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.
Today’s walk by the Three Amigos was an 8-mile circular walk from the Nottinghamshire village, with the wonderful name of Barnby in the Willows.
Our walk would take us across the county border into Lincolnshire passing Fenton, Stubton and Claypole.
It was a misty start to the day that had been forecast to be the hottest of the year so far – it didn’t take long before the temperature started to rise. We had all come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen.
I took great delight in pointing out to Chris that he was last to the meeting point again. Its the simple pleasures in life that give satisfaction 😊.
We began our walk from All Saints church passing through the cemetery and crossing a bridge over the river Witham into open farmland.
All Saints Church in Barnby in The WillowsCrossing the River WithamMick and Chris following a well mowed path with cloudy sky overhead
It was a cloudy start to our walk as we followed a recently mowed path that took us to Fenton Village. After a friendly quick chat to one of the locals, who was interested in our walk, we headed towards Stubton.
Chris and Mick On the way to Stubton
Our walk would take us across many fields, most of which had good pathways across.
Nicely drilled crop
We passed by a large bird box- maybe for Owls?
Our conversation at this point was covering why the England football teams performance consistently disappoints, the lack of credible choice in our impending General Election and why our water pollution is out of control while water companies pay shareholders large dividends. All frustratingly annoying issues but good for a natter 😊. The miles slipped easily past.
Walking along a road towards Stubton we wondered what the spheres attached to overhead power lines were for – turns out they are for the safety of low flying aircraft!
Spheres on overhead power lines
We passed Stubton Hall just before the village- a very impressive looking hotel, and then took a footpath across numerous fields towards Claypole.
Stubton Hall
Some of the grass fields had just been mowed and it was surprisingly difficult walking through them. They reminded me of earlier in the week when I was volunteering by the Grantham Canal and making mini haystacks by lock 18.
Me hard at work!mini haystacks by lock 18
We were looking for somewhere to take a break as we were 6 miles into our walk and it was getting close to midday. Crossing the East Coast mainline railway line we found a nice sheltered spot to sit and take a breather. The expression ‘Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’ sprung to mind.
East Coast mainline trainA nice shady spot for a break
After our break we took a circuitous route passing Claypole community park which looked a great facility, and crossed the railway line again at a different point to head on a bridleway towards Barnby in The Willows.
Nice Blue Sky
The bridleway disappeared after a while and we were then crossing bean fields. I think we were all loving the walk and in particular the beautiful weather – its been a long wait for it to arrive! A memory to store away for those long cold winter days ahead.
We arrived at the river Witham and followed that back to the bridge that led to the church yard that we had left from.
Walking along the bank of the river Witham
It had been a wonderful walk, in beautiful weather, with great company – what more could you want?
I am really looking forward to the 26 mile sponsored walk that I am taking part in this Saturday to raise funds to help restore The Grantham Canal. It will be a challenge but I suspect it will be immensely enjoyable. Look out for that blog!
Summer has finally arrived and I was looking forward to going out walking early this morning on a familiar 8-mile circular route taking in The Grantham Canal, Denton Reservoir and the old Ironstone Railway track.
Lock 17
I parked on the road next to The Dirty Duck pub at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and set off following the towpath past locks 17 & 18. The Grantham Canal Society ‘Three Shires’ cruise boat was moored close to lock 18.
Lock 18The Three Shires Cruise boat
The sun was warm on my face and the towpath was clear – wonderful!
I was soon passing under Longmoor bridge which is a fine example of a skew bridge – the bridge does not sit at 90 degrees to the canal and the brick courses under the arch are skewed which gives the bridge greater strength. There are also slots in the roof to allow bats to roost.
Longmoor bridge – a skewed bridge.
Next up was my favourite bridge along the canal- the Casthorpe bridle bridge. I think I like it because it reminds me of the Mathematical Bridge at Cambridge.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_Bridge
Casthorpe bridle bridgeThe Mathematical Bridge, Queens college Cambridge
As I walked further along I spotted a ‘weed-berg’ floating on the surface of the canal – these could get wrapped around the prop of a canal boat and are best avoided.
A ‘weed-berg’ in the canal
I passed four groups of Duke of Edinburgh award students navigating their way along the canal.
As I neared Harlaxton the vegetation along the towpath was crowding in and the sense of openness I had felt earlier on the walk disappeared.
I left the canal at Harlaxton bridge, peering into the murky waters of the canal as I crossed.
The canal at Harlaxton
A nice walk across fields (I remember the same fields in spring being sodden with mud) brought me to the open expanse of Denton Reservoir – built to supply water (it has a capacity of 60 million gallons) to the canal.
Denton Reservoir
I sat for a break taking in the quiet and the view. Anglers could be seen dotted around the outside of the reservoir.
An angler reeling in his catch
Leaving the reservoir I passed through the village of Denton and headed up the road to pick up the dismantled track of the former Ironstone railway by a bridge.
My access from the road to the old railway track
It was a nice walk along the track, partially in the shade and no one to be seen.
The old Ironstone railway track
Passing through the support pillars of a dismantled railway bridge I picked up the Viking Way which brought me back to the canal.
A short walk along the canal brought me back to the car and the end of todays walk.
My solo walk today was 12 miles along the Grantham Canal (currently being restored by The Grantham Canal Society). I parked my car near the canal at Dove Cottage and planned to walk towards Hickling. As you will see, things didn’t go as planned.
It was a fine June morning, but on the chilly side, as I set off along the canal just after 08:00.
View along the canal from the road bridge at Dove Cottage
Last week I had walked east from Dove Cottage so today I was walking west. This section of the canal is full of weeds and reeds. So much so, that you cannot see the water.
There was a breeze and, as I was walking, I could hear the reeds moving with the wind – this, I find quite relaxing. The wildfowl living in the reeds were quite vocal as I passed – no doubt signalling to others that there is an intruder in their area.
I saw a field where the grass had been cut and bailed up already. That’s early I thought to myself.
I passed a quaint little pedestrian bridge spanning the banks across the canal. I do like a nice bridge! There are 69 bridges along the length of the 33-mile Grantham to Nottingham canal.
The grass on the towpath was definitely in need of a trim – hopefully soon!
Towpath in need of a trim
Continuing along the towpath I passed old Harby Mill warehouse- still standing proudly beside the canal.
Harby Mill
Just pass the old warehouse I spotted Azolla on the surface of the canal. Azolla is a rapid growing water fern that can reduce light and oxygen levels in the canal harming fish and other wildlife.
I continued along the towpath and saw a pair of swans, complete with their large new family, directly in my path.
I slowed down admiring the little cygnets. The male Swan started to hiss at me and fluff up his wings. Naturally he was protecting his family. I had a decision to make – do I press on and upset the Swans or about turn and finish my walk going in the opposite direction?
I decided to leave the Swans in peace and turned around 😊. I wondered whether they were on the towpath because the surface of the canal was coated with Azolla.
Metal mile markers on the towpath marked the distance from the river Trent.
I passed under an old disused railway bridge that is being reclaimed by nature.
The bridge was from the former Bingham to Melton Mowbray line as this writing on the bridge testified.
I enjoyed the remainder of my walk. I hardly met a soul along the way today.
The 29th June, when I am taking part in a 26-mile sponsored walk along the canal, is zooming up quickly. I have my fingers crossed that it will not be raining on the day. It should be a memorable walk. Hopefully it will be the subject of a future blog.
My Walking Journeys 