Tag: hiking

Discover Stamford and Barnack: Perfect Walking Trail

Jul 18th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, the Three Amigos enjoyed a 10-mile circular walk starting in the pretty village of Barnack and crossed lovely countryside to enter the beautiful and vibrant town of Stamford. Leaving Stamford we crossed the parkland of Burghley House to return to Barnack.

It was a hot and humid day as we set off from our parking spot adjacent to St John the Baptist Church in Barnack. Walking through the village I admired the thatched cottages.

Soon, we were walking in fields and then adjacent to a railway line where we experienced a grand parade of various trains using the line. That kept us amused.

Mick checking out the Loco’s

We reached a level crossing with a beautiful traditional signal box and were surprised to see the signalman manually closing the gates. Clearly, the old traditions are hanging on in some places.

Uffington signalbox

Continuing across a field we reached the river Welland – not that we could see water at this stage, just lots of weeds. We followed a track through a tunnel of trees, with the river to our right and the railway line to our left. We were on the Torpel Way- an 11.2 mile walking route from Peterborough to Stamford.

Eventually, we could see water in the river, which was a relief, because I had been wondering if it had dried out with the drought conditions we are currently experiencing. Our route took us across a bridge and then up a track to arrive in Stamford. Traffic was very busy and a complete contrast to the quiet of the start of the walk.

Bridge into Stamford

Stamford is a prosperous town with over 600 listed buildings, in and around, the town. It was made England’s first conservation area in 1967. Even the hospital looks grand! Sir Walter Scott claimed that Stamford was ‘the finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London’.

Stamford Hospital

We spotted a bench adjacent to a busy roundabout and decided to stop for a quick refreshment break anyway. Where was all the traffic coming from we asked?

Chris packing his rucksack after a break

We walked through the town, and the busy street market that was on.

Getting busy as we head for the market

We passed a tall tapering structure with a circular base in the sheep market. Turns out it is a modern memorial to Queen Eleanor and stands where it is believed the old Eleanor Cross stood.

The Eleanor crosses were twelve tall and lavishly decorated stone monuments erected by King Edward 1 marking the stopping places where his wife’s body rested on its final journey to Westminster Abbey.

Bridge over the river Welland in Stamford

We all agreed that it was nice to see such a busy town, not at all rundown like many other towns. There were people everywhere – is this normal we wondered?

River Welland

Leaving Stamford we took a path diversion around a new housing development, consisting of a couple of very grand houses and headed uphill through a field of sheep. Glancing back we had views across Stamford.

Before long we entered the grounds of Burghley Park Golf Club and walked beside the greens. The greens had been watered and were in pristine condition.

Burghley Park Golf Club

Next, we entered the grounds of Burghley House, although we somehow missed seeing the house (which would have been in the distance), and came across part of the course for the famous horse trials where we saw a few of the ‘jumps’.

Horse jumps

Burghley House is a Tudor mansion built by William Cecil, secretary of state to Queen Elizabeth 1, and has been occupied by the same family for 16 generations.

Burghley House

The grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown. We noted the trees were nicely manicured.

We enjoyed walking through the parklands – not a soul around.

A dry stream crossing

We were on the home stretch now, and after crossing some arable fields ,we arrived back at Barnack – water flasks depleted!

We all agreed that it had been a lovely walk – the nice weather definitely helped!

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring Scampton: A 9-Mile Circular Walk Adventure

Jul 9th, 2025

Hello and welcome to blog 😊.

Yesterday, the Three Amigos met up and enjoyed a 9-mile circular walk taking in Scampton village and the old RAF base.

It was a lovely blue sky summer day as we set off from our handy parking at the Scampton viewpoint. We had extensive views across Lincolnshire. After a short road walk along the A1500 (never ideal as the traffic was fast moving) we headed across fields – finding the path proved tricky as it was overgrown!

We were heading uphill to the B1398 on the escarpment,which again, gave us fine views as we walked along.

Escarpment views

We crossed a stile and headed downhill towards the small village of South Carlton.

Chris nimbly crossing a stile

A field of horses that we crossed proved entertaining with the horses being very interested in our back packs! They were very friendly and gentle.

Arriving into South Carlton we passed a nice wood carving of a wheat sheaf on the village green.

We continued crossing arable crop fields and a good call by Mick, when we were unsure of the path to take, brought us to North Carlton. We admired some piglets that were in a pen and then headed into fields where the path was well defined for a welcome change.

We were passing fields of bamboo – quite unusual to see.

Bamboo

After another brief section of road walking we were crossing fields of sweet corn.

We arrived into Scampton village where we passed St John the Baptist Church. During world War 2 the RAF base nearby was home to the famous Dambusters. In more recent times, it was home for the Vulcan bomber and the Red Arrows. In the churchyard there are commonwealth graves and some for the German Luftwaffe. We took a look. At the side of the church were silhouettes of air crew watching us past – it was quite poignant.

Leaving Scampton we headed for the village of Aisthorpe and then, a slight uphill walk, brought us to the boundary fence of the old airfield. We all felt it was a shame that there were no planes taking off and landing there.

The old airfield

We followed the perimeter road for a while, then headed through nicely shaded woods into the other end of Scampton village. We couldn’t help but notice that there were a lot of new houses being built. The village pub ‘The Dambusters Inn’ was looking good.

Chris spotted a silhouette of Barnes Wallis (inventor of the bouncing bomb) on the wall.

Finally, we headed across fields and up the A1500 back to our cars.

It had been a good stretch of the legs.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Historic Bridges Along the Ironstone Railway

Jul 1st, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning the Three Amigos met up early and thus avoided the heat of the day. The recent heatwave is due to break tomorrow which will come as a welcome relief. Our 7-mile walk today was along the redundant ironstone railway near Woolsthorpe. We would see many lovely brick bridges along the way.

A number of quarries were worked in the area by Stanton Ironworks Ltd. These are long gone but digging into the history is very interesting. I highly recommend a book by Eric Tonks ‘The Ironstone Quarries of the Midlands -part 9, Leicestershire’

A typical ironstone train back in the day

We parked by ‘The Duck’ pub at Woolsthorpe-by-belvoir and set off along the Grantham Canal towards Longmoor bridge where we crossed over the canal and joined the Viking Way.

Lock 18 on the Grantham Canal

Longmoor bridge

We were heading up towards Brewers Grave. We passed the remains of a railway bridge where the brick embankments still stand proud.

remains of a bridge

A steady walk uphill on a narrow stony path brought us to Brewers Grave.

The path rising towards Brewers Grave

At the top we passed by wrought iron gates – a minor entrance to Belvoir Castle. We then joined Sewestern Lane and followed this wide, straight track to reach an old railway bridge.

Gates at Belvoir Castle

One of the reasons for choosing this particular walk today was that it was shaded by trees for much of the route.

Sewstern Lane

It is would be quite bizarre after walking through woodland to find such a bridge if you weren’t aware of the history.

We had not met a soul so far – not even a dog walker! We continued along the straight wide track where the railway had run.

The old ironstone track

Just past Denton Manor Farm we crossed a metal bridge built to allow the farmer access to his land.

Chris and Mick having a breather.

The path narrowed and we pressed onward.

We arrived at a lovely three- arch road bridge across the old railway.

As per usual we were enjoying putting the world to rights as the miles slid by.

Path of old railway line

Leaving the railway track we passed through a field containing the purple Phacelia – used to improve soil health. Its beautiful to see the vibrant purple flowers.

Phacelia in the field

We arrived at the Grantham Canal once more and walked back along the towpath before re-joining the old railway line.

We walked along this track to reach lock 15 where fish were viewed swimming in the lock – a sign of a healthy canal. A walk back along the towpath brought us to our cars. The temperature was rising and we were glad we had made the effort to get out early.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring the Grantham Canal: A Perfect Summer Walk

Jun 19th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

We are having a lovely spell of weather but it can be slightly too hot for walking. I decided to get out early and found myself by the Grantham Canal early doors. Surprisingly, it was quite misty this morning.

I enjoyed an 8.5-mile circular walk from The Duck pub at Woolsthorpe to Denton Reservoir then on to Harlaxton to re-join the canal for the return leg.

My route

Looking up the canal at lock 18 the mist was rising across the water. A walk along this canal is like entering another world and it’s my happy place.

Wharf at lock 18

I headed along the towpath passing the workboat ‘Mudlark’ – a dredger and aptly named.

Mudlark

The water is crystal clear in the canal and I could see small fish swimming between the weed. The birds were twittering in the trees.

weed in the canal

I was soon arriving at Denton Wharf – a place where small boats can be launched into the canal via the slipway.

Denton Wharf

Here I left the towpath crossing over the humpback bridge and walked along track and road to reach Denton Reservoir – one of two reservoirs built specifically to supply water to the canal.

Denton Bridge No 64

I took a walk around the reservoir – it was so peaceful, with not a soul around.

Denton Reservoir

A Heron stood on a log in the water looking for its breakfast.

The Heron

I left the reservoir and took a path across fields, passing one in particular that had lovely purple flowers growing. A visual feast.

Purple flowers

I reached Harlaxton bridge where I re-joined the towpath.

Harlaxton bridge no 66

The section of canal from Harlaxton to Denton is shaded by the trees so I enjoyed being out of the sun for a while. I passed two swans with their eight cygnets – always special to see.

Finding a bench in the shade I took a break enjoying my scotch egg. The towpath is in good condition so easy to walk along it.

Just past lock 18 I detoured and took the Sustrans cycle path, once the route of the Ironstone railway, to lock 15.

The cycle path

Arriving at lock 15 I re-joined the canal and walked along the half-mile pound back to my car, passing the Grantham Canal Society depot along the way.

Grantham Canal Society Depot on the half mile pound

It had been an absolutely perfect walk on a beautiful summer morning. I’d loved it.

Happy Walking 😊🚶
Reflection on the recently completed Leicestershire Round.

May 31st, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Having recently completed The Leicestershire Round I thought that I would put into words my reflections on that journey.

The Leicestershire Round is a 100-mile walking tour around Leicestershire, devised in 1987 by the Leicestershire Footpath Association to celebrate the Associations centenary.

My journey began back in August 2024 at the start point in a misty Bradgate park. Amigo Mick and I were looking forward to the challenge.

I definitely remember having a sense of embarking on a journey. Given that it was August you will be forgiven for expecting fine weather when, in fact, the opposite was the case. There again, it was a wet summer last year.

Heading off through Bradgate Park

Deer in Bradgate Park

We were going to be walking the route in stages which involved using two cars. We parked a car at the beginning and end of each section that we were walking. As we progressed around the route the business of having a lot of driving, plus trying to locate suitable parking became a challenge in itself. Parking near churches we found to be useful.

I only had one issue with parking and that was in Bagworth where I had initially parked in the Community Centre car park only to be told by an irate lady that I had no right to park there. My memory of Bagworth will be forever tainted with this unfriendly incident.

I think we managed 5 legs of the walk before the weather was too bad with winter looming. At this stage we had had enough of muddy walks.

Burrough Hill, and the remains of an iron age fort, should have been a good view point with plenty of photo opportunities, but the day we did it, it was misty again.

Mick arriving near the top of Burrough Hill

The Toposcope on Burrough Hill

In general, the route was very well signposted. However, relying on signposts is not good in misty weather when they cannot be seen across a field! 😊

Mist in September

I recall walking through a VERY muddy Owston Woods – this was a particular low point on the walk. Progress was slow with wet feet and risk of slipping over.

Squelchy ground

Let no one tell you that Leicestershire is a flat county. The first few sections that we walked had plenty of up!

It was a real joy passing through numerous small and beautiful villages whilst walking the Round. Who knew that so many existed.

Finding a very old Packhorse bridge in Rearsby was a delight.

In November I recall we had a walk on a rare day without rain, although it was still muddy.

On the Round we came across The Tenth Battalion Trail and learnt about the areas history with the Parachute Regiment as a consequence. It was nice to delve into the history.

We took a break from the Round over winter and resumed in the spring. Who would have predicted that we would have such a long dry and sunny spring. It’s been wonderful. The blossom was been spectacular. The muddy, gloomy, wet walks of last year were replaced by sunny, dry walks and we made hay whilst the sun shone, knocking off all of the remaining legs.

Spring on the Leicestershire Round

Walking up Foston Locks on a sunny day was a particular highlight for me – a canal lover.

Foxton Locks

Visiting the Ashby canal was also a highlight.

The Ashby canal

Unexpected bonuses were finding out that The Battlefield Line heritage railway existed and that there is a good heritage museum at Boswell Field.

Shackerston railway station on the Battlefield Line

I think the walk was a voyage of discovery where we explored territory new to us. I realised how little I knew about areas close to where I live and it was a good feeling to be exposed to new experiences.

It was great walk to do and rekindled my desire to do more longer distance trails.

Mick and I at the finishing point

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
The Joy of the Final Leg in a Long Walk

May 30th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today is a very auspicious day- Mick and I completed The Leicestershire Round!!!

Angela accompanied us on the short 6.5-mile walk from Bagworth to Bradgate Park in Newtown Linford. She had accompanied us on our first leg so it was only fitting that she was there for the last.

It was a reasonable good weather morning as we set off from Bagworth. I think we all felt a sense of occasion as we strode through Bagworth to pick up the trail where we had finished last week.

We passed an old colliery coal tug – a nod to Bagworths Industrial heritage. I am guessing the house owner was an ex-miner.

Shortly, we were passing through peaceful Bagworth Heath Woods. There would be quite a lot of walking through woods today.

Bagworth Heath Woods

At the edge of the wood we descended to reach a railway line and a level crossing. We wondered which one – turns out it is the disused Leicester to Swannington line which was opened by George Stephenson in 1832 – the first public railway in the Midlands. There were plans to reopen the line to passengers as the Ivanhoe line but they came to nothing. Mineral trains still use the line?

We skirted the side of Thornton reservoir and then continued along paths beside Brown Wood.

Thornton reservoir

Beside Brown Wood

There were some slight inclines along the way as we headed towards the M1. The bright yellow buttercups were everywhere and looked fabulous.

A slight incline

Close to the M1

Passing under the M1

After passing through the tunnel under the M1 it was a short walk to reach Markfield. It is a village that remembers its history – there are plaques on numerous building denoting their previous history. We stopped at a handy bench and took a break.

Angela spotted steps in front of what had been a door way but was bricked up now. I wonder why they did not remove the steps?

Leaving Markfield we took an underpass under the A50 – the graffiti artists had been at work!

Underpass on the A50

After passing under the A50 the route took us beside the road for a few hundred metres – the path was overgrown but we forged a way through.

Beside the A50

Eventually we reached open fields and made our way to Newtown Linford.

Close to Newtown Linford

As we entered Newtown Linford we passed the cricket club – the grass was a lush green and a ride-on lawn mower was cutting the grass to perfection. A couple of horse riders passed us riding along the road and said hello. Thatched cottages lined the road – it was all quintessentially English.

Soon we entered Bradgate Park and the Start/Finish point for The Leicestershire Round. Mick and I posed for the traditional end of walk photo.

Angela asked, would we like a coffee?- you know the answer to that question!

Reflecting on our journey

Badge added after completing The Leicestershire Round

It had been a 100-mile journey and you can read more of my reflections following the walk in a subsequent blog.

A big thank you goes to Mick for his good company, bad jokes and banter along the way.

Happy Walking ! 😊🚶
A lovely10-mile walk in the Vale of Belvoir.

May 29th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Angela and I enjoyed a 10-mile walk in the Vale of Belvoir taking in Easthorpe, Bottesford, the Grantham Canal and Redmile.

It was a very blustery day, but thankfully dry. We have had quite a few heavy rain days this week. We parked near Middlestile bridge (No 56) on the Grantham Canal and set off along the towpath towards Muston Gorse. Immediately we saw a couple of swans with their six cygnets- it was great to see.

After approximately one mile along the towpath we reached Muston Gorse bridge (No 57). Here we left the towpath taking a footpath across fields towards Bottesford. The grass along the towpath had recently been trimmed so that looked neat.

Muston Gorse bridge

There were plenty of clouds in the sky and the sun was making a determined effort to break through. We were aiming for the spire of the St Mary the Virgin church at Bottesford which we could see in the distance.

Our route would take us across the very busy A52 and I was inwardly dreading having to wait ages waiting to cross. As it transpired we arrived and got straight across through a gap in the traffic 😊.

Having conquered the A52 barrier we followed the lane into the lovely village of Easthorpe where we admired the cottages as we walked through.

Angela on her way to Bottesford

Crossing a buttercup strewn meadow as we left Easthorpe we made our way to Bottesford. Walking beside the church we arrived at a Ford across the river Devon. Here we stopped at a bench and took a break.

St Mary the Virgin church at Bottesford

The church is sometimes known as ‘Lady of the Vale’. It has the second highest spire (212 ft) in Leicestershire. The chancel was rebuilt in the 17th century to accommodate the monuments of the Manners family, Earls (later Dukes) of Rutland whose ancestral home is Belvoir castle.

After our break we continued walking through Bottesford, then crossed the A52 again (no problem here!) and followed a road to reach the Grantham Canal towpath where we headed towards Redmile. The Redmile church spire was visible as we walked by the canal.

Along the Grantham Canal towards Redmile

The Grantham Canal at Redmile

A short walk through Redmile brought us to a track which led us across fields away from Redmile towards Muston Gorse. We walked beside what looked like a new road being constructed- I wondered if it was an access road to a Solar farm.

A new road

We reached a small lane and while walking along this were astonished to find a large double decker bus coming towards us. It was a school bus and filled the width of the lane. Being as though there were ditches either side of the road we had very little space to avoid the bus. Somehow we managed to let the bus pass by.

We reached the canal again at Easthorpe bridge (No 56) and joined the towpath meandered our way back to where we had parked the car. The canal is such a tranquil place to wander.

Grantham canal with Belvoir castle in the distance

It had been a lovely relaxing little walk.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
10-Mile Walk from Market Bosworth to Bagworth on the Leicestershire Round

May 23rd, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today Mick and I completed our penultimate leg of The Leicestershire Round, walking 10 miles from Market Bosworth Country Park to Bagworth.

It was a chilly start as we set off from the car park of Market Bosworth Country Park. We are expecting a week of rain (much needed) starting tomorrow so it was nice to have blue skies today.

We passed some interesting wooden sculptures in the park – can you see the face in the tree stump?

We walked towards the village passing the village sign, passed through the large market square and found our path away from the village.

Cottage in Market Bosworth

Our first port of call would be the village of Carlton. We followed the path through fields to reach the village -it had a very informative information board.

Nice buttercups

We passed the former school (now a private residence) that provided ‘for the education of poor children of the parish AD 1847.

Former school entrance

Leaving Carlton we said hello to some sheep on the way to Shackerstone where we arrived at the Heritage railway known as The Battlefield Line. The railway here opened in 1873 and closed in 1970. It was then bought by enthusiasts and runs as a heritage railway.https://www.battlefieldline.co.uk/.

It runs from Shackerstone via Market Bosworth to Shenton. I think I will have to visit and take a trip because I do like a steam railway 😊.

The Ashby Canal runs close to the railway line and we walked along the towpath for a while before heading off across fields towards Odstone.

The Ashby canal

We followed farm tracks and passed through a long section which would have been diabolical in wet conditions. Thankfully, not a problem for us today.

We passed a very nice property- Odstone Hall. Who lives in a house like this?

Odstone Hall

We soon arrived into Odstone where we found a bench in the small park and had a break – a scotch egg for me and plenty of water as it was turning hot.

Leaving Odstone we passed across fields on our way to Nailstone.

The crops were in desperate need of watering.

Mick on the way to Nailstone

On the way we couldn’t help but notice a huge warehouse in the distance – we wondered who owned it. It looked completely out of context with the environment we were walking through. Further on we saw the ALDI sign.

We reached Nailstone passing by the 13th century church with its fine broach spire.

Close to the church we saw a wonderful cottage with yellow roses growing outside.

Leaving Nailstone, we were heading for Bagworth. We passed fields containing solar panels – the first we had seen whilst walking the Leicestershire Round. Apparently we were also on the Ivanhoe Way trail. This is a 36-mile circular walk beginning in Shackerstone and the walk is in the north west part of Leicestershire. Its called The Ivanhoe Way because The novel ‘Ivanhoe’ by Sir Walter Scott, written in 1819 and set in 12th century England, used the castle at Ashby and the surrounding countryside as its setting.

Solar Farm

An unusual sight in a field we passed through was ‘men at work signs’ and orange cones – turned out to be large holes dug by Badgers and quite deep too. We were glad of the warning.

One of the Badger holes

Shortly after a steady walk uphill we arrived into Bagworth.

It had been a relatively easy walk and this now leaves a 6-mile section from Bagworth to Newtown Linford to complete the Leicestershire Round – hopefully next week.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Embracing the Unexpected on a Woodhall Spa Walk

May 18th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today I was up early and travelled to Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire to enjoy a 6.75 mile circular walk.

Woodhall Spa is known as one of Lincolnshire’s prettiest villages and this was my first visit (and it won’t be the last!). It developed as a small health resort in the Victorian period and came about by accident in 1811, when a man named John Parkinson made several failed attempts to find coal. The enterprise was abandoned after the 1,000 ft deep shaft filled with spring water. It was then discovered that the Iodine-rich water had healing benefits. Spa Baths were built so that visitors could ‘take the waters’ and hotels followed.

As I drove to Woodhall Spa I passed old tractors and vintage cars along the way- there must be an event on somewhere I said to myself. Arriving into Woodhall Spa there were a lot more people about than you would normally find early on a Sunday morning – then I saw a sign and all became clear.

Woodhall Spa

These days Woodhall Spa is a popular golfing resort. During World War 11 the village was home to some 5,000 servicemen. 617 squadron (the famous Dambuster’s) has strong associations with the village. After parking up I visited the memorial for those members of 617 squadron who have died whilst serving their country.

I paused for a while and reflected on their sacrifice.

Heading off I walked through the village and suddenly came across the site of the Woodhall Spa Show – the place was busy. My route along The Viking Way was barriered off so I asked one of the Marshalls, who was directing traffic, could I still use the path. Thankfully he replied ‘ yes, just move the barrier to pass through’. And so I did, the show was setting up in a large field. I stopped for a chat with another Marshall and he said the show is a big event for the village and later on, the fields for parking would be full.

www.woodhallspacountryshow.com

There was even a vintage tractor painted pink advertising the Lincolnshire Ladies Tractor Road Run on 20th July.

After I had passed the show grounds it became much quieter.

This is more like it I thought, the birds twittering in the trees and no one in sight. I admired a field containing Crimson Clover as I walked by.

Crimson Clover

The soil is quite parched at this stage of the current dry spell.

The white flowers on the Cow Parsley were bountiful.

Cow Parsley

I met a woman out walking her dog and we had a chat about the show and where I had come from today. After, I continued following The Viking Way across fields.

I spotted some beautiful flowers on a Horse-Chestnut tree.

Horse Chestnut tree flowers

I passed through a few fields containing sheep with lambs in tow. Bahhhh!

Derelict farm

My route then took me along quiet tree- lined lanes.

As usual whilst walking along I was lost in my thoughts and then I came across a sign for luxury treehouse accommodation. ‘That’s very interesting’ I thought -I will check it out later. http://www.treetophideaways.co.uk

This is what I love about walking – coming across the unexpected.

The final part of my walk was through The National Golf Centre which is lined with golf courses. It was a lovely walk and I am pleased to report that I didn’t get hit by any stray golf ball’s 😊.

There were a few golfers out enjoying a game.

I walked past this bunker and wondered how many golfers had come a cropper in here?

The path was lined with Rhododendron bushes – lovely.

On my route today I came across a number of information boards about Wartime Woodhall – its a great idea I think.

Soon, I was walking back into the village and I popped into the co-op to get a coffee. The main street in the village is lined with cafes (busy!) and interesting shops including one claiming to be the smallest shoe shop in England- it was small!

I had loved exploring Woodhall Spa and will definitely be returning.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Discovering Barwell and Ashby Canal on a Sunny Walk

May 13th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Its completely amazing that the sunny weather continues. I am loving it! Have you noticed how many flying insects are about? My car windscreen is testament to increasing numbers.

So today, myself and Mick took advantage of a glorious day and completed another leg of the Leicestershire Round, walking 9.2 miles from Burbage Country Park to Market Bosworth Country Park.

This leaves us just over 15 miles left to complete our challenge.

After some initial difficulty finding our route out of Burbage Common we headed into Barwell passing St Marys Church and a nice neo-gothic style war memorial.

St Marys Church, Barwell

Barwell war memorial

Continuing through Barwell we entered an industrial estate. It had no redeeming features apart from a mobile café which I took advantage of and was soon munching on a delicious bacon and egg bap. The vendor was able to point out the route we needed to follow – she has seen many walkers pass by apparently.

The route after the Industrial Estate was initially uninspiring and tricky due to vegetation encroachment. I have learnt to avoid wearing shorts when walking at the moment because you are likely to get stung by nettles.

Can you spot the Kissing gate???

After a while we entered more pleasant agricultural fields and the going was easier.

We noted that the lambs are growing fast but still stick close to their Mums.

Soon, we arrived at the Ashby canal where we joined the towpath and took a break at a handy bench whilst watching the boats cruising past. It seems such an idyllic life, puttering about on a boat. More of a summer pursuit than a winter one though.

Resuming walking we were headed for Sutton Wharf. We passed a boat called ‘The Black Pearl’ which had a macabre theme including a coffin on the roof, complete with a skull and a scarecrow sat on top.

The Black Pearl

Most unusual – not your usual narrowboat decor. Further on we saw some ducklings paddling along. It is lovely to see them.

Shortly we reached Sutton Wharf where there were folk enjoying the café there.

Sutton Wharf

Continuing along the towpath past the café we took a right turn and passed through Ambion Wood. It was cooler in the shade of the trees and we enjoyed a brief respite from the heat.

Ambion Wood

After passing through the wood we arrived at the the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. A battle fought near here in 1485 brought Henry VII to the throne when he defeated Richard III.

https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/

We didn’t have time to spend here today but it looked worth a visit at a future date. The mortal remains of Richard III were found under a carpark in Leicester in 2012 – the film ‘The Lost King’ records the efforts of Philippa Langley to persuade academics and historians of her research that eventually led to the discovery.

Leaving the Heritage Centre we had a walk into the village of Sutton Cheney followed by an easy walk to the Market Bosworth Country Park. A good days walking I feel.

We hope to do the penultimate leg of the Leicestershire Round next week- Market Bosworth to Bagworth. I wonder whether it will still be sunny?

Happy Walking! 😊🚶