Having successfully avoided catching COVID through the pandemic years I was somewhat miffed to have recently fallen foul of the current summer wave. Well, I suppose I was fortunate in having avoided COVID for so long and it was inevitable that it would catch up with me at some stage. I can’t complain.
So, I have been isolating for a week to avoid transmitting to anyone else. I am on the other side of COVID now, feeling ok but awaiting my sense of smell/taste to return.
Today, I enjoyed a 6 mile countryside walk taking in the views as the farmers begin their harvesting of crops. It was great being out walking.
Following paths across fields and along hedgerows on a balmy summers day was just the tonic I needed.
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.
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 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.
This morning myself and Chris met up in Bracebridge Heath, near Lincoln and we enjoyed a 9 mile circular walk that gave fine views of Lincoln followed by a scenic perambulation along the river Witham. Amigo Mick was not on this walk so it was a ‘Two Amigo’ walk today. Chris was keen as mustard for the walk because, for the first time ever, he was first to the meeting point!!
Leaving the car park we walked through a housing estate to reach a field where we started to get fine views.
View over Lincoln
Following our route we found that a landslip had taken away our path so we checked our maps and found a detour. Crossing the A607 we entered a field containing beans and followed that around until we could drop down on to our intended path. My legs got very wet from the long grass on this path.
The path by the bean field
We had arrived on a path above South Common and were rewarded with lovely views of the Common and Lincoln Cathedral sat majestically on the hill. https://lincolncathedral.com/
South CommonLincoln Cathedral
The cathedral is very impressive and well worth a visit. Lincoln is a historic and beautiful city. We could see the Keep of Lincoln castle situated close to the cathedral.
We passed the International Bomber Command Centre. We didn’t visit today, but I had visited earlier in the month – hence the photos below. https://internationalbcc.co.uk/.
The IBCC – the sculpture represents the food drops that were carried out in post war Germany .Memorial spire and wall of namesView from the base of the Spire looking upwards.
After passing IBCC we headed downhill towards South Common.
Chris on South Common
Looking back we could see the Spire on top of the escarpment.
Chris informed me that the height of the Spire was the same as the wing span of a Lancaster bomber!
Horses were grazing on the common which is a lovely open space.
Horses grazing on the CommonSouth Common
We passed across a bridge over the site of an old railway line – I said to Chris that it was the Melton Mowbray line (most old railway lines seem to me to pass through Melton Mowbray) but Chris did some research and found that it was, in fact, the Lincoln to Honington line!
We saw a handy bench and stopped for a cuppa. Refreshed we found our way to a drainage dyke that led us to the river Witham.
Chris viewing the drainage dyke
At the weekend myself and Angela had visited Easton Walled gardens which is about 5 miles from the source of the river Witham. The river runs through the gardens under a lovely ornamental bridge. It was coincidental that I was by the Witham again today.
The river Witham in Easton Walled gardens- 5 miles from its sourceEaston Walled Gardens
After a short walk by the dyke we met the river Witham and followed the path for about 2.5 miles.
river WithamChris walking on the river bank
We passed a factory and a passer-by informed us that it is a Walkers crisps factory (that makes Quavers apparently).
Walkers Crisps factoryWe stopped for another break at this bridgeRiver Witham in the background
As we were walking along the river we were deep in conversation about the SAS when I suddenly realised that there was no longer a river – we had missed our turning and were following a drain! Oops. We back tracked to pick up the river – I don’t think we would make the navigation grade for the SAS! It was a funny moment.
Crossing another bridge, further on past the sewage works, we walked through an urban area to pick up a path that led back up the escarpment.
Our path back to the escarpment
As we neared the hilly section Chris set off like a rat up a drainpipe and whizzed up the hill.
Reaching the top it was a flat walk along the escarpment back to the cars enjoying the distant views along the way.
Following a very wet start to the day the rain eventually stopped and myself and Mick were able to enjoy a lovely 10 mile circular walk.
We drove down the A1 and ended up stuck in a traffic jam for about a mile – the A1 is a notorious accident prone road through Lincolnshire. Parking in the Lincolnshire village of Swinstead our walk would take us to Creeton, Scottlethorpe and Edenham. A good deal of the walk today was across the Grimsthorpe Castle Estate. https://grimsthorpe.co.uk/
What was particularly nice about the walk, for us, was that we weren’t expecting a large estate with castle and so this was a pleasant surprise.
Grimsthorpe Castle
Leaving Swinstead we took paths across fields and reached a valley with a small stream running through it which we crossed via a wooden bridge.
We were pleased that there were no wet crops in the fields – we had got quite wet on our last walk .
We headed up Gorse Hill towards The Drift (a long distance track). The Drift runs parallel to the East Coast Mainline Railway and so, we watched numerous trains passing us -its a busy line!
Along The DriftA short train passes us
We reached the small hamlet of Creeton where we happened upon a bench and took time to enjoy a cuppa.
Arriving into CreetonCoffee time
Leaving Creeton Mick spotted a small herd of wild Deer in a field. Finding wild deer is definitely becoming more commonplace in England.
Along the way we would find numerous notices warning that shooting of deer was taking place, although we didn’t hear any munitions today.
A great job of making the footpath clear.
We passed through some nice wooded areas in the Estate and Mick thought he had spotted a wood-pecker.
Grimsthorpe ParkGrimsthorpe Park
One or two drops of rain started to fall but it didn’t amount to anything 😊. Our route took us through the small hamlet of Scottlethorpe and we were soon walking into the village of Edenham where there were roadworks occurring.
St Michael and All Angels Church- Edenham
We walked through the village , past the pub (looked nice) over a bridge across the river , through a field containing well behaved cows and another containing sheep.
The East Glen river in EdenhamCurious sheep
Shortly, we could see the large lake belonging to the Castle and then the castle itself. Our route took us around the outside of the lake.
The castle and lakewalking close to the lake
The castle is the home of Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Grimsthorpe has been the home of the de Eresby family since 1516. The park is 3,000 acres and is 5 miles across at its longest point. Apparently the castle was a filming location for the latest series of Bridgerton.
We were enjoying the views of the castle and lake. At this stage we had walked 9 miles and not met a soul.
It wasn’t long before we were walking back into Swinstead.
Swinstead
Arriving back at the car we both agreed that it had been a cracking walk. It had been quite undulating so we were feeling it in ours legs. I am sure we will be doing this walk again.
As the rain poured down from the heavens all day yesterday, myself and Mick both had the same thought – are we going to be able to walk tomorrow morning?
Fortunately, the rain moved away overnight and we had a warm sunny morning for our walk. The walk would take us on a 9-mile circular route from Caythorpe to Hough-on-the-Hill then Normanton-on Cliffe before arriving back into Caythorpe.
Todays route
Parking in Back Lane, Caythorpe we set off on our planned route and were soon crossing a field of wheat where previous walkers had carved a path through.
Unfortunately for us the crop was very wet from the rain and by the time we had crossed the field our feet/trousers were soaking wet! Not a good start.
Wet legs /feet
Undaunted, we carried on and found that some of the paths were overgrown and so, also wet. Our feet /trousers were getting a soaking. Soon we came to an open field containing sheep and were relieved to be out of the long grass.
Crossing a field of sheep on the way to Hough-on-the-Hill
We could see Hough-on-the Hill in the distance as we strolled onwards.
Mick heading for Hough-on-the Hill
Hough-on-the Hill is a small village – it only had a population of 399 in 2011. The word Hough is Old English for enclosure and yes, the village sits on top of a hill. After arriving in the village we decided to walk around it and view the big houses.
The church in the village is called All Saints and dates back to the 11th century. It is built of ironstone and limestone. Mick spotted a bench in the church yard and we headed up to sit and take a break and allow our trousers to dry in the sunshine. As I munched on my scotch egg Mick had a perusal of the gravestones which although old (c1875) were in very good condition.
All Saints Church Hough-on-the-Hill
Leaving the church we got talking to a cyclist who was on a 70 mile day trip – it amazes me the distances cyclists cover in a day. In the village we spotted a few small old metal gates and wondered what their purpose was ?
Hough-on-the-hill
Leaving the village we crossed a field containing an old Foden excavator which was unexpected and interesting to see.
After leaving this field the path took us along the edge of the adjacent field which was overgrown with vegetation. Our trousers which had started to dry out soon became even wetter than previously!
Our path was straight through this overgrown section.
Reaching the end of the overgrown section we could not follow the defined pathway because the landowner had fenced in the route. This was not helpful but we did find a way around. We were feeling at this stage that this was proving a troublesome route.😒
We continued to cross fields and at one point we could see, in the distance, the point of entry into the next field which looked like it contained oil-seed rape. Our hearts sank – we have previous experience of not being able to cross oil seed rape fields because the farmer had not restored the footpath after planting the crop.
However, we were pleasantly surprised to find, when we entered the field, that the oil seed rape we had seen was only remnants from a previous year and the farmer had sprayed a path through the new wheat crop. Maybe our luck was changing.
We followed the yellow stripe path, crossed the route of a former railway line and entered Normanton-on-Cliffe. After a short walk along the main street we turned off and headed along a road that headed uphill giving nice views over the surrounding countryside.
Having reached the top of the incline we crossed a field where the farmer had placed cones at the entry/exit point but we didn’t realise this because they were not on the defined pathway. Oh well.
Having walked up the hill we were soon walking down the hill and looking for the footpath. This was not to be found so we decided to abandon trying to follow the footpaths and follow the lanes instead, back to Caythorpe.
Arriving in Caythorpe we passed a bright yellow flowering tree which I think is Common Laburnum / Golden Rain.
Back at the car we both felt that, for whatever reason, the walk was tougher than the 13-miler we had done last week. Maybe it was the blocked paths, although we had that last week too. Despite this, it had been nice to be out in the sunshine and explore new territory.
My Walking Journeys 