Friday 18th April (Good Friday) 2014. Blaby to Aylestone Country Park Approx 5 miles.

Good Friday welcomed the sun, although it was a little on the chilly side caused by a bit of a breeze.

Must mention that before we started, a tin containing nests of small chocolate eggs sitting on chocolate nests, was handed around. What a great start to the walk and what a great idea - thank you to the chef for creating such a yummy start.

Fourteen walkers went by car to Blaby Industrial Estate just off the by-pass where we parked and headed off towards Aylestone Country Park.




It didn't take long to get into a good chatting stride, about three stories per mile.

 







It was soon time for a rest according to some who had reached a ring of mystical stones.

Consensus of opinion was, not placed by Druids, but by Leicester County Council.

We continued our walk along part of the Great Central Railway route - no railways lines any more but a tarmac path for walkers and cyclists. 

A cow drying off after a paddle in the canal

Part of the walk involves walking under the Leicester ring road which is well lit.

About 3 miles from Leicester we turned left for the Packhorse Bridge over the canal and headed towards the cafe at King's Lock which opened for the season today, Good Friday.

It turned out to be very busy at King's Lock. Apart from our walking party there was a rumour going about that there were about another forty walkers on the way from the Braunstone area.

In the garden at the back of the cafe we shuffled all the seats around to suit, as you do, and settled down to drinks and cakes just before the invasion arrived.

There were a lot of walkers out today and they all seemed to know each other - hey that's what's-his-name from ASDA and there's what's-she-called that I worked with from NEXT - that sort of comment - all very friendly.

After a great cup of coffee and tea and cakes for some of us, we set off back along the canal towpath.

It's amazing what you see as you walk along.

 

This dog was having fun chasing and catching the ball in the canal.  

 
We passed under the ring road again, this time the canal bridge, and it was then only a short walk back to Blaby.

Back at the cars, someone got out a box of Easter eggs and passed them around - thank you - much appreciated. These walks just get better every week!

Well, Willie and Sheila missed out this week - apparently, they've gone on holiday -  again.!!!!