bridges were sized for much larger boats.
Whartons Bridge
We visited a lock called the Beeston Iron Lock and another called the Beeston Stone Lock. The former was lined with steel sheets and the latter had large stone blocks instead of brick. So,quite unusual locks.
Beeston Iron LockBeeston Stone Lock
It was great to have a sunny morning after the totally gloomy recent weather.
A large winding hole
We walked past a section of canal where a temporary (permanent?) repair to a breached bank had been carried out using sand bags.
We found a café and decided to get a coffee – our timing was off because two large families had just beaten us to order and it would be a long wait we were told. We decided to press on and go to the Canal Museum at Ellesmere Port.
Canal museum
We had visited the museum in February when unfortunately it was cold and raining. So it was nice to be able to walk around today and get a better look at things in the sunshine 😊.
We were particularly keen to visit the Island Warehouse exhibition which houses many artifacts including complete boats.
I was interested to see the ice-breaking boat which was used to break the ice in the canal during particularly cold spells. The museum is first class and does a great job in preserving canal heritage.
We made our usual coffee stop in the excellent café and headed home after a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
Today myself and Angela did a stage of the Greater Manchester Ringway – walking stage 2 from Sale water Park to Didsbury Village 9 miles.
The Greater Manchester Ringway is a 200-mile circular walk around the outskirts of Manchester. We parked the car at Sale Water Park and set off following the embankment of the river Mersey.
It was a grey day but thankfully the mist we had experienced over the previous four days had dissipated. Angela was giving her new rucksack a run out 😊.
Tram crossing the Mersey
After a stretch following the river Mersey we left it and entered Chorlton Water Park where we walked around the large lake, re-joining the Mersey footpath after exiting. There were plenty of birds enjoying the water and a fair few people enjoying walking around the lake.
Viewing the lake at Chorlton water parkChorlton water park
Our route was across a bridge over the river but it was was closed (for maintenance) so we were sent on a 1.5 mile detour .
Bridge closure
There was a muddy riverbank to walk along and then we lost the diversion signs so ended up crossing a major road. Eventually we got back on track and by the river again. We thought that there was quite a strong Chlorine smell coming from the river, especially in those section that had weirs.
Strong smell of Chlorine where the water was turbulent
We saw quite a few nice wooden sculptures on our route today.
For the first half of the walk we were bemoaning the lack of signs for the GM Ringway but we started to spot then half way through, generally small stickers put on lamp-posts etc. We could then follow them and we played spot the sign!
Small GM Ringway signs
Our route took us through Withington Golf Club along a muddy path by the fairway.
Withington Golf Course
We emerged through a stunning path lined with tall poplar trees which led back to the river Mersey.
Taking a butty stop by the river there a cheeky young spaniel who nearly snaffled Angela’s’ sandwich! We headed through Fletcher Moss Park across a nice boardwalk and into Didsbury village.
We passed a grand gateway and couldn’t help but walk through into a lovely ornamental garden.
Nice Bee sculpture
After exploring the garden we set off for the finish of our walk which was at Didsbury village tram stop. The GM Ringway is designed to use public transport to get around. We had two trams to catch to get back to Sale Water Park, where we had parked the car.
Arriving at Sale Water Park we enjoyed a nice coffee.
It was a good walk exploring new territory. Maybe we should do more of the GM Ringway?
It’s that time of year where I thought I might reflect on my 2024 walking year, the walks that I have enjoyed and share some photos.
The cold winter months can be a nice time to walk with solid, if slippery, ground underfoot. Bright sunshine is an added bonus.
Frozen Grantham canal at WoolsthorpeFrozen groundDunham MasseySwan on the icy Grantham canal
I remember watching this swan struggling to stay upright on the ice even with its webbed feet. Winter mornings are often good for spectacular sunrises.
A snowy morning
In March myself and Angela were in the Yorkshire Wolds to walk a couple of legs of the Yorkshire Wolds way (only one leg left to complete the walk) and enjoy the solitude in the Wolds of Thixendale and Fridaythorpe.
A typical woldThe spectacular Humber BridgeA happy chappyTypical curved benches on the Yorkshire Wolds Way
A pivotal moment in Spring is to see the arrival of the new lambs. Such a joy to watch the little lambs springing about 😊.
What can be nicer, after a long walk, than a refreshing pint and wholesome food in a welcoming pub.
Due to its closeness to home the Peak District is a favourite spot to walk. Its best to start early to avoid the crowds. Walking along the Mam Tor ridgeline is always impressive with glorious views. In April we walked from Edale to Lords Seat and then on to the Mam Tor ridge.
Edale ValleyAscending Lords Seat
On another April day we took a walk taking in Alport Castles which was a new walk for us. We loved the views.
Alport Castles
In May we did some ‘edgy’ Peak District walks – Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge etc.
Angela taking lunch on Frogatt EdgeOn Curbar Edge
In June I joined in a 27.5-mile sponsored walk, along the Grantham Canal, raising funds for The Grantham Canal Society. I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the afternoon heat and being bitten by horseflies!
Sponsered walkA dry section of the canal
July saw myself and Angela taking a holiday in Glencoe. We have been many times before and its a favourite spot.
Loch LevenOn The West Highland Way heading for KinlochlevenAbove KinlochlevenLoch Leven with the pap of GlenCoe in the distance
We did a cracking walk to the hidden valley in Glencoe. This was allegedly where cattle rustlers would hide stolen cattle.
On the way to the hidden valleyStood in the hidden valley with the amphitheatre of surrounding mountains
We visited the Glencoe ski centre and took a cable car to the top to enjoy views of Rannoch Moor with Ben Nevis visible (unusually) in the distance. Rannoch Moor was Angela’s favourite section of the West Highland Way which we walked in 2019.
View across Rannoch MoorGlencoeGlencoe
We returned from Scotland to find that I had caught Covid. I wasn’t surprised, I had evaded it till then, so it was only a matter of time until it got me. Luckily, it was not too bad -just lack of energy and loss of taste /smell which thankfully returned.
We were now into harvest time.
Angela leading a way through the wheat.
We visited Marsden in West Yorkshire on a very windy day, I recall being glad to get off the summit of Pule hill and out of the wind.
The bleak moorland of Pule hill
Towards the end of August myself and Angela took a walk around Langsett reservoir. We had passed it many times whilst driving so it was good to visit. We enjoyed a nice walk there.
Langsett reservoirLangsett reservoir
On a Sunday morning in September I took a walk around the Hambleton Peninsular at Rutland Water and enjoyed a coffee at this bench whilst watching the birds.
Rutland water
On another Sunday morning I did a walk taking in Foxton Locks in Leicestershire – I had been wanting to see these locks for a while now so it was good to do it.
Foxton locks
Walking with the Three Amigos we started to walk the Leicestershire Round and we are now nearly half way through. We have walked through many nice villages and learnt about the 10th Battalion of the Parachute regiment and Arnhem.
Burrough Hill was a high point but the views were restricted by the mist. September followed other months during the year of having higher than average rainfall. This is quite depressing for a walker.
In the Nottingham village of Rolleston myself and Angela were surprised to meet piglet, Pooh bear and Christopher-Robin playing pooh sticks.
One of my most frequent and enjoyable walking routes is along the Grantham canal.
Along the Grantham canal
In October myself and Mick walked in Sherwood Forest – the autumnal leaves were falling.
Sherwood ForestA cuppa in Sherwood Forest
In October myself and Angela walked along the quiet Lincolnshire beach near Chapel St Leonards. Not a soul about 😊.
How a beach should lookMore autumnal leavesDunham Massey
In November the temperatures dropped and we had some early snow.
Cobwebs galore
In November myself and Angela visited Grange-over- sands in Cumbria and enjoyed a nice walk on Hampsfell with views across Morecambe bay.
As we head towards the end of the year nice sunrises are back 😊.
Unfortunately the rain is still persisting making choosing walks quite difficult. The weather bounces, on a daily basis, from very mild and wet to very cold. Looking at weather forecasts is not an accurate means of predicting weather as often these change overnight. Do you sense my frustration?
Another flooded canal
I collected my medal for walking 1,500 miles during 2024 – in fact I walked over 1,700 miles.
Today ‘The Three Amigos’ met up at Woolsthorpe and enjoyed a 9-mile circular walk taking in the Grantham Canal, Denton reservoir and the Sustrans cycle trail that was once the Ironstone Ore railway line.
It was a chilly start to the day following on from many rainy days that has resulted in flooded fields and roads. I arrived at Woolsthorpe to find that Mick and Chris had already arrived and were busy getting their boots on. Both were recovering from bouts of the dreaded lurgi but clearly were keen to get walking. I took some abuse from them about being late, although, in actual fact, I was 10 minutes early 😊.
View of lock 16
We walked past lock 17, heading for Harlaxton, noting that the lock was full of water for a change.
Lock 17 and the boat Earwig
It was quiet along the towpath – we only met one runner while we were on it.
Ducks and swans were merrily paddling along the calm waters.
Mick and Chris were putting the world to rights along the way. Soon we arrived at Harlaxton Wharf and headed via fields towards Denton Reservoir. This reservoir supplies the water for the canal.
Harlaxton wharfDenton reservoir
The reservoir is a nice tranquil place normally but today there was shrubbery clearance going on so it was very noisy! We stopped for a cuppa and a bite to eat before doing a loop of the reservoir, watched some cormorants and then headed off towards Denton. Our route took us through the village and then uphill along the road to an old railway bridge where we joined the cycle trail.
Cormorants fishing at the reservoirJoining the cycle trail
It was a nice wide path along the cycle trail and easy walking.
The miles were slipping past easily and neither Mick nor Chris were showing any adverse affects from the lurgi. We arrived back at the canal and walked along the towpath back to the cars.
We had enjoyed the walk and the chat along the way.
This morning myself and Angela met up with Mick and enjoyed a 7-mile circular walk in the Vale-of Belvoir. It was a sunny but chilly morning following heavy rain overnight.
We started our walk at Woolsthorpe- by- Belvoir and walked westwards along the rather muddy towpath of the Grantham Canal.
The weeds along the canal were dying back which allowed a clearer view of the canal. A friendly swan swam over to say hello.
After about a mile and a half the towpath reverted to stone rather than grass so it was less muddy underfoot.
All along this stretch of the canal we could see Belvoir Castle standing on its hill in the distance – the castle has a great view of its surrounding lands. The castle is home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland.
Belvoir castle in the background
A little further on we halted. The towpath was flooded where the canal had overflowed.
We decided that, because we could not see how deep the water was ahead, we would look for an alternative route around. Unfortunately, this took us through muddy fields so it was a good job we were all wearing gaiters!
Re-joining the towpath we got to Muston Gorse and were able to view the work being carried out by The Grantham Canal Society at a site of historical interest known as ‘The Dukes Wharf’.
Soon after the canal was built (1797) by the famous canal engineer William Jessop, the Duke of Rutland asked whether an extension to the canal could be made to bring goods up to the castle. Knowing how many locks would be needed and that the amount of water needed to operate them would be prohibitive, Jessop came up with a proposal for a tramway. Uniquely, he fabricated metal fish-belly rails in his own foundry (previous tramways in the country had used wooden rails). The tramway was built in 1815 and operated for over 100 years. The wharf where the canal boats unloaded was known as The Dukes Wharf and it contained a weigh house (to check the weights of the good’s (e.g coal) received.
The Dukes Wharf
The National Railway Museum in York has a tramway truck on display.
Recently, the Grantham Canal Society has been working here to expose the original wharf. They have even found a piece of rail. The crane used for unloading has long gone.
Coping stones on the original wharfFish-belly rail
There is an building nearby which is thought to have been the weigh house. The Society hope to restore this area.
The weigh houseThe Dukes Wharf
Leaving The Dukes Wharf we headed up the hill towards Belvoir Castle.
We walked past a small retail centre called ‘The Engine Yard’ and headed down the scenic, tree lined road, crossing the river Devon to enter Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir.
It was a short walk to where we had parked our car. Mick headed off home and myself and Angela popped into ‘The Duck’, a recently re-opened pub, where we enjoyed a warm welcome from the staff and a lovely hot couple of coffees. In was nice to get into a warm pub after the cold walk.
Today ‘The Three Amigos’ did a fabulous walk beside water – and on occasions through water (but not on the water!). A consequence of the recent Storm Bert.
A flooded path beside the canal
Our route took us from Shardlow, and the Trent and Mersey canal, to Cranfleet Lock – an 8.5 mile there and back walk.
It was a stressful drive around Nottingham to get to Shardlow and well done to Chris for safely navigating the icy roads, flooded bridges and horrific rush hour traffic jams.
The temperature was just above zero and the sun was shining as we left the car park and set off optimistically, for a nice walk.
The Trent and Mersey Canal
The frost lay white and crisp upon the grass and it looked a typical wintery vista.
We hadn’t being walking for too long when we met a dog walker who informed us that the canal had breached its bank further on. We pressed on to see whether it was passable.
A very full canal
Chris went forward and, after assessing the situation, decided that we could pass through safely. So that’s what we did, and although our boots were submerged, our feet mercifully remained relatively dry.
The canal would soon merge with the River Trent after passing through a lock. The river was very fast moving and the surrounding land flooded. We navigated our way across reeds to avoid another flooded path heading for a pedestrian bridge (Long Horse Bridge) to cross the river.
Heading to Long Horse bridgeAnother flooded pathRiver Trent
It was a good morning for capturing some nice images.
Long Horse Bridge
Our route took us under the M1 motorway.
The M1 Motorway
Continuing onwards we reached Sawley Marina where we found a great number of boats moored up. As we passed by it was nice to smell the aromatic wood smoke from the wood burners. There were some lovely boats moored there to admire.
A quaint looking house boat
In the distance we could see the cooling towers of the recently closed power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar. We could see what looked like steam coming from the cooling towers but, because the plant has closed, it must have been morning mist venting through the towers.
Sawley Marina
After passing Sawley Lock we crossed another bridge across the river Trent. The views of the fast moving river were impressive.
Sawley Lock on the left and the river TrentRatcliffe-on Soar Power StationWalking beside the river Trent
We were headed for Trent Lock which is a major waterway junction.
River Trent
At Trent Lock there are two pubs and a tea room so I guess its a popular spot in good weather.
We stopped for a cuppa and a bite to eat here admiring the view. I do like walking beside water – its special. After our break we continued walking along the Cranfleet cut to reach the Cranfleet lock where we about turned and headed back.
Cranfleet Lock
Walking back we found that the flooded paths had receded slightly so that was a plus. I do wonder with global warming and the increased frequency and ferocity of storms how our waterways will cope in future years.
Today myself and Angela visited Grange-over -Sands in Cumbria and enjoyed a 6-mile circular walk on Hampsfell. We had glorious views of Morecambe Bay and across to the Eastern Fells.
It was a bright sunny morning but bitterly cold as we set off from Grange-over-Sands.
A chilly Angela
We began by walking along the broad promenade taking in the lovely views across the mud flats of the bay. We took a seat on one of the many benches and had a cuppa.
View from the promenadeThe promenadeOn the promenade with Spartina grass in the background
After about half a mile we reached the railway station and left the promenade. Angela suggested looking to see if we could get a proper coffee in the station but alas, no, there was no café. Onwards we marched past the attractive pleasure gardens and an interesting coat of arms mounted on a large rock beside the road into Grange-over-Sands.
Pleasure gardens
After a brief walk in the village our route took us upwards and through Eggerslack wood. It was a rocky path covered in leaves.
Eggerslack wood
Approximately half way up the hill we found a fenced off area containing a couple of large concrete holes – something to do with the water supply but obviously defunct now.
There was a very steep section before we emerged from the wood on to Hampsfell. There were plenty of limestone outcrops here and we would find a limestone pavement on the top .
Out of the woods
The views of the distant Eastern fells were fantastic.
Limestone pavement with distinctive cracks or Grykes.
Towards the summit was an old building (200 yrs old) known locally as the Hospice which was an old bothy used by travellers to shelter in.
The Hospice
Leaving the summit we had a steady walk downhill enjoying extensive views across Morecambe Bay.
Morecambe bay in the background
We could see rain clouds in the distance and hoped we would get down before we it enveloped us.
Rain on its way?
Arriving back into grange-over-sands at the other end of the promenade, we had a nice walk along that until we reached our car.
As it turned out we avoided the rain – as we arrived back at the car it was starting to rain. It had been a great walk.
Today the ‘Three Amigos’ met up in Belton-in-Rutland and enjoyed a 7-mile walk to the village of Glooston. For us, it completed another leg of the Leicestershire Round.
It was a very misty start to the day, but eventually the sun came out and burnt off the mist. There was some lovely scenery to admire along the way. Most of the walking was across hilly fields which provided a suitable challenge.
Starting from the church in Belton-in-Rutland we passed the war memorial and headed down the road to cross the A47.
War memorial in Belton-in-Rutland
We headed towards the small village of Allexton crossing a bridge over Eye Brook and passing the Norman church of St Peter. Finding the path away from the village was slightly tricky, but eventually after referring to the guide book, we walked through the front garden of a new house and found our way to a bridleway. Allexton Hall was nearby but we didn’t get any glimpse of it.
Interestingly, the route we were walking to Hallaton is also on The Macmillan Way – a 290 mile long distance path from Boston, Lincs to Abbotsbury in Dorset. http://www.macmillanway.org/
It was great to watch the mist disappearing and it provided some very atmospheric scenery. You can’t beat a good walk on a sunny morning.
It was certainly hard going across the ploughed fields and after a while we had a quick stop for a re-vitalising cuppa.
Soon we were crossing a bridge over the long dis-used Melton Mowbray to Market Harborough railway line and getting close to Hallaton.
We stopped at a bench by the village pond, where there were a few kamikaze mallards at play, and had some refreshments.
Hallaton village pond
Our guide book said that Hallaton was one of the prettiest villages in Leicestershire. As we started to walk through the village we were not sure about that, but, as we progressed through the village, it turned into every bit the picturesque village that we had read about. There were plenty of thatched cottages to admire and even a cow tail handled water pump.
We admired the Butter Cross, a conical stone structure with a circular base and a ball finial (probably dating from the late 17th century).
The Butter Cross in Hallaton
The Norman church of St Michaels looked particularly nice.
As we walked out of the village and upwards we looked back at what looked like, a quintessentially English village nested in the countryside.
View back towards Hallaton
We crossed some nice grassed fields with lovely views all around. Occasionally, we came across some stunning houses with fabulous views.
After a short walk along tarmac roads we arrived into the very small village of Glooston – our destination for today.
I think we were all feeling the walk in our legs and knees so should sleep soundly tonight.
Today ‘The Three Amigos’ met up in Upper Hambleton in Rutland. It’s been a few weeks since the three of us managed to get in a walk together, so it was good to find the time today.
The walk was basically a 6-mile circular route around the peninsula along a good, if slightly undulating, track. It was a grey day with absolutely no wind. I had done the walk previously but it was new to Mick and Chris.
We had only been walking a few minutes when we came across a pitiful sight of a sheep, on its side, lying across the path. It was alive, but clearly in trouble. We thought that it looked pregnant. The poor thing needed help so we couldn’t just walk on past. Out came the phones as we tried contact Anglian Water, RSPCA and Police in an effort to get help. None were any good. Another walker approached us and Chris asked whether they were local, and knew the farmer. It turned out that they had a contact number for someone who knew the farmer, so that was good – the farmer was made aware of the situation. Before leaving, Chris rotated the sheep onto its other side and it seemed to perk up. Further along the track we met a van and told the driver about the sheep – they also knew the farmer and said they would take a look at the sheep. So, we felt happy that we had done our best to help.
The event brought to mind stories I had read about Everest expeditions, where climbers had passed other climbers who were clearly in trouble, but did not stop to help. Now, I know that at height summit fever can take over and an ‘every man for himself’ attitude can prevail. But, surely its a basic human instinct to help someone in trouble? It’s a controversial topic with the mountaineering fraternity so I best move on.
The water on the reservoir was perfectly still and with no wind it felt surreal. On the East coast we are used to being battered by winds so this calm weather is quite unusual.
Chris and Mick forging ahead.
Walking along the views across the reservoir were lovely. I soaked them up. Mick and Chris were putting the world to rights. There were very few people out walking today and the miles slipped by effortlessly.
Walking down to Half moon spinney (where the peninsular ends) we had a pitstop by the water -there were two handy benches available. Across the water we could see Normanton Church (a popular wedding venue). Swans were practicing taking off and landing on the water in front of us. Canadian Geese were gathered in a field close by.
Chris used to go sailing on the waters of Rutland Water so was able to point out things of interest to us.
Canadian geese
Leaving the spinney we passed through wooded sections where autumnal leaves were still on the trees.
Between the trees there were odd glimpses across the reservoir.
The path brought us past a nice old building which looked Tudor. Further on there were some very nice modern houses.
A steep hill climb brought us back into Upper Hambleton and to the cars. A good little walk enjoyed by all.
My Walking Journeys 