At nine am we rang Launde Abbey to say that we were on our way. We thought that out of the original 21 walkers expected we would be turning up with about 18 which would be an excellent turn out.
We had an early start, leaving Cosby at 9.30 am for Loddington arriving outside the Visitor Centre at about 10.30. Everyone was talking about the drive from the village of East Norton to Loddington - snowdrops everywhere - gardens, lawned public places and hedgerows carpeted in white.
Boots on before the off |
Hedgerows full of snowdrops. |
"I am sure it will be alright" |
.... and here it is!
Yes, the key did fit.
The church is lit and heated by gas, and the organ relies on man-power - things hadn't changed much over the years.
After returning the keys we set off out of the village with some outriders for company.
The leaning tower of hay |
Launde Abbey in sight. |
For info: Launde Abbey is the Diocesan Retreat House shared between the Diocese of Peterborough and the Diocese of Leicester. It is a Tudor manor house set in 400 acres of beautiful parkland just over the Leicestershire border, not far from Uppingham and Corby.
After a major fund raising campaign in 2009/2010 it has been substantially refurbished and now offers excellent conference and meeting facilities as well as high quality residential accommodation.
Launde Abbey runs a programme of retreats and quiet days led by experienced retreat leaders. It is also available as a venue for parish away days and events. Special rates are available to groups from the Diocese of Peterborough.
Vegetable with a hint of spice. |
All ours !!! |
The soup looked and tasted great as were the sandwiches that followed.
..... which disappeared very quickly - check out the faces caught in the act!
Yes, it was all very enjoyable - Launde Abbey comes with a big recommendation from all of us.
Launde is on the Leicestershire Round so you could plan your walk with lunch here in mind.
After lunch we went for a walk around the Abbey garden and woods for another snowdrop walk which we found very pleasant, also the walled kitchen garden, not at its best in February but worth checking out later in the year.
Setting off on the route back to the cars, there is a slight (ha! ha!) incline up out of the valley - a good way of working off the cake.
Leicestershire has stunning countryside, we are a little bias of course, so to enjoy it at its best, just stop the car and explore by foot.
Yet again a great walk - see you all next week at the usual time 10.30am at Cosby Village Hall car park.
Ps Walk Stats
Anyone recognise these oddities? |