27th December Walk around Thornton Reservoir app 3mls.

The weather was not promising to be kind which probably had something to do with the low turnout, although many of the regulars had other commitments i.e. holidays, Christmas visits and visitors and just generally having a good time with families over the festive season. 

Anyway, six of us turned up for the short walk around Thornton Reservoir.

  It was good to get out in the fresh air and work off some of the excesses of recent days.

A walk round the reservoir is always a pleasure with lots of wildlife to attract our attention.  

 After the walk we made our way to the local Golf club for coffee, tea and biscuits. The conversation went on longer than usual as we recalled hilarious holiday adventures.

Luckily the weather held until we got back to our cars and then 'the heavens opened'! It was a lovely walk enjoyed by all and we're definitely looking forward to the first walk of the new year.

Happy and healthy 2014 everyone!

P.S. Anybody seen Willie and Sheila ??

Friday 20th December 2013 Mince pies in Bradgate Park approx 4.5 miles.

16 walkers met at Cosby Village Hall car park at the usual time,
10.30.
It was a beautiful day, crisp and clear.

We organised ourselves into several cars and set off for Bradgate Park. Our 
destination was a land mark known as Old John which is close to the War Memorial.

It's a good hike up to Old John and we found it muddy in places. We kept to footpaths to start with then followed a deer run which shortened the distance a little. 

The walk to the First World War Memorial gave us some good photo opportunities.  We then moved on a short distance to Old John, a folly which looks distinctly like a tankard.  

You can see the whole of Leicestershire from up here, fabulous views on a clear bright day - blue skies and sunshine - perfect.

 

 

After reaching the summit we set off to find a sheltered place where we stopped to enjoy mince pies, shortbread and cookies. Behind us, some curious deer popped up their heads briefly. 
Apparently, there are so many deer at Bradgate they're having to be culled and the venison is sold locally.

 

 

We decided to stop for coffee in the cafe in the centre of the park which is on the way back to the car park. Some of the photographers amongst us took the opportunity to try for that elusive shot!

Well, as you can see from the pictures we all had a great day and hopefully the weather will hold up for next week.

P.S. Willie and Shelia have been to see Santa.

Santa special

Xmas Walk 13/12/2013. Twenty four walking around Broughton Astley approx 3.5 miles.

Our Xmas social walk started and finished at the Bull in Broughton Astley. It was a short walk at a good pace. Twenty four turned up on the day, possibly our largest group. We headed off in and around the village of Broughton Astley.

Station Road

Keep going girls

Green area

Spreading out

Setting a good pace

Just passing the church

The church in the village is lovely and it's worth taking a closer look.

Amazing what you see when walking around

Approaching 12.00 noon we headed  back in the direction of the Bull. We'd had our Christmas lunch here last year which was pretty good so we rebooked it this year.  However, we were disappointed with the coffee, tea, sandwiches and the plate of chips we were served - no mince pies could you believe it - it wasn't brilliant - the company of our fellow walkers made up for it all though, great friends and a good natter but definitely some where else next time!!!!

The two ladies who recently completed the  Leicester Round walk (over a hundred miles and more if you get lost we're told!) showed us their historic map (in the shape of a circle).  Well done, you've inspired some of us to give it a go early next year.

 

A presentation was made to those who suggest our weekly walks. The panetone was immediately sliced and dispatched, very tasty cake. The wine will be enjoyed at the Christmas dinner table and the beautiful cyclamen brought Christmas cheer.  Best of all was the lovely card signed by all.

Thank you very much from you know who. It really was a lovely surprise, very naughty but much appreciated.

Next Friday it's mince pies and goodies at Bradgate Park - see you at Cosby Park at10.30.



Willie is safely back from his travels, had a brilliant time and has brought a friend with him. You guessed -  it's Sheila from down under.

Just heard, the two of them have been invited to have a special tram ride at Seaton in Devon, more next week.   Not a bad life is it!