Today myself and Angela enjoyed a 7-mile walk along the Bridgewater Canal. It was a lovely sunny day and chillier than recent days. We parked in Dunham Park car park and headed out on our sunny walk. We had a spring in our step.
There were quite a few people about in the park taking advantage of a nice day. Passing the stable block and old mill building we headed towards the Bridgewater canal.
Stable block
We noted that the water wheel for the mill was turning and that there were tours around the mill in the afternoon – we will do that sometime.
Old Mill
Arriving on to the towpath the sun went in – I wondered whether it was anything to do with Angela putting her sunglasses on 😊.
The towpath was quiet and as we walked along we spotted a heron sat there.
Surprisingly, it let us get quite close before flying off. It was great to see it.
Continuing along we passed a few narrowboats that were moored up and a tent where someone was living (and has been for a while). I can think of worse places to pitch a tent.
We passed over and under a number of bridges some of which I admired.
As we neared Oldfield Brow we passed a small Marina and then, further on, a nice piece of old engineering – a crane for lifting stop planks into the canal.
At this point we turned around and walked back the way we had come. We met Mr Heron again who continued to delight us with his flights along the canal. The sky was getting blacker as we walked along the canal – thankfully it didn’t rain. We left the towpath and entered Dunham Park along a tree lined avenue.
Today myself and Mick enjoyed a 8.7-mile circular walk from Thorpe Satchville following the Leicestershire Round path across Burrough Hill to Somerby. There, we left the Leicestershire Round path and walked across fields to Burrough-on-the-Hill and onwards back to Thorpe Satchville.
Leaving Thorpe Satchville the heavens opened up and the rain poured down. We’re not off to an auspicious start! Mick said that he had checked the rain radar and it should be fairly short – indeed it was. The next showers were due just after midday but we would be finished the walk by then.
We passed a nice Owl carving in a tree stump.
Blue sky as the rain clouds pass overhead
The ground was muddy and wet so I had glad I had put on my gaiters. As it turned out, I should have brought my walking poles because the ground was treacherous in hilly places.
We were on our way to Burrough Hill, at 690 ft, one of the highest hills in East Leicestershire. As we climbed upwards we had nice views across the countryside.
Mick emerging from the gorse after a steep and slippery climb.
On top of Burrough Hill is an iron age hill fort – the ramparts are clearly visible. It was a pity that the day was cloudy because there would be great views from here on a clear day.
Ramparts of Burrough Hill fortWhat the fort might have looked like.Toposcope near summit of Burrough Hill
Leaving the hill fort we headed downhill towards the Dalby Hills path which took us through some woods.
Mick leaving Burrough Hill
After squelching along the path we spotted a bench and halted for a cuppa and a bite to eat. We had seen a Roe Deer, lots of rabbits and red kites overhead.
Refreshed we left the woods and headed slightly uphill again. There was 1,200 ft of ascent on todays undulating walk.
Heading towards Somerby
Soon we arrived in Somerby and walked through the village. We spotted a parking spot where we could leave a car when we do our next leg of the Leicestershire Round – Somerby to Belton-in Rutland.
We passed a pub called ‘The Stilton Cheese Inn’ that had nice old brickwork.
Continuing on we saw a sign on a gate pillar leading to a large house called The Grove.
We continued onwards and had an encounter with a feisty Ram who may have been getting territorial or maybe he was just curious. Either way, we hopped across a stile fairly pronto. There were nice views into a valley.
Shortly, we arrived in Burrough-on -the -Hill where we saw a couple of nice houses.
Grand house in Burrough-on-the-HillAutumn leaves
Leaving Burrough-on-the-Hill we took fields towards Thorpe Satchville. Crossing some fields was a slog as they had been recently ploughed. We had nice views across the fields of England’s green and pleasant land.
Soon we were back at our car and we were dry! It had been a strenuous walk because of the wet conditions underfoot and the undulations, but great for the soul. My waterproof socks had worked a treat. We had not met anyone on our route today.
This morning I was up early doors and headed down the A1 to Upper Hambleton at Rutland Water, a large man-made reservoir. When the reservoir was created the high ground around Upper Hambleton was left above the water and so now forms a peninsula. My aim was to walk around the peninsula – a modest distance of 5 miles. I was hoping for some nice views.
My route
I parked my car on the road close to Hambleton Hall hotel https://www.hambletonhall.com/ and walked through the village.
Hambelton Hall HotelUpper Hambleton
After a short walk along the road I joined the cycle/walking trail that runs around the peninsular. It was gently undulating with fine views across the water.
The weather was dry but murky – thunderstorms were forecast for later. Runners were out enjoying an early morning blast seemingly oblivious to the world with their wireless earplugs in. I wondered what their choice of music was or maybe it was radio 4?
Sheep were dotted about munching on the grass.
It was lovely to see the sun trying to break through the clouds and I captured some nice photos.
Swans on the water
The path rolled around the peninsular passing small beaches/bays and through wooded areas. I stopped at one of the many benches scattered along the route for a scotch egg and a drink enjoying the quiet and the view.
Further along I passed the old Hambleton hall – a fine building.
Old Hambleton Hall
Three cyclists whizzed past me chatting away. I headed up a hill to the village passing St Andrews church (12th century).
St Andrews church
Soon, I was arriving back at my car. I had enjoyed my walk – it was definitely worth the effort.
I will return to the area because I want to take a trip on The Rutland Belle that runs trips on the reservoir. https://rutlandwatercruises.com/
Today myself and Mick continued with another leg of the Leicestershire Round. You may recall from an earlier blog that the Leicestershire Round is a 100 mile circular walk around the county of Leicestershire. We are doing the walk in stages and today was a 9 mile walk for leg 3 – Hoby to Thorpe Satchville.
Our route today
As usual, we parked one car at Thorpe Satchville and the other at Hoby. It was a foggy morning and quite chilly when we resumed our walk by the church in Hoby.
The church in Hoby
Our first port of call would be Frisby. The mist was proving stubborn at lifting which also made navigating interesting.
Mick asks’ which way are we heading?’
We crossed the river Wreake over a wooden bridge hoping the fog would lift soon. When crossing fields we normally look out for the yellow marker posts denoting the exit but we were snookered with the mist.
river wreake
The walk would turn out to be one where we cross lots of stiles, pass through many gates and, on the first half of the walk, get surprised to find we were walking through a field of cows because they suddenly appeared out of the mist.
Arriving into Frisby on the Wreake
Arriving into Frisby a helpful couple pointed us in the right direction of our way out.
Frisby on the Wreake
Leaving Frisby we started to ascend and continued to do so for quite a while. The mist was lifting and blue skies were visible. We would cross gently rolling hills to Gaddesby.
Leaving Frisby
It was time to get the jackets off as the temperature was rising now.
Mick gently ascending
We arrived in Gaddesby and asked a resident whether there was a bench near by – he pointed us in the right direction. We needed a drink and some food.
Gaddesby is a lovely village with some thatched roof cottages. It also has a grand hall but we only saw its entrance gates.
Entrance to Gaddesby Hall
Refreshed after our break we set off again, passing beside the church. The church is generally reckoned to be the most beautiful in the county with a tall spire that can be seen for miles.
Church in Gaddesby
As I was taking the photo a lady who was tending the gardens informed me that inside are grade 1 listed medieval wooden benches.
Gaddesby church spire
Leaving Gaddesby we were headed for Ashby Folville. We had to cross four fields that had had manure sprayed over the surface so the air was pungent and slippery underfoot. As Mick said, ‘this would not be a good place to slip over!’ Thankfully, neither of us did. The subsequent fields were grassed so helped clear the muck from our boots. The joys of farmland walking.
Heading for Thorpe Satchville
We passed through a tunnel under a dismantled railway line (Melton Mowbray line?) and then saw a field containing only black sheep – quite unusual.
Black sheep
Arriving into Thorpe Satchville we both felt that the walk had not been as nice as our other two legs. I guess they can’t all be special. This was more a ‘getting the miles knocked off as the scenery was nothing special’ type walk. Enjoyable never the less – you can’t beat being out and about!
This morning myself and Angela enjoyed a 6.5 mile circular walk starting at Trent view car park, Fiskerton, beside the river Trent. Here the Trent winds lazily through a wide valley and this route, linking the villages of Rolleston, Morton and Fiskerton, followed a flat course utilising a mixture of field and riverside paths, tracks and quiet lanes.
By choice we had an early start because we like getting out and about before the rest of the world rises. It was still a chilly morning when we arrived at the car park.
The Trent at Fiskerton when we arrived at the car park
We headed along a path through trees, trying to avoid the nettles that encroached on the path in places, before reaching an open field where we could see Rolleston in the distance.
Heading for Rolleston
Rolleston turned out to be an interesting place because it was home (for some of her childhood) to the famous Victorian illustrator of children’s books Kate Greenaway. Later, she was a regular visitor in the summer holidays as she grew up. The village has a trail that can be followed around the village that is related to her. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Greenaway
I thought that it was good that the village was remembering their famous resident. Walking out of the village we did a double take when we saw Winnie the pooh , piglet and Christopher Robin playing pooh sticks at a bridge! 😊
Our route took us close to Southwell race course, a popular horseracing venue.
Walking through the fields close to the racecourse there were a lot of horses – no surprise that! We walked beside Beck Dyke and Angela took a particular interest when it went into a tunnel under the road.
Beck Dyke
Leaving the Beck we walked along the road and waited at the level crossing (over the Lincoln to Nottingham line) for the East Midlands Railway train to pass. I had a quick coffee while we waited. We then proceeded to the village of Morton where we had a proper stop at a bench.
The sun was warming up the day as refreshed after a snack, we set off through fields of maize towards the river Trent.
We could hear the weir before we saw it- Hazelford Lock & weir. The air had a faint sweet smell to it and there was some foam on the water.
Hazelford Weir
We followed the bank of the river towards Filkerton. Anglers lined the banks along the way – it does look an expensive hobby with all the kit required and tents, wheelbarrows etc to carry the kit. I can appreciate the solitude though, of sitting by the water waiting for the excitement of a bite on the line.
A cruiser motored majestically along the river – disturbing the Anglers.
At Fiskerton we reached a promenade in front of the old maltings and loading wharf. It had turned into a beautiful morning. We admired some very beautiful houses with their own private moorings containing expensive looking motor launches – how the other half live!
The wharft at Fiskerton
Arriving back at the car we both had enjoyed the walk -a perfect option for an easy Saturday stroll.
Today myself and Mick did our second leg of the Leicestershire Round – Mountsorrel to Hoby-10 miles. It was a really lovely walk, taking in the river Soar and some beautiful villages along the way. The walk started and finished in sunshine, and in between, we had heavy rain. It was a chilly day with a cold north wind blowing.
Having parked our cars at either end of the walk we set off from The Buttercross in Mountsorrel.
The Buttercross in Mountsorrel
We passed a replica of the 15th century market cross.
Replica of Market Cross
Following the Sileby road we reached the Waterside Inn and then took the towpath along the river. I was admiring the narrow boats that were moored up- it would be nice to win the lottery!
The Waterside Inn Mountsorrel
Passing under the A6 then by a weir and crossing a bridge we headed for Sileby marina. I was enjoying walking by water, I don’t know what it is but it is just nice.
Mick heading to the A6 bridgeA shapely bridgeSileby Marina
At Sileby Marina we saw a great little weir that was very bubbly – I wondered if this was a way of oxygenating the water by creating turbulence?
Leaving the Marina we headed towards Cossington Meadows – a nature reserve created from old gravel pits. I spotted a narrow boat with a lovely display of flowers on its roof.
Passing through Cossington village our route took us past Ratcliffe College, a co-ed Catholic public school. It started to rain. We crossed the school playing fields and arrived at the A46 dual carriageway. It took a while getting across because it is very busy and the cars/lorries were travelling at 70mph. Eventually there was a gap in the traffic and I was glad to get across safely.
The rain was persisting down (light showers according to the weather forecast – you could have fooled me!). Sheep were sheltering under the trees – sensible animals.
Our boots got very muddy crossing one of the fields but soon cleared crossing grassy fields. We saw some white cows which I thought were quite rare in these parts.
We came to Rearsby Mill and had to decide whether the path took us up the front drive of this beautiful large house – it did, but as there were no signs I couldn’t help worrying that some irate owner would come out and berate us for trespassing.
Further along we crossed a mainline railway line which we thought was unusual for its traffic light system for crossing.
We arrived into Rearsby and I was delighted to see a wonderful example of a packhorse bridge, which was built in 1741.
The bridge is listed as an ancient monument. According to village records it was built by six men in nine days at a cost of just over £11. Fifteen loads of stone and 21 quarters of lime were used in its construction.
The heavy rain started again so we sheltered under some trees leading to church. The rain eased slightly so we set off passing the church of St Michael and All Angels.
Annoyingly, we missed our turn in Rearsby because the sign was buried in shrubbery. A sixth sense told me to check the GPS so we didn’t go too far adrift – funny how you sense things.
We crossed a field containing a now wet crop and we both got very wet legs/feet from it.
Fortunately, the sun made an appearance and helped dry us out slightly as we made our way to Hoby, our destination.
We made a note of where to resume our next leg of the Leicestershire Round- Hoby to Thorpe Satchville, hopefully next week.
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.
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.
My Walking Journeys 