24.07.2015 damp short circular walk before the deluge Cosby to Narborough app 4 mls.

The weather man said it would pour down at mid day and as they seem to be pretty accurate with forecasts nowadays the planned walk was pared down so that we wouldn't be drenched.

We set off from Cosby Village Hall car park and across the playing fields into the broad bean field at the end of the children's play area.

After the broad beans came the pea field which slowed down one or two walkers.

The pea field led us to the Cosby  Littlethorpe road which has been closed for a while because of building work near Littlethorpe and is traffic free, much to the pleasure of locals and walkers alike.

What a happy bunch of walkers.

Continuing on our walk we came across the road blockage on the outskirts of Littlethorpe where the new houses are being built.

At Littlethorpe we passed the Old Inn then walked down into the centre of Narborough. It was decided to turn around at this point as the sky was going a darker shade of grey and the drizzle was turning a little heavier.

We passed the animal sanctuary in Littlethorpe which cares for a variety of livestock and feathered friends.

One or two walkers lagged behind looking at the animals.

The others kept going, just in case the rain got heavier.

Two of the walkers came to our rescue by suggesting that we all go to their house for tea and coffee. 

After drinks and very nice shortbread and chocolate biscuits we were ferried in their cars in torrential rain back home or to our cars as appropriate. Thank you so much. 

It's a good job we exercise regularly!

We all enjoyed our walk and once again showed our determination to get out and about whatever the weather.  So much for a British summer!

See you all next week.

P.S. Please pencil in your dairies 28th August as an away day.

We are hoping to walk, weather permitting, from Packwood House to Baddesley Clinton both National Trust Properties in Warwickshire. This is the walk we postponed earlier this year due to atrocious weather conditions.

17th July 2015 Away-day walk at Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds. App 7.5 mls

The weather forecast was very promising.

Although the drive down to Moreton in Marsh was a little damp, when we arrived it was dry and breezy. After meeting up at the Station Road car park as pre arranged we were soon into our boots and ready for the off.

The planned walk was across fields to Longborough following Monarch's Way south of Moreton and having a break there. Then out of Longborough taking the Heart of England Way to Bourton on the Hill, popping into the Garden Centre at Batsford for another break and then the final stage back to Moreton.

Before our start we made use of the loos in Moreton  ..... 

...... then it was off on our away-day walk  .....

Single file.

Into some woods

..... out in the fields we passed the odd inquisitive cow.

On reaching Longborough we strolled through the village towards the Coach and Horses where we were to have our lunch break.

At the pub we were invited to sit in the small but delightful front garden where we had our butties helped down with drinks from the pub.

Willie and Sheila fancied a cup of Mrs Winterbottom's tea

While we were having lunch we all chose our evening meal from the menu and the specials black board. We had pre arranged with the licensee to do this as there were thirteen of us staying for dinner. 

After a very pleasant lunch we started on the next stage of our walk,  Longborough to Bourton on the Hill.

Passing by the 'guard dog' at the pub we turned left then right to join the Heart of England Way walking past the allotments on our left and the cemetery on our right.

The views were quite stunning as we progressed along the way.

We were all fascinated by Sezincote House with its interesting eastern features.  Sezincote is credited with influencing the design of the Brighton Pavillion after a visit by The Prince Regent in 1807. 

 There was a small hiccup on the path -  a tree had blown over and had to be negotiated with care, precision and limbo-like tactics.

 

On the way into Bourton on the Hill we came across some stunning gardens and wildflower beds.

The bus shelter made interesting reading with its lists of awards that the village had won.

Gorgeous wild flowers everywhere.

Our next stop on the walk was Batsford Aboretum where we found the garden centre and cafe.

After drinks, ice cream and cakes we set off on the final part of our walk towards Moreton.

Unfortunately, one of our walkers stumbled in what we think was an old tractor tyre rut hidden by grass and sustained a painful injury resulting in a swollen and bruised foot. Hopefully, he'll make a speedy recovery.

Back in Moreton we changed footwear and had a little stroll around the village before setting off in the cars back to Longborough and the Coach and Horses for a very enjoyable dinner.

Some of us failed to resist the old fashioned puddings from the black board menu.  The sticky toffee pudding and apple crumble both with custard were particularly memorable!

A great day out was had by all and looking forward to next Friday for a more local walk.