28th March Groby Pool to Bradgate Park approx 5miles.

A walk was planned from Groby Pool car park, walking into Bradgate Park.

It was quite cool, however, the weather forecast suggested that there would be no rain until 2.00pm.

Eight walkers set off from Cosby to Groby Pool where we were to meet the ninth walker in the car park there.




It was again mentioned about the number of styles on the last walk and how getting your leg over so often was quite tiring. We think that we should try to avoid so many styles in future. Cannot promise this but will try.

Back to the walk in hand, sections of the walk were pretty wet, however all walkers were suitably shod.

 

The deer in the park are quite fearless and always fascinate everybody who visits the park.

There were many swans, geese and ducks to be seen

On the way out of the park we stopped at the tea rooms for refreshment including very tasty cakes and bacon baps. Excellent service, excellent tea room.

It was a really enjoyable walk and we're all looking forward to next week.

Meanwhile, Willie and Shelia have been for a short break in the North West and brought back a few photos.

They went to see The Lady Lever Art collection in Port Sunlight which was fantastic ...

and crossed over the Mersey on the ferry ...

... and saw a most unusual painting on a building in Ormskirk ...

... and then to Gormley's 'Another Place'.

21st March 2014 Willoughby Waterleys to Peatling Parva 4.6 miles.

It turned out to be a nice morning although the weather men said we might get a shower or two in the afternoon.

There were twenty walkers and we decided to walk from Willoughby Waterleys to Peatling Parva and have a cuppa at the Shires.

Walking out of Willoughby we noticed a   defibrillator in an old telephone box.  

Heading off into the fields we spotted a fox but didn't get a photo - we just weren't quick enough!

 

 It was soon obvious that this was going to be a day for trying out various heights and shapes of styles - 24 in all - a bit of a style fest!  It certainly caused a few holdups. As one walker remarked - it's a long time since I've got my leg over so often!


In one field we came across some jumps for horses. Willie and Sheila had a go only to land right in the middle whilst everybody was watching. Just another ten inches and they would have succeeded; it was a little prickly so they both had to be rescued.

 





In the  next field we came across some new born lambs which always gets the girls coooing.

 Then on to Peatling, through the church grounds and down to the Shires for a cuppa.

 

 
Heading off for the return leg we chose a  different route, not fields but bridle paths and in part they were pretty much impassable because of the recent rains. 

 

Anyway, it was a lovely walk and Spring is here judging by the blossom and the lambs. 

14.03.2014 Cosby to Broughton Astley Approx 5.5miles.

The plan was to walk from Cosby, up Shuttleworth Lane, into the fields towards Cottage Lane,  on to Broughton Astley and back down through the fields, back towards Cosby.  It's great when a plan comes together - it was a smashing morning with twenty walkers raring to go.

Ready for the off

 







We headed off towards the old railway bridge - no trains now thanks to Doctor Beeching.

Before turning right into Cottage Lane we came across a pond with lots of frog spawn floating on the top.

 
Somewhere to fetch the grandchildren.

It was time for tea and coffee break so we all got a move on to get to the Bulls Head at Broughton Astley at opening time.

It is generally accepted that we do like a good cuppa and a chat at half time.

 Having put the world to right we set off on the homeward path.

 There was a bit of a demonstration on how to tackle a stile.   

Long legged method

Bit of a swing

Hold tight and don't let go

Just go for it

On the last lap and a reminder of our beautiful countryside, a ripe dung heap to walk past. 

Pooooooo !!!!!