9th August 2013. Walking around Burbage Woods and Common approx. 4 miles.

 Sixteen walkers met on a grey Friday morning and set off for  Burbage Common to walk around a popular destination for the people of Hinckley and the surrounding area.

 As can be seen from the above pictures a lot of us carry bags containing the essentials of walking across the countryside. In them you might find a map and a compass, waterproofs, a bottle of water and maybe a bar of chocolate.

 As we came round the corner of a field a fire engine drove down a single track road. It was assumed that they were taking a short cut or were taking the pretty way back after a shout.

The fire engine went that way

Along the route we passed over the main railway line from Leicester to Birmingham and then under the same track. 

Railway bridge

Growing conditions are ideal for everything it seems - the photo below gives a good view of nettles lying in wait for unsuspecting walkers.

Our youngest walker discovered this and couldn't resist having a go.

After a while we found a small cafe on the common where we had refreshments.

Tea and Lolly stop.

Just waiting for coffee 

             After a good walk it was back to the cars and home.

Looking forward to next week - hope the weather is dry and bright.

2nd August 2013 walking from Leire to Ullesthorpe approx 6miles

 It was a little on the grey side after a wonderful sunny day the

day before but it was all smiles as ten of us set off from Leire to start the walk. Although having been forewarned that things were growing well most of us didn't expect the field of maize to be quite like this.

 And then there was the odd high style.

 We came across a tiny frog in the centre of one field and it was deemed to be a very photogenic subject with a very good profile.

Now that's a better positional shot.

On our way past the riding stables we thought the sign was in need of a bit of TLC.

 On the way up the slope into Ullesthorpe several walkers took a rest while waiting for the others to catch up before heading towards the Chequers for cold drinks and tea or coffee.

We had passed the local Scout grounds - some of us recollected the ups and downs of camping!

The last leg of our walk was over Ullesthorpe golf course and through some uncultivated fields on the way to Leire.  The butterflies and dragonflies were spectacular  and numerous.

Peacock

In the railway cutting it was a bit wet here and there but with a little dexterity it was passable!!

A very good walk was had by all.

Friday 26th July 2013. Wistow to Kilby Bridge approx 6.25 miles

It was a fine sunny day with enough high cloud to give us some shade from time to time.
Several of the group are away on holiday and there were 9 of us who set out on the walk. One of our regular walkers was accompanied by his wife for her first walk with us.

We parked at Wistow and walked away from the canal past Kilby Lodge, steadily climbing, enjoying fine views over Leicestershire spotting Bradgate Park in the distance.

 

We turned towards Kilby going over stiles and going through fields of sheep. Entering Kilby through the farm yard we admired the collection of old stone work, the boat in the barn and the seat with two horses heads in the garden.

We walked along Kilby's Main Street, turning right at the end near the church. Here the path was quite overgrown and we were careful to avoid the nettles which seem to have grown well with the weather this summer.

Across fields we admired the recently shorn Llamas (or were they Alpacas?), eventually getting to Welford Road. This was the worst part of the walk. There were no proper paths along the road and though the verges were trimmed, the ground is far from level. There was not a lot of traffic, so not too bad and we were soon at the Navigation at Kilby Bridge where we stopped for refreshments .We sat in the shade in the garden by the canal to enjoy our drinks.

 Llamas ??

 Alpacas ??

After a rest we began our journey back, this time along the canal tow path. After remarking that we were surprised that, as we were now in the summer holiday period, we hadn't seen any canal boats moving along the canal - and then three came along all at once!

 

It was very pleasant walking along the canal with the overhanging trees providing some shade. After the lock keepers cottage we turned off and walked back to our cars.

Don't forget - next week - half past ten Friday morning. 

Friday 19th July Cosby to Broughton Astley Approx 4.5 miles

It's a first!  Never before have we had to put off a walk because of the HEAT - thirty degrees and according to the weather forecast it was to get even hotter!
After all the preparations for the walk in the Cotswolds  it was decided to change to a shorter, more local walk in keeping with the conditions. 
We must at this point thank our friends in Tewkesbury for suggesting the walk and arranging the pre walk. We will, of course, be doing this walk at a later stage.

The walk this week was well attended at such short notice - fourteen walkers in all. One of our regular walkers popped by to wish us bon walk - he was giving his pride and joy a road test.

Among our walkers  was a lady from New Zealand who follows the Blog from afar and is also the sister of one of our regulars.

In places, the hedgerows had  taken over - not so good for sun worshipers.

Motorbike what motor bike?

 We got to the Bull's Head at Broughton Astley just as they were opening. We selected some very nice shaded seats outside and cold drinks were the order of the day. Our biker friend joined us having done a quick change from motor cycling garb into something more appropriate for the weather. After a good natter and drink we all set off on the return leg of the walk to Cosby.

 

I love Corn on the Cob

A traffic jam at a rather high stile got everybody smiling considering the various methods of how to attack it.

Back in Cosby, we noticed the  fish and chip shop was closed for the holidays.

Every body enjoyed the walk and we're all hoping for the good weather to continue until next week at least.