10 October 2014 Walking from Dutton Bassett to Broughton Astley via Cottage Lane approx 5.5 miles.

Well, it had rained every day this week and actually checking out a new walk was put on the back burner so we opted for one of our terra firma wet weather walks instead.

After meeting up at Cosby we drove to Dunton Bassett and parked near the old Merry Monk pub which became an Indian Restaurant but is now boarded up awaiting a new life.

After booting up, we set off in the direction of Ashby Magna along Station Road. After crossing over the motorway we turned left into Holt Lane down towards another motorway bridge but crossing under rather than over this time.

Turning into Holt Lane.

Motorway bridge

As you walk out under this bridge the old Central Railway bridge which is now defunct, ie no trains and lots of brambles, looms in front of you.

Watch out for the odd vehicle

At the top of Holt Lane we turned left, then at the A426 turned left again and crossed this very busy fast road with care.

We turned right into Cottage lane and followed the lane for about a mile and a half.

On reaching the housing estate we turned left, walking through the jitty, and keeping pretty much in a straight line through the estate until we reached Station Road at Broughton Astley.   

Through the housing estate

Taking another left turn we dropped into the  Red Admiral just in time for a cuppa.

 There is a nice seating area outside to enjoy a tea or coffee.

One of the walkers showed us a birthday card she'd received for her 'twenty first' from a family member. Cheeky!

Break over we all set off on the walk back to Dunton Bassett.

 

From the Red Admiral we turned left and followed the road back to the cars, about one and a half miles.

It turned out to be a lovely dry morning and the sun shone; hopefully it'll be the same next week.