Feb 27th 2026 Blaby to Tesco Wigston

 Yet again another wet day was promised by the forecasters. So, all dressed for the occasion, we met at Oakfield Park in Blaby.

Before the walk we had a 3 cheers for somebody celebrating 60 years of marriage, their diamond wedding anniversary.

We'd collected for a gift and card to celebrate the occasion.

         

 Don't think he was expecting that!      

       

                                                                       

So off we go on our walk to Tesco's cafe.

The odd puddle to get through, but nothing we weren't used to.

Something interesting - someone had noticed just how delicately  snowdrops are suspended on their stems.  The wonders of nature.

Around the cemetery and then along past the allotments.

Tesco - dry and comfortable in here.

After a lot of chat and drinks, time to go.

Waiting to get across the busy road from Tesco.

Getting closer to the car park.

Again this week, it was too wet to take any more photos. 

A wet but enjoyable walk, bound to be better next week (said with fingers crossed).

February 20th Walking to Countesthorpe from Blaby Wet Walk.

                                       

     All dressed ready for some wet weather - again.

                                                    

   The brook is very high and the surrounding earth and grass soaked. 

                                         

                                       

Umbrella up and the rain starts again.

                                      

                                   

                           

                                       

   Unfortunately the wet weather doesn't lend itself to photographs.                          

We finish the walk so far and enter the housing estate at Countesthorpe heading for the garden centre.

Hello, hello, the road is being dug up.

That's a big pipe - must be gas, doesn't look like electric,  too small for sewer or water. 

                              

In the comfort of the café at the garden centre.

As usual a good old natter going on.

                                         

What about thinking about going back?

Maybe give it another 10 minutes.

On our way back and still very wet.

                                        

Grey clouds suggest another shower is on its way to keep the water levels well up.

                                       

At this point cameras were packed away, just getting too damp to operate them without damaging them.

Surely the weather will be better next week -  see you all then.

13/2/2026 Annual trip to Launde Abbey

 Well somebody has to check out all these wonderful walks.

Loddington church and snowdrops galore - enjoyed at our reccy a couple of days before the group walk.

On the day and the key to the church - borrowed from one of the locals.

     Up the muddy fields to the church.

 

Around the church and the amazing show of snowdrops.

Extensive work due to ash die-back has been caried out.  New trees have been planted to compensate.

Always a delight.

Let's go and look in the church, should be warmer and drier.

Just a moment - time for another shot.

Signing the visitors book again.  Not many recent entries - it's kept in a drawer to protect it from damp so not everyone knows it's there.

Time to go.

Our last look at the snowdrops before we leave.

Back across the field to start our walk to Launde.

There is a lot of water around the route but we're all prepared for it.

On leaving the church the back up team take their cars to Launde.

Off we go - some of us chose to do a shorter walk but the majority opted for the usual challenging route.

A thatched cottage getting a makeover.

Horses still need to be exercised whatever the weather.

Having just walked up this hill we confirm it's much steeper than it looks!

Roads splitting down the middle and tracks a muddy mess.

That's the way to Launde Abbey

Keeping close to the abbey for shelter.

Inside the abbey - all very happy to take a seat and relax.

Lunch of steaming winter vegetable soup and crusty bread was enjoyed by all - as were the selection of cakes on offer.

Refreshed, we prepared for the return trip back to the cars via the hill of all hills - an annual challenge - but we did it.

Unfortunately no more photos were taken as it just became too wet to take them. 

Everybody got home safe and sound and thoroughly enjoyed the day, rain and all!