A check of the weather forecast in the morning confirmed that it was a good walking day.
At the car park at Cosby Village Hall eighteen walkers gathered a little earlier than usual (two walkers to join us later at Packwood), keen to get going.
After confirming directions and where we were to meet we set off on our day out.
Info: The house was originally built in the 16th century, yet it's interiors were extensively restored between the First and Second World Wars by Graham Baron Ash to create a fascinating 20th-century evocation of domestic Tudor architecture.
Packwood House contains a fine collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture, and the gardens have renowned herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews.
Everyone arrived safely without any hiccups. It was all systems go as we got into walking gear.
The first part of the walk took us past Packwood House and up the road for about 3/4 mile to the canal. At the canal we turned right along the towpath following the Stratford upon Avon canal towards a series of locks.
Along the canal there was plenty of information on the history of the canal system in the area. As you can see from the picture below some of the info was available hand cranked which was all very interesting!
Walking along the link we turned left at the Grand Union Canal to Bridge 65 where we took the steps up to the busy road and over to the Navigation Inn which was our first stop.
At the Navigation we pre ordered our evening meal and were made most welcome. After our short break we set off for Baddesley Clinton passing a couple of ponies on our way.
We walked through a rather grand stable yard with it's occupants and across the fields to Baddesley.
Info: Baddesley Clinton was a refuge for persecuted Catholics during the 16th century. For over 500 years it was the home of the Ferrers family. Surrounded by a peaceful moat, the manor is built around a cobbled court yard.
The house and gardens are well worth a visit and the restaurant in the court yard serves a wide range of drinks and beautiful, tempting home made cakes as well as light lunches.
We had our packed lunch here along with drinks from the restaurant.
Swatting wasps is a regular picnic activity at this time of the year.
After relaxing in the sun and checking out the facilities and shop at Baddesley we got ourselves ready for the walk back to Packwood House.
Leaving Baddesley refreshed, we got on our way.
You don't often meet a jeep coming towards you in a field and couldn't resist asking the driver if he was lost. He just smiled!
It's good walking country with loads of fantastic views.
Here we are coming out of the woods, back into the sunshine.
We passed friendly faces walking down the lane en route to Packwood .....
..... Packwood House comes into view.
A few of us went into the kitchen garden which, at the moment, is chock-a-block full of every manner of flowers, fruit and vegetables just waiting to be picked and enjoyed.
Some went over to the house garden which has fabulous herbaceous borders and the famous yew tree garden .
Meeting up at the car park at 5pm as arranged we drove the short distance to The Navigation for dinner.
As we were early diners only a limited menu choice was available but dinner was very good, lots of clean plates, always a good sign.
Homeward bound we reflected on an excellent day out - what a way to spend a day - great company, lovely walk and even the weather held out (for most of the day!).
See you all next week, 10.30 Village Hall car park as usual.
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