Friday 26th April 2013 Cosby to Croft via the fields. 6miles

Millennium  village sign

 Down at the village hall car park 19 walkers had gathered on a grey, and weather wise,  not a very promising  morning. Undeterred, it was agreed to walk from the car park to Croft,  about three miles away. We took to the fields at the top of Croft Road in Cosby and saw the welcome sign of the crops starting  to burst into life, particularly the first sight of the distinctive yellow of rape seed.The farmers have had more than the usual struggle with the elements this year, perhaps even more than most of us. The fields of wheat and oil seed rape are at least one month late in developing. 

The picture  shows how lucky walkers are in our area as many farmers now leave a path across sown fields.

Leicestershire County Council should also have credit for the way the path markers are maintained -  very visible and there are usually no problems following them as you can see the bright yellow tips of the posts from quite a distance.

Most of the bridges are well maintained and it is very rare that we come across something that is impassable. 

 After crossing over the busy B4114  on the way to the Heathcote Arms in the centre of Croft we came across a field of grazing horses who were, to say the least, quite inquisitive. Croft,  incidentally has a large quarry which has a great walk around its rim but that will be for another day no doubt.

Heathcote Arms

At the pub which also has a restaurant, coffee and tea were ordered. The weather had changed for the better so we all sat outside enjoying the sun.  The very friendly and welcoming Landlord brought out a couple of plates of delicious lemon cake which was most appreciated and didn't stay on the plates very long!

A photo of a hat was taken also some rather trendy leg gear. Perhaps in future blogs we can concentrate on feet rather than heads.

We set off back to Cosby chatting about the better weather ahead 

and now that the bluebells are making an appearance planning a walk to see them in their full glory in a couple of weeks time. 
 

Cosby in the distance

Friday 19th April 2013 Cosby to Broughton Astley via the fields. 6.2mls.

Well the sun was shining and as there hadn't been much rain lately we decided on a local walk in the fields  - something we had not done for some time because it had been just too muddy. Sixteen walkers set off on a stroll through Cosby, out past the Golf Club up Shuttleworth Lane and turned right into the fields heading towards Cottage Lane. As we walked, the locals came out to welcome us as we passed by -  a thrush sang and a gentleman from the cattle family gave us a quizzical look.

                            

On Cottage Lane we encountered one of the local farmers on a small tractor going about his daily chores.

We got to the Bull's Head  at Broughton Astley a little early -  I suppose we are all getting a bit fitter. Any way, it was a good excuse to sit and have a good natter.  

 

After a great cup of coffee/tea we set off back to Cosby on a different route. Somebody had spotted activity in the fields earlier in the week and, being a nosy lot, it was decided to walk that way back. It just goes to show you that it is better to check it out  before going on a walk - the photo to the right demonstrates the point. However, we all saw the funny side of walking across a field that has just been manured - it was very smelly!!! The actual field we went to check on was just having some drainage work done, ah well.

To finish the day a hat was spotted - a very smart looking cap. 

It was a great walk and roll on next week.

Friday 12th April 2013 Bouskell Park, Blaby to The Navigation Inn, Kilby. 6.6 Miles

It was an overcast and grey morning with the promise of short but frequent showers to come later. 14 walkers arrived at the appointed time eager to brighten up their day with some brisk walking and a lot of talking. It was decided to drive to Bouskell Park, Blaby,  park the cars there and walk to Kilby Bridge via South Wigston.

On the way, in Mill Lane, a really scary scare crow was spotted in an allotment! 

On reaching the Grand Union Canal at South Wigston we joined the towpath and headed off towards Kilby.

The going wasn't too bad all things considered.

A swan showed us it was much easier to float rather than walk.

Another hat was featured for the hat of the day competition.

At the Navigation Inn we all settled down to coffee etc etc. 

Although a little longer than usual, we agreed it was a good walk. 

Friday 5th April 2013 Blaby to Aylestone Meadows. 5mls

22 walkers organised themselves to drive to Blaby parking on the industrial estate which gives

Great Central Railway walk

easy access to the old Central Railway walk - this stretches all the way to the centre of Leicester. On this occasion we left the Central Railway path at Packhorse Bridge near Aylestone Meadows to cross over the canal.

As always the cameras honed in on candidates for hat of the day -  two hand knitted, very colourful and warming  hats were spotted.

Outside the Kings Lock Tearooms

 After joining the Grand Union Canal towpath on the return journey to Blaby we arrived at  the Kings Lock tea rooms. It is well known that the tea rooms serve a very decent slice of cake in  various flavours so a tea /coffee break was quickly called for and unanimously agreed.

Canal boat leaving Kings Lock

Whilst having a well earned break we were surprised when two of our other regular  walkers joined us. Having set out late and missing the meet at the village hall, by sheer fluke,  they had chosen to walk the same route as the rest the group! Leaving the tea rooms we now numbered 24. With the sun shining and getting warmer all the time the topic of conversation turned to 'could spring have arrived at last'. The big difference was that the wind from the north east which had helped to keep temperatures down to low single figures in the day and low -0 temperatures at night seemed to have disappeared.  Anyway , everybody agreed - it is getting warmer at last!                                                                                                                       

on the return walk

A brilliant walk -  everybody enjoyed it and looking forward to next Friday.

Please note a picture of the buzzard spotted on last week's Willoughby walk has been included in the blog posted last week.