My Walking Journeys

Along The Grantham Canal and a visit to The Dukes Wharf.

Dec 6th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

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 wharf

Fish-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 house

The 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.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Navigating Flooded Paths: A Walk Along the River Trent

Nov 28th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

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 bridge

Another flooded path

River 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 Trent

Ratcliffe-on Soar Power Station

Walking 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.

We all had enjoyed the walk and the weather.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Grange-over-Sands: Enjoy a Beautiful Circular Walk with Stunning Views

Nov 22nd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

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 promenade

The promenade

On 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.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
A Picturesque Walk from Belton-in-Rutland to Glooston

Nov 13th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

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.

After crossing a few more fields we arrived at Hallaton.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Helping Wildlife: A Woolly Encounter on Our Walk

Nov 6th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

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.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Exploring Lincolnshire’s Coast: A Scenic Walk

Nov 6th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

On todays walk Angela and I did a wonderful 13-mile ‘there and back’ coastal walk from Chapel St Leonards to Sandilands. We walked along the beach on the way up the coast and returned using the King Charles III England Coastal Path.

Arriving early in Chapel St Leonards the large car park was empty. We like to walk along this section of the Lincolnshire coast, but we only do it out of the tourist season. Our first port of call was the local Co-Op to get a butty for lunch and a coffee. Its always good to get the first caffeine hit of the day 😊.

We walked past the wooden beach huts that line the promenade. I wondered how much it would cost to buy a beach hut – I know that in some places they cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Chapel St Leonards beach huts

The promenade brought us to the North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point. Opened in 2018, and open all year around, it is a marine observatory but also houses a very popular café and exhibitions. I think the design is appealing.

Observatory in the background

The beach was completely empty, no-one in sight. It feels like a rare privilege to have so much space to yourself.

Looking back towards the observatory

The tide was quite a way out. Its interesting how walking on a beach is more demanding that firmer ground and we were picking our path along the beach to find the best ground. All that was missing was the sun!

Out at sea we could just about see the wind turbines that line this section of the Lincolnshire Coast.

As we neared Sandilands we heard the loud reversing beepers of heavy plant coming from over the sandbanks. We thought that maybe, houses were being built, or yet another caravan park. Further on we were walking by beach huts again.

Sandilands beach huts

I spotted a pop-up café, and it turned out to be run by The National Trust. We didn’t expect this but were delighted to visit it. Talking to the friendly staff we learnt that the Trust is creating new habitats for a variety of wildlife. Especially migrating birds like black-tailed godwit, spotted redshank and spoonbills. This area is on the ‘fly-way’ migration route. The Sandilands project is a big job.

At the National Trust Sandilands cafe

Work only started last month on transforming what was previously a golf-course. On our return, leg via the coastal path, we could clearly see the work in progress.

The Sandilands project has started

returning along the coastal path

The coastal path took us behind the sandbanks and along grassy paths. It was much easier than beach walking.

Eventually, we were returned for a short section along the beach.

Arriving back into Chapel St Leonards we visited the award winning fish n’ chip shop called Marina – it was very good and enjoyable after a long walk. There were signs that darkness was on its way as we headed to the car park for the drive home.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Discover Louth’s Scenic 9-Mile Walking Route

Nov 2nd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog😊.

Today’s walk was a 9-mile circular walk starting in the Lincolnshire town of Louth. The walk would be mainly through agricultural fields ending in a walk through Hubbards Hills.

Myself and Angela parked in a suitable car park in Louth and headed off through the town, passing an interesting plaque to a famous daughter of Louth and a building that once was the railway station, but is now a shop. It was early and there were few people about.

The old railway station facade

It was another grey day but mild and dry as we headed across fields. We passed through a field containing Alpaccas – they ignored us. It made a change from cows and sheep 😊. I wondered if they would become a more common sight in the future.

We soon found ourselves unable to follow the path as a number of fields had recently been ploughed up- it would be very easy to turn an ankle. We walked around the outside of the fields instead. It was a little frustrating but to be expected at this time of year.

It was nice to admire the autumnal colours in the trees as we passed by.

Pausing for a break in the hamlet of Tathwell we had a walk around the pond. The surface was covered in fallen leaves – very autumnal.

Walking on to the hamlet of Raithby I noticed that the church (St Peters) had been built in a unusual style.

After crossing the A16 we entered Hubbards Hills, a 40m deep valley that was formed by glacial meltwater cutting through chalk hills at the end of the last Ice Age.

At Hubbards Hills

This beautiful site was saved for the people of Louth in 1907 by Trustees investing money left in the will of schoolmaster Auguste Pahud as a permanent reminder of his wife Annie. It was a lovely walk through the deep sided valley. It was a fitting end to a nice walk.

Entering Louth we walked past St James church which has the third tallest spire in the UK. I do like a flying buttress.

In the town centre there is a sign on a wall marking the zero degree Greenwich meridian line.

This explains the signs that we saw when walking for the Greenwich Meridian trail http://greenwichmeridiantrail.co.uk. The route is a 273 mile trail that follows the line of the Prime Meridian. I might have a look at this!

It had been an interesting walk today and I enjoyed the autumnal feel to it.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
A circular walk around Horncastle.

Nov 1st, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today’s walk was a 10-mile circular walk starting in the market town of Horncastle. Myself and Angela parked the car in the Tescos supermarket long stay carpark and planned to follow a walk from the OS book ‘Lincolnshire and the Wolds – outstanding circular walks’.

The walk was a wide circuit of the Bain valley to the north, west and south of Horncastle. We followed the Viking Way at the beginning and end of the walk.

Leaving the carpark nice and early in the morning the local ducks were making a lot of noise as we made our way to the market square – we wondered whether it was feeding time.

In the market square there was a grand monument, built by the people of Horncastle, to Edward Stanhope – a respected benefactor to the town.

Stanhope Memorial

Outside the Post Office in the market square there was a nice knitted cover on top of a post box – Halloween themed.

Navigating our way through Horncastle we walked beside the little River Waring.

River Waring

After walking along a track beside housing estates we emerged on to a road and then, after a short road walk, started across fields.

The grass was wetter than anticipated. The day had turned cloudy. After a stretch across field paths we came to a road section. This was not enjoyable because there was just too many cars/lorries passing along it. We wondered whether the walk had been designed years ago before road traffic was as heavy as it is today and hedges were not so big.

A very brief quiet spell on the busy road

The road passed over the River Bain.

River Bain

We were glad to leave the road and head across fields again.

The walk was pretty uninspiring from a scenic perspective, however, we were enjoying being out walking and getting some miles in.

Eventually we came to the disused Horncastle Navigation canal. In 1802 the canal linked Horncastle and Tattershall, running parallel to the Old River Bain. As I am interested in canals this was the highlight of the walk today.

A disused lock

Horncastle navigation canal

We followed the canal, walking on the embankment to Coronation Walk in Horncastle, and on through town to the car.

Angela had done some research and found a nice café to have lunch at – The Bridge. We enjoyed a super lunch there and can definitely recommend it.

Horncastle is a very civilised town. Why ? 1. It has public toilets and 2. They are free!! 😊.

Happy Walking ! 😊🚶‍♂️
Autumn Adventures: Walking Through Sherwood Forest’s Colourful Trails

Oct 22nd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

This morning myself and Mick enjoyed a 9-mile walk autumnal walk in Sherwood Forest . The highlight of the walk was visiting the Major Oak, reputed to be 800-1100 years old!

Arriving in Edwinstowe we parked in the RSPB car park. We were in Robin Hood country.

It was quite cloudy and a chilly wind was blowing – not what we were expecting. Our day began by walking through the village where we saw a nice sculpture of Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

We picked up a track that took us beside the river Maun. The path was slightly muddy but could have been worse. The sun was starting to put in a welcome appearance.

The river Maun

Shortly, we found the path to take us into the forest, passing a nice building.

The trees in the forest were full of Autumnal colours and sweet chestnuts were covering the floor. I’d never seen so many! Mick picked some up to feed the squirrels at home. We saw signs to say that part of the forest is a Naturist area – needless to say, this resulted in a bit of banter.

There were many paths in the forest and we took the wrong path a couple of times but soon got back on track. Roughly half way through the walk we stopped for a cuppa. We joked about keeping an eye out for Robin Hood.

We pressed on, starting to meet a few people now. It had been very quiet – we didn’t hear any birds singing. We met a couple who couldn’t remember where they had parked their car – in a lay-by somewhere apparently. They are probably still wandering around now!

Mick pressing on through the forest

We started to see signs directing people to the major oak and we arrived in an area where there were people milling around. It must be close. Then, I turned around and there it was!

The Major Oak

Mick was delighted to have seen the tree – ‘that’s one off the bucket list’ he said. Its incredible to think the tree is so old and is still alive today. Amazing!

Leaving the Major Oak we continued to follow the woodland trail that was carpeted in leaves. It brought us back to the car park.

It was a good walk and made a pleasant change from bog-trotting across fields.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
A sunny 13-mile walk along The Grantham Canal

Oct 17th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my Blog 😊.

This morning was forecast to be a sunny one, so I decided to make the most of it, and get out for a nice easy walk along the Grantham Canal Towpath. I did a 6.5- mile walk from Harby to Kinoulton and back again.

After an initial cloudy start the sun came out and it was an incredibly mild day. Wonderful!

The Grantham canal is a restoration canal and I volunteer for The Grantham Canal Society, whose ambition it is, to restore the canal from Nottingham to Grantham. I feel a close affinity to the canal.

I joined the towpath at Harby and soon passed the old Warehouse that is still standing as a silent monument to the past.

Starting at Harby

The old Harby warehouse

The observant amongst you will have noticed that the canal at this point has a lot of weeds in it. This section is not navigable yet – nature has a habit of reclaiming what was once its.

Further on I spotted a flotilla of Ducks heading along the canal. It was lovely to see. I wondered where they were going?

Duck Flotilla

I met a few people being walked by their dogs and a couple of runners, but on the whole it was quiet. The towpath in places was sandwiched between reeds from the canal and hedges. I enjoyed watching the reeds sway with the wind.

I was so taken in with looking at the canal that I walked past a ‘Towpath Closed’ sign without seeing it. So, further along I had to crawl under a very low bridge. I should have followed the diversion – I did on the return leg!

A very low bridge

Emerging from under the bridge a couple of Swans were looking at me as if to say ‘can’t you read!’

Can’t you read!

I was enjoying the warm weather, the sun and the scenery. I also loved looking at the swing bridges. Dragon Flies were skittering around on the breeze.

A swing bridge

The miles were slipping away as I headed to Hickling passing under Clarkes Bridge where, sadly, I spotted a dead swan in the water. I reported this to DEFRA when I got home.

Clarkes Bridge

I would soon be arriving into Hickling, passing the restored Lengthmans Hut. The hut used to provide shelter for the canal worker who looked after this section of the canal.

Restored Lengthmans Hut

This section feels quite open with a nice wide path.

Hickling basin was in full sunshine with a few Anglers dotted around the outside. I found a bench and enjoyed a cuppa and a sandwich. I could see the ‘Old Wharf’ café on the other side of the basin and it was, as it usually is, very busy. I had a chat with a chap who was emptying the bins – he said that the sun always makes people happy, how true!

Leaving Hickling I headed for Kinoulton. This section of the canal was very busy with people – its obviously a popular walking spot. At Kinoulton I turned around and headed back. This time, the wind was in my face which was cooling as the sun was quite hot.

It was a great walk, I got a good few miles in and it was nice, easy walking- no boggy fields!!!

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️