This morning I did a relaxing 9 mile circular walk from Cotgrave Country Park to Cropwell Bishop and back along the Grantham Canal. Walking the towpath is a joy and one is often quite alone .
The canal is under long term restoration and there are long sections that have succumbed to nature.
Canal taken over by nature
It was a grey, cloudy day as I set off along the towpath, but it was also very mild, and I was enjoying the almost spring-like feel to the day.
A lock in the country park
As I left the Country Park I came upon a section of canal that had been cleared. This was great to see and gives an idea of what the canal would look like when wrestled back from nature.
A cleared stretch of the Grantham Canal
I passed the ruins of quite a few locks along the way- one day they will be fully restored 😊.
I was enjoying walking along a mud-free towpath – that’s an advantage of walking by a canal. Original cast iron way markers along the towpath told me how far I had walked.
My route took me under the busy A46.
Passing under the A46
I paused for lunch and a cuppa at a nice wooden bench.
A welcome bench for a cuppa
Continuing on with my walk I passed some wooden stepping stones across the canal to a private garden – must be a short cut to somewhere.
Stepping stones to a private garden
The sun was breaking through the clouds and I was enjoying feeling the sun on my face – there was a bit of heat in the sunshine. Soon I could hear the high pitched whine of chain saws and the shouts of men – I had reached the area that was being cleared.
I visited the Grantham Canal Society caravan that was serving drinks and food to the volunteers. The Greenfields-Countryside Ltd volunteers are planning to do a sponsored walk of 26 miles along the canal in June to raise funds for the canal restoration and I will be joining them! After a chat I turned around and headed back to the Cotgrave Country Park.
This morning I met up with Mick and Chris and we did a 10 mile circular walk beginning in the small Lincolnshire village of Ropsley.
A nice wooden sign greets you in the village
We parked up on the high street and put on our walking gear. Chris was already in a mutinous frame of mind, saying ‘I didn’t sign up for this!’ referring to the drizzle mizzle that was enveloping us. It was also a chilly 7 Deg C.
I wondered what state the fields were going to be in and hoped (fingers crossed) that they would be passable.
Setting off down the high street we passed a cottage where Richard Fox, the founder of Corpus Christi college, Oxford had been born. There was a plaque high up on the wall.
I always feel a sense of history when walking in old villages like this – how many people had trodden the road before us?
Towards the end of the village we saw the footpath sign that led us up a drive between two houses. I worry when walking so close to other peoples property – it almost feels as though you are intruding. The path took us through a narrow lane, hedged either side, and eventually brought us into open fields.
It wasn’t long before we found out that the fields were still very wet and boggy. Oh dear! Good job I had waxed my boots yesterday.
We passed the first of a number of wooden bridges on the walk today.
Myself and Mick had walked this route back in the lovely sunshine of last August so I ‘sort of’ remembered the route. I say ‘sort of’ because we had reached a point where there was no clear path (at least in my mind) and confidently I said , ‘the route is this way’ and headed off over the field. Mick piped up that he was sure we were going in the wrong direction and we needed to be heading in a westerly direction. No yellow way markers were visible across the field. As is usually the case, Mick was correct, and after reaching the opposite side of the field, I ate some humble pie and said that Mick had been right – infuriatingly, he has the uncanny knack of remembering our previous routes!
Having got on track we headed across fields to reach the small hamlet of Little Humby.
Little Humby
We passed through an empty ford where we could see that there had been plenty of water recently.
Little Humby Ford with footbridge to the right.Little Humby Ford
Heading out of Little Humby along a tarmac road that was part of The Cross Britain Way, we passed a field where the sheep were enjoying a late breakfast (or maybe an early lunch!).
Along The Cross Britain WayLate breakfast or early lunch?
We reached a good farm track, with open fields either side that took us up towards Ingoldsby Wood. The light rain had eased off but it was still misty restricting long views.
Heading for Ingoldsby Wood
Through the woods we walked – slip slip, slide, slip slip, slide in a steady rhythm. The path was quite muddy. Lincolnshire is renowned for its muddy paths.
Ingoldsby Wood
After a mile or so we left the woods and entered more open country as we made our way towards Boothby Pagnell.
Out of the woods heading for Boothby Pagnell
There was a glimmer of blue sky in the almost grey vista and wondrously, all of a sudden, there was a rainbow. Things are looking up boy’s ! and we will soon be at Boothby Pagnell for a cuppa.
Walking at pace for our break at Boothby Pagnell
Along the way Chris was getting his binoculars out to check out the bird life – we were seeing red kites and other species that I cannot quite remember right now.
Arriving at Boothby Pagnell we sat on a wooden bench opposite the church and slurped some tea and some of us had a butty or two – Chris is being ‘good’ and trying to control his food intake so disappeared for a closer inspection of the church graveyard. Having seen nothing interesting he joined us on the bench, sat down, pulled out his flask and an extra large china mug and proceeded to enjoy a large cup of tea!
View from our bench
So far we had met only one other person – a jogger- along our route.
Leaving Boothby Pagnell we crossed some open fields and found ourselves walking along side Kirton Wood, once more along muddy paths. It is a bit like walking in platform shoes as the mud layers build up and then release themselves as gravity overcomes the stickiness.
Further on we had a good stone path for a while before returning to muddy fields.
Good stone path
I have noted that during our walks there seems to be a theme in the chatting. Todays was alcoholic beverages which was far better than the chat on our previous walk which was Death!
It wasn’t long before we were heading back into Boothby Pagnell where we met a friendly dog walker who enquired where we had been walking.
Nearly back at Boothby Pagnell
There was an interesting bell tower in the local school.
So, the three amigos arrived back at their cars with Chris on a mission to buy a breathable waterproof jacket in readiness for our next adventure. I think there was mention of him going for a swim followed by a sauna later- its all right for some!
If you have managed to read to this point in my blog thank you very much and I hope that you enjoyed it?
Following storm Isha at the weekend we had another storm overnight called Jocelyn – the 10th named storm of the season. The strong winds battered my house overnight and I was feeling slightly tired this morning after being woken by the strong gusts of wind during the night.
I should share with you the sunrise yesterday which was spectacular.
I met Mick at the Dirty Duck pub in Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and we did a 9 mile circular walk along good paths taking in part of The Viking Way, the old Ironstone Railway line and the Grantham Canal.
Start of the walk by The Dirty Duck pubSign on The Viking Way
After walking a short section by the canal we crossed over the canal via a bridge and headed uphill along The Viking Way.
Heading uphill along The Viking Way
There was still a stiff breeze blowing so despite the increased temperature it took a while to warm up. At the top of the hill we passed by the gates and a gatehouse for Belvoir Castle.
Passing by the Belvoir Castle estate
It was great to see little Snowdrops starting to pop up – a sign that spring is not far away.
Snowdrops
By this time the sun had made a welcome appearance as we strode along some nice footpaths.
Good farm track
There were plenty of broken branches strewn across our paths – the results of the overnight storm.
Broken branches
It was time for a quick stop for coffee and a scotch egg at a handy fallen tree😊.
A welcome break.
Revitalised, we continued following the old Limestone railway passing under a bridge and through tree lined vistas.
Bridge on the former Ironstone railway lineOur route along the old Ironstone Railway line
We made our way back to the canal and had a look at the work that has been happening at Lock 13 where it is planned to renovate the lock.
Crossing the canal.Lock 14A tranquil canal scene
Nothing much was happening at Lock 13 so we headed back to our cars.
Lock keepers cottage
We had enjoyed some fresh air, lovely scenery and had a good chat. Also, we agreed on next weeks walk. 🚶♂️
This morning I met up with Mick and Chris to do a cracking 8 mile circular walk beginning along a ridge overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, passing through Branston, Knipton and then past the Belvoir Castle estate back to the start.
I awoke this morning to a lovely sunrise – it was going to be a sunny day!
It was a chilly start and the ground was frozen solid as we set off on a good tree lined path along the ridge.
The ridge footpath
Looking to our right we could see way across the Vale and point out distant land marks.
Leaving the ridge we turned onto a deeply rutted track (Toft’s Lane ) and followed this to pick up the Jubilee Way for a short distance. The sun was shining and there were great views to take in.
Tofts Lane
Chris and Mick were pointing out various species of birds along the way, of which there were many – red kites, buzzards in particular wheeling, gliding and soaring majestically in the clear blue sky. The crunchy cracking of the ice in puddles as we walked along accompanied us.
Track on the way to Branston
At the end of the farm track we turned right onto the road to walk up a moderate hill into Branston where we entered a farm and passed through a field of sheep going down a hill and over a rickety/icy bridge followed by a steep climb up out of the valley.
This brought us to a field where we caught glimpses of Knipton Reservoir as we followed the clear path across.
Exiting the field brought us on to a road that had very little traffic. This would take us towards Knipton village. The road was white with frost so care was needed when placing your feet.
On the road to KniptonA view on the road to Knipton
We caught another glimpse of the reservoir along the road.
Knipton Reservoir at the end of the field
Myself and Mick have done this walk many times and tradition dictates that we stop at the village Post Office and buy a hot drink and maybe some snacks. We then sit on a bench adjacent to the lovely babbling brook and enjoy our purchases. Today, we both chose a hot Bovril and it went down very well I can tell you!.
Knipton VillageThe babbling brookA welcome cup of Bovril
Suitably refreshed we followed the road out of Knipton towards Belvoir castle soaking up more nice frost filled views.
I think we were probably aware that the weather is changing back to wet and windy over the weekend so it was nice to enjoy the sunny weather today. Soon we were back on the ridge and heading for the cars.
Back on the ridge
We all had enjoyed the walk and particularly being the in fresh air and the sunshine. The miles had passed very quickly with the chat speeding us along.
This morning I did an 11 mile walk along the Grantham Canal from the Dirty Duck pub in Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir to Redmile and back again.
I set off walking at 08:00 and I didn’t meet a soul for 3 hrs – it was wonderful!
The start by the Dirty Duck PubA moody sky over the pubThe Grantham Canal Society Depot at WoolsthorpeThe weed dredgerThe path lies ahead.
The Grantham Canal is a dis-used canal that runs from Grantham to the River Trent in Nottingham (33 miles). It is what is referred to as a contour canal because when it was built it followed the contours of the land – hence it is wiggly! It is gradually being restored by The Grantham Canal Society. The aim is to get the canal fully navigable again and this will involve putting in a new cut to get from the outskirts of Nottingham to the Trent because of roads etc that have been built across the original route. It is a very long term project.
The canal opened in 1797 having cost £118,500 to build. From Nottingham the canal carried coal, coke, lime building materials and groceries. Returning from Grantham boats carried corn, malt, bean, wool and agricultural produce.
The walk was a mixed bag of nice pathways and very muddy ones.
Nice reed beds
Along the way I saw 4 herons close to the towpath but do you think I could capture a photo – as soon as I got anywhere near they flew off further away from me. Most frustrating but wonderful to see them.
A restored lock
A de-tour was required around lock 13 which is just at the early stages of being renovated.
Dam across the canal to aid the renovationThe start of the detour
In the distance I could see impressive Belvoir castle.
Belvoir castle in the distance
I really liked the reed beds along the way.
Reed beds
I said ‘Hello’ to quite a few Swans – good job no one was about!
Near Muston there a breach in the side wall of the canal visible and the water had dropped 2 feet. It has breached here before and the temporary repair has failed. The Canals and Rivers Trust has been made aware.
Breach in canal
Along the way I passed a disused Lengthman’s hut – the Lengthmen were responsible for lengths of towpath including repair and maintenance of banks. To see what a restored Lengthmans hut looks like see my blog https://wordpress.com/post/oldblokewalking.blog/1686
Roughly half way I stopped for a coffee and a scotch egg. It was definitely on the chilly side this morning. On the return leg I avoided a boggy section of the towpath taking a cycle trail instead.
The cycle trail
The path took me through a tunnel that had some interesting graffiti in it.
Soon after I was arriving back at my car.
Nearly back at my carWay marker on the cycle trail
It had been a great walk and I look forward to my next.
Today myself, Angela and Mick took a 10 mile walk along the Grantham canal from Hickling basin to Cropwell Bishop and back.
The route
It was a sunny morning with very little wind as we set off along the towpath from Hickling basin towards Kinoulton.
On the way to Kinoulton
The towpath was in very good condition given all the rain we have had recently.
Arriving into Kinoulton
As we have come to expect along the canal we saw some swans. At one point two swans took off into the sky, with speed, and you could see just how powerful their wings are.
Leaving Kinoulton the sun was still shining and we were enjoying the views 😊😊.
The canal stretches ahead
Soon, the canal was noticeably more weedy and we reached a point when there were trees growing in it. For those who are not aware, the canal has not been used for many years and is currently being restored by the Grantham Canal Society – it is a very long term project but steady progress is being made.
Greenery in the canalA nice caravan on the opposite bank
When we reached Cropwell Bishop (our halfway point) we found a handy bench and had a cuppa and a butty. Refreshed we then began our return leg. A tree had been blown over across the canal recently – no surprises given the winds recently.
Tree blown over
It was a peaceful walk – we had hardly met more than half a dozen people.
Heading back to Hickling
Arriving back at Hickling basin we were surprised that the very popular café (The Old Wharf Tea rooms) situated by the basin was closed. Turns out it is closed until the 5th of February.
This morning myself and Angela parked at Navigation Road tram stop and caught tram’s to Salford Quays, with the aim of walking back out of Manchester along the Bridgewater canal to Timperley – an 11 mile walk. We changed trams at Cornbrook interchange.
Tram arriving at Navigation RoadTram arriving at Cornbrook
Yesterday we had been walking in Tatton park and had got drenched 😒so we had to dry our boots and trousers overnight. The rain we encountered yesterday was biblical and combined with the strong winds made for a very unpleasant walk. We were hoping that we would get less rain today.
The tram to Cornbrook was very full but the tram to Salford Quays was a better ride with less people on board.
Our first view of Salford Quays
Salford Quays is an impressive waterside location hosting Media City, The Lowry theatre, The Imperial war Museum and many other venues for food/drink/hotels and a substantial number of apartments. It was quite bleak when we arrived with a cold wind blowing.
Apartments at Salford QuaysThe Lowry TheatreThe Lowry TheatreThe Imperial War MuseumAngela looking chilly at Salford Quays.
We could see Old Trafford – the Manchester United Football Club stadium across the water – we would be walking past that later.
Old Trafford
Leaving Salford Quays we walked through streets, passing a quirky Amazon delivery vehicle, to pick up the towpath of the Bridgewater canal.
We had never seen one of these delivery carts before – double yellow lines don’t apply??Passing one of the old Quays on the way to the canalWhere we joined the canal
We were to find that the canal is a pretty straight run most of the way and that it is well used by runners and cyclists as well as by walkers.
The Tram line follows the route of the canal quite closely.
Tram and canal side by side
We continued along the Towpath and crossed over The Throstle Nest bridge to the other side of the canal. A boat passed under the bridge.
We were now approaching the impressive Old Trafford Stadium.
Old Trafford
A little further on we took the left hand branch of the canal.
We took the left branch here crossing over the footbridgeHeading up over the footbridge.
Shortly we reached Stretford Marina which housed quite a few boats.
We passed over the river Mersey.
Passing over The Mersey
And then under the M60 motorway.
M60 crossing the canal
We were now heading towards Sale.
At this stage we started to encounter light rain showers. We were both delighted when we came across a café serving from a boat by Walton Park. We stopped for a nice latte 😊.
The rain started to get heavy so the last mile or so from our destination was not pleasant. We were both relieved to get to the car and out of the rain. It was an enjoyable walk and didn’t feel like 11 miles. Our walking gear will be drying out again overnight!!
Today myself and Angela took a 7 mile walk along the Bridgewater canal from Dunham Massey to the Timperley Tram stop and then back.
There were, as predicted, quite a few people taking advantage of the lack of rain to stretch their legs. The first section we walked was quite muddy.
A muddy towpath
The Bridgewater canal was commissioned by the third Duke of Bridgewater and is often said to be the first true canal in Britain. It was built to service his coal mines at Worsley transporting the coal to Industrial Manchester.
Leaving the countryside the canal entered the suburbs.
Despite the weather forecast saying that there was 0% chance of rain we had a small shower – trust Manchester to rain when it shouldn’t! We passed a house with some colourful flower pots.
As we continued along the towpath we passed a couple of nicely designed apartment blocks that looked great and gave a nod to the boats that ply their way along the canal.
Nice reflection in the canalNicely designed apartment’s
What was interesting was the contrast between the new apartments and an old Industrial building along side it. The canal has had a number of these old units converted into apartments where the facia adjacent to the canal is kept. This is a great idea and a reminder of the areas Industrial heritage.
The old and the new
We took a small detour from our walk and visited McDonalds at Broadheath to get a coffee 😊. We had a nice Latte – impressed with the quality.
We passed an old Industrial building used by Linotype Machinery that used to make ‘line casting’ machinery for the printing industry- this was cutting edge in its time.
The Linotype Machinery building
It was interesting to see an old crane used for putting timbers into the canal in the event of a breech or if maintenance is required. I wonder if anybody maintains the crane?
Before too long we had completed our walk and arrived home to a glass of mulled wine – well, it is Christmas!
Weather permitting ,we hope to do other sections of the canal this week- from Timperley tram stop to Sale water park and from Sale water park to Salford Quay’s.
This morning I met up with Mick and we did a 9 mile walk starting in Bingham and going via Newton and Shelford to reach Radcliffe where we picked up a bus back to Bingham. We were both keen to see what state the river Trent was in after all the recent flooding.
It was a dull day but thankfully we didn’t get any rain. After walking through Bingham we hit the busy A46 which we crossed via the pedestrian bridge.
Pedestrian bridge over the A46
We followed footpaths to bring us around the old RAF station at Newton with its iconic control tower, and headed towards Shelford.
Art Deco style control tower
On our way to Shelford we stopped for a cuppa and Mick produced some festive mince pies from his rucksack . A very nice surprise 😊.
We had to do a small detour on the way to Shelford because the field we should have crossed was badly waterlogged.
Waterlogged field near Shelford.
Having reached Shelford we turned right past the church (St Peter and St Pauls) and followed the road to reach the river Trent.
St Peter and St Pauls ChurchThe river Trent.
This section of the river has a grass embankment to walk on. The river height had dropped but debris along the bank was clear to see where the water had been.
Debris from the recent floods
There were many tree branches, bits of wood, plastic bottles and a life buoy stranded by the embankment.
The river Trent
I wonder whether the rubbish will get cleared up?
The walk followed the river towards Radcliffe where we ascended a hill and had some views of the river through the trees. We also passed numerous memorial benches along the footpath.
A weir across the TrentA nice railway bridgeThe footpath into Radcliffe with memorial benches.
We soon reached the centre of Radcliffe and a bus arrived after only 1 minutes wait – they run every 10 minutes which is a great service.
My Walking Journeys 