Today, myself and Angela met with Mick and we enjoyed a 6.5 mile circular walk in the Vale of Belvoir.
Our route
We started at Dove Cottage Tea Rooms, followed paths across fields to Hose, then, after walking through Hose, joined The Grantham Canal towpath towards Harby. We walked through Harby and re-joined the towpath taking us back to the start. It was a lovely summers day and a joy to be out walking.
Heading to HoseOnwards to Hose
Arriving into Hose Mick had a chat with some curious cattle 😊.
We passed the church of St Michael & All Angels.
St Michael & All Angels Church
Walking past a cottage with some lovely flowers displayed in window boxes we stood and admired them.
Leaving Hose we walked down a lane to join the Grantham Canal towpath and headed West towards Harby. Along the way we encountered a swan family and the male swan began hissing at us and raising his wings. His six signets trotted into the canal. We managed to get past safely without upsetting Mr Swan too much.
Signet’sAlong the good towpath towards Harby
We walked through Harby looking at the nice cottages and pub, then headed past the village church to pick up a path across fields leading back to the canal. We saw a nice display of roses along the way.
Walking through HarbyHeading back to the canal
A half mile walk along the towpath brought us back to our starting point. The temperature was increasing so we were pleased to have completed this short walk. Plenty of water was drunk along the way.
Having returned from our Scottish adventures of last week, today, myself and Angela did a 6 mile circular walk at Culverthorpe Park in Lincolnshire.
Culverthorpe Park is home to Culverthorpe Hall – a grade 1 listed building of the Palladium style. The walk is one designated by North Kesteven District Council as a ‘Stepping Out’ Walk.
Culverthorpe ParkSigns in the car park
Arriving early at the designated car park we set off passing one of the lakes on a fine summers morning.
The lake at Culverthorpe Park
Our route would take us along fields and across ditches. The contrast between the flat agricultural landscape of Lincolnshire and the rugged mountainous landscape of Glen Coe was striking.
Within minutes of setting off we had seen two deer and a hare darting across a field. Wonderful!
Church spire in Heydour village visibleAngela crossing one of the stiles on the walk.
Quite a few of the crops in the field’s looked as though they were ready for harvesting and others had already been done.
Arriving into Culverthorpe we couldn’t help but notice a large sign directing traffic to the walks car park.
We passed through gates leading to Culverthorpe Hall and the route took us away from the hall (private land) and down to the lakes where we saw some lovely brown cows that looked hot in the sun.
Gates to Culverthorpe HallA brief glimpse of the Hall
Soon we were back in the car park. It was an easy walk and we had avoided the heat of the day.
On a couple of our days in the Western Highlands we explored the area from Ballachulish.
A visit to the old slate mine workings was interesting. The slate quarry was a major employer in the area – at one point employing 620 people. One of the reasons for the closure was that the slate contained iron impurities which would leave brown stains on the slate. Towards the end, the quarry used to reject 75% of its production so it was uneconomic.
Slate Quarry
After visiting the visitors centre in Ballachulish – worth a visit- we headed to St Johns Church where we had fine views of Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe.
We then headed upwards following the forest trails of Gleann a Chaolais getting more nice views.
Loch LinnheMoss was abundant in the forestDragons tooth mountain
We passed over the Ballachulish Bridge and got more views of Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe.
The Ballachulish bridgeLoch Leven
On another day we had a 10 mile walk up Meall Mor where, between rain showers, we again enjoyed lovely views. It was a steep ascent to the summit through very wet and boggy ground. We had gusty winds so didn’t linger long at the top.
Meall MorLooking down on BallachulishA nice view into Glen Coe
Returning back to Ballachulish we had a very steep descent on a muddy path during which I slipped twice – no damage done!
Loch Leven and Linnhe
We had a great week in Glencoe. It was busier than we had seen in previous years so it would seem its popularity is growing. I expect it will suffer the same fate as many other places being overrun with tourists. Maybe I am a tourist ???
Today, I thought that I would share with you some more of the walks that I did in The West Highlands of Scotland.
A visit to the Glencoe visitor centre was very informative with a particularly good film about the history of Glen Coe (once an active volcano). The Scottish National Trust run the centre and have built a super replica of a traditional Highlanders cottage.
Highlanders cottageHighland Cows
There is a good café, an excellent souvenir shop and a couple of cute Highland Cows. We took a walk through woodland paths from the visitors centre to the village of Glencoe, visited the scenic ‘Hospital Lochan’ and then on to the famous Clachaig Inn for a pint (£6 a pint!). It was an 8 mile walk. The Wee Beasties i.e the Midges were not too active on this holiday which was good.
On another day we took the Corran ferry across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour peninsular. Starting from the village of Strontian we ascended an ancient coffin-carrying route to Bealach nan Cairn. The ground was very boggy and we had rain but nice views between the swirling mist.
Loch ShielGreat scenery
We descended passing through the long-abandoned Bellgrove lead mines before passing through the Ariundle Nature Reserve.
Our final stop was at the Tea Shop in the Ariundle Centre – a nice spot.
It was a lovely sunny morning as myself and Angela set off for the Hidden Valley in the magnificent glen of Glen Coe in the West Highlands of Scotland.
A view along Glen Coe
The valley was used by Clan MacDonald as a hiding place for stolen cattle and as a refuge for those who escaped the 1692 Massacre of Glen Coe.
Half way along the A82 that runs through Glen Coe there is a reasonably sized carpark – we were there early, and I was glad that we were because it was nearly full when we arrived.
We followed the path from the car park, climbed down some metal steps, crossed a wooden bridge over a stream and then a steep uphill section across boulders.
Angela climbing the boulders
As we continued upwards through the gorge we had rocky paths, a scramble and a stream crossing until, after about 1.5 miles, we reached our destination and what a lovely sight it was, surrounded by high peaks.
The Hidden Valley
I do wonder about the story of cattle being kept there because I cannot imagine cattle getting up the gorge to reach the valley.
In the Hidden ValleyAngela entering the Hidden Valley
Angela took the opportunity to have a paddle in stream to cool her feet. We had some lunch then headed back down the gorge, being very careful with our footing.
Arriving back at the car we decided to visit The Glencoe Ski Centre and after a couple of coffees took a ride in the chair lift (£17 per person).
The ride was great fun and after reaching the top we did a 15min walk to get some more views. We had magnificent views across Rannoch Moor and in the distance could see the peaks of the Nevis range, including Ben Nevis (usually shrouded in mist).
View across Rannoch Moor
The return trip on the chair lift gave us some more lovely views. What was also nice was that the Ski Centre was not too busy.
Today finds me in the West Highlands of Scotland, near Glen Coe and on a break with the Walking Company, HF Holidays https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/. I started a walk with a group today but after getting to the top of the first stage of ascent decided to change to another group because I was holding the group back -clearly I am not fit enough for mountain hikes having done very little hill walking this year.
The walk started part way along Loch Leven and ascended steeply up the hill through the very boggy ground. The walk would eventually take us to Kinlochleven along the West Highland Way.
View back to Loch LevenThe steep ascent
Having decided to change groups I waited for the new group to arrive in a stone shelter, sheltered from the cold wind, eating an early lunch.
In my stone wall shelter awaiting the arrival of the new group
Angela was walking with the new group so it was good to see her again. Our route would take us downhill to the valley bottom where we would have to cross a stream – we got wet feet!
view from my stone wall shelter
Having crossed the stream we met the West Highland Way and followed that to Kinlochleven.
Descending down the valley to reach the streamWalking on The West Highland WayA derelict house on The West Highland WayView of Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe
Soon we were arriving into Kinlochleven where we had a quick pub stop before getting the coach back to our accommodation.
This morning myself and Mick did a 7-mile circular walk from the South Lincolnshire village of Skillington. It was a walk that we had done earlier in the year and Mick fancied doing it again. The other Amigo, Chris, couldn’t make this walk due to an incident involving Covid – yes, its still about!!
Yesterday was very wet so we were expecting wet conditions underfoot and we weren’t disappointed. This morning there was no rain forecast so we were grateful for that – it’s a very disappointing Summer so far, but we live in hope for a better August/September.
After finding parking in Skillington (it was busy this morning) a car I didn’t recognise pulled up behind me and as I got out of my car Mick shouted up ‘Good Morning!’ and surprised me with his very nice new car 😊.
Walking through the village we found our intended path and we set off along it- the path ran at the side of fields of beans.
Leaving Skillington
After crossing a number of fields we crossed a wide concrete road that followed the path of a dismantled railway line – Melton Mowbray line?
Nice concrete on the old railway line
Crossing the concrete road we walked along a good track past a nice looking barn at Mere Barn farm and headed towards Saltby Airfield.
Mere Barn Farm
Our route took us into a field containing wildflowers including some colourful blue flowers – reference to my ‘Seek’ App indicated that the flower was Chicory.
Wildflower rich grassland
We continued along to a spot for a short refreshment stop on a track called The Drift’ which is on ‘The Viking way’ and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest containing some of the rarest wildflower rich limestone grassland in the country.
On The Viking Way
I had enjoyed eating my scotch egg and we resumed our journey to Saltby Airfield – site of Buckminster Gliding Club. We walked past the end of the runway.
Runway at Saltby AirfieldGliders
During the Second World War the RAF handed the airfield to USAAF 9th Troop Carrier Command who were involved in preparation work for the D-day landings and then subsequent active service.
Memorial to those who served at Saltby
Mick spotted a sign for an air-raid shelter so we followed the path and found it. Carefully descending the stairs the mobile phone torch came in handy – inside it was dry and in good condition.
Mick entering the Air-raid shelterInside the Air-raid shelter
Coming away from the Air-raid shelter Mick spotted a cute tiny snail sitting on a nettle leaf.
The miniscule Mollusc
Leaving Saltby Airfield we followed the very rutted Drift track for about 1.5 miles. It was very wet in places and both of us nearly came a cropper slipping on the muddy embankments. Both of us had wet feet by the end of the walk.
Walking on muddy embankments to avoid the floodsTypical flood on The Drift
We had to remind ourselves that it was the middle of July and not April.
A drier section of The Drift
We were glad to leave The Drift and headed across pasture land to pick up Buckminister Lane which brought us nicely back into Skillington.
Buckminister Lane on the way back to Skillington
It was quite a tricky walk in places, with having to watch where you put your feet continually along The Drift, but enjoyable all the same, and nice to see the countryside and animals along the way (Hares and Muntjac deer)
My eyes opened at 05:40 this morning and I thought to myself ‘ I will get up in a minute’ and then Hypnos (Greek God of sleep) must have said – not yet! – because it was 07:00 when I next opened my eyes 😊.
I had planned a walk for this morning so I got a shift on and headed to Osbournby, Lincolnshire. The walk was recommended to me and found in a book by Clive Brown, who has written many such excellent books.
The 7-mile route would take me from Osbournby to Aswarby, Swarby and Aunsby before returning to Osbournby. I wondered why a lot of the villages in this area ended in ‘by’ – turns out, we have to thank Viking settlers who first settled the land, its the basic Norse word for a farmstead or small village.
I parked by the church in Osbournby where there was plenty of parking.
Osbournby VillageSt Peter and St Paul church in Osbournby
Finding my way out of the village I followed a path uphill passing fields of what looked like wild flowers .The purple crop was striking.
Heading out of Osbournby
I used my ‘Seek’ App which told me it was Lacy Phacelia.
Screenshot
The path was wet from the recent rain and, because the grass was long, my boots/trousers were soon pretty wet. It took me past woods to reach the A15.
Heading towards the A15
A short stretch along the A15 led to the turning for Aswarby and a nice tree lined lane leading to the church which was unusual in having many windows.
The lane into AswarbySt Denys church, Aswarby
I took a bridleway past the Aswarby sawmill and then found a path across a large open field.
Heading out of Aswarby
After crossing a dyke I followed the Dyke along an overgrown path to cross the A15 again. Walking along that path there were dozens of small butterflies fluttering hither and tither which was wonderful to see.
Overgrown path by a dyke
After crossing the A15 I followed a lane into Swarby village, passing the church – St Mary and All Saints. A small building resided on a green by the church- maybe an old well?
Arriving into SwarbySt Mary & All Saints church SwarbyOld Well in Swarby
The next part of the walk took me across farmland and I was pleased to see clear paths across the crops. One field containing wheat also contained daisy’s and I though this must be planned ?
Daisy’s mark the path across the fieldMore Daisy’s
I stopped on one of the many wooden bridges crossing ditches to have a scotch egg (my favourite walking snack) and a drink. Refreshed I continued on passing wheat fields where I stopped, mesmerised, watching the wheat wave about in the breeze.
Soon, I arrived at Aunsby and the route took me swiftly away across more fields. At one point I entered some boggy ground and, with no way around, ploughed through and got some wet feet! Not a happy chappy.
Leaving Aunsby
I was now on my last leg of the walk heading back towards Osbournby. I had not met anyone on my walk – not surprising really.
Panoramic views heading for Osbournby
Arriving back in Osbornby I admired the nice houses thinking what a nice village but then I realised I had not seen a pub, so maybe not such a desirable village?
It had been a lovely walk, definitely one to do again sometime.
Yesterday I met up with Mick and Chris and we did a 9.5 mile Three Amigo walk in Robin Hood country. We met close to the bridge at Gunthorpe, near Nottingham. Chris was last arrival again, despite a good effort 😊. Better luck next time Chris!
Gunthorpe bridge over the river TrentRobin Hood country
Our circular route would take us along the banks of the river Trent then we headed past the gravel pits near Hoveringham, through the village of Caythorpe and back to Gunthorpe.
I was pleased that I was feeling no ill-effects following my 27.5 mile walk on Saturday. Myself and Mick had done this walk before but it was new for Chris. We had avoided it all year because the rain had flooded the river and the banks for a good part of the year.
We set off passing the impressive lock at Gunthorpe along The Trent Valley Way.
Gunthorpe Lock
Heading along the grassed bank by the river it was a cloudy morning and we did get the odd spot of rain but it never amounted to much.
We passed friendly young cows and a cute lamb posed for a photo.
The cute lambHeading along the riverbank
We stopped for a cuppa at memorials for the crew of a couple of crashed Lancaster bombers. RAF Syerston is quite close. They crashed on 12th Jan 1945 and 29th Jan 1945- so close to the end of the war. Chris later did some research and found this information https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/155608
There were plenty of native geese on the river which was nice to see.
Geese on the river
A very quiet barge slipped past us gliding down the river – it must have been powered by battery we thought.
Quite unexpectedly we passed some lovely roses in a garden on the river bank which looked in much better shape than mine!
Another topic of conversation on the day was 70’s comedians ( remember the tv program ‘The wheel tappers and shunters club’? Classic British comedy🤣).
After leaving the river side we passed across fields and arrived at a lovely old mill building by a ford – Hoveringham Mill.
Crossing the fordHoveringham Mill
Walking past a couple of goats, that took no notice of us, we continued along pleased to find that a long path diversion that had been in place the last time we walked this route was now lifted.
We continued along the banks of a dyke taking us into the village of Caythorpe. The clouds were looking ominous.
Caythorpe is a quaint little village. I enjoyed looking at the nice cottages.
Soon we were heading across more fields bringing back into Gunthorpe and the end of our walk. It had been a nice walk and thankfully the rain held off.
Yesterday was the sponsored walk along the Grantham Canal from Tollerton Lane Bridge to Woolsthorpe Depot 27.5 miles. It was a cracking day out.
The day began at 05:00 with an early breakfast and final check of my walking kit. Angela then drove us to Woolsthorpe Depot where we picked up fellow walker Anthony and headed, via the back roads, to our meeting point at Tollerton Bridge. (Our planned route via the A52 was unavailable due to a helpful road closure in place).
At 07:00 at Tollerton Lane Bridge we met the other walkers – from Greenfields Countryside Ltd. The Company had organised the walk to raise funds for the Grantham Canal restoration.
The walkers at the start of the walk
The sun was shining but there was a chill in the air as we set off along the canal. The walk had two planned stops ( 8 mile and 17 mile) where we would meet the Grantham Canal Society caravan and cold drinks, cakes, teas would be dispensed 😊.
Just leaving Tollerton Lane bridge
The youngsters in the group set off at a fast pace, 3.2 mph – I wondered whether we would have a case of the hare and the tortoise. The towpath was built of solid material and it was easy walking at this stage.
The group headed for Cropwell Bishop Country Park
As we approached Cropwell Bishop Country Park a couple of Rangers from The Grantham Canal Society were stationed to warn us of approaching traffic from a blind bend on the road. After crossing they cheered us onwards.
Skinners Lock keepers cottage Cropwell Bishop Country Park
It felt like a surprisingly short time before we arrived at our first planned stop.
Arriving at our first stop
After cold drinks, a butty and delicious cake I set off for leg 2- our next stop would be after further 9 miles near Dove Cottage, Harby.
Soon we were passing through the dry section of canal.
Oldblokewalking by a dry section of the canal
I was lucky walking with Anthony who has been a volunteer on the canal for almost a decade. He has a wealth of knowledge to impart and was proud to point out areas / projects where he had worked.
We came across a fallen tree which we had to limbo under.
Arriving at Hickling Basin the sun was strong but we were doing great.
Leaving Hickling basin on good towpathOldblokewalking at Clarkes Bridge
We had a short stop just past Bridge 37 and waited for everyone to re-group.
As I met people along the route I stopped to chat to them and explain why we were walking along the canal. I enjoyed these chats but unfortunately it did mean that I had to work hard to catch up with the group!
I was ready for a cold drink by the time we arrived at our stop near Dove Cottage . We were surprised when The Red Arrows flew past – always impressive to see.
ScreenshotPlanned Stop 2Planned Stop 2 near Dove Cottage
At this stage we knew the hard bit was to come. The towpath was grassed and overgrown which would make the walking harder.
Leaving our second stop
I was bitten by a horse fly which seemed abundant in this final section. One of the walkers dropped out due to a very bad blister. Other walkers were feeling the strain. Thankfully, I was doing ok
I saw a walker coming towards us that looked familiar – it was Angela 😊and a sight for sore eyes. A boost to keep us going on the final few miles.
I witnessed people digging deep to finish even though they were suffering. I received phone calls from folk checking on our progress – all was good. This final section was a tough one.
As we walked the the last half mile towards the depot at Woolsthorpe (our destination) we heard cheering and clapping from the canal side – Those younger hares had beaten the tortoises on this occasion but they were cheering us on – they knew how tough it had been.
The tortoises arrive at the depot
Walking down the lane into the depot we received more rapturous applause – I found it very moving.
A BBQ awaited us and a cold drink. I noticed that quite a few of the young walkers were limping around and had their boots off. Yes, I thought, it HAD been a tough walk.
The group celebrates at the end of the walk with support crew
It had been an amazing day out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and helped towards raising £1500 for the restoration of the canal.
My Walking Journeys 