25th March 2016 Walk from Blaby to Kings Lock app 4.5miles.

We were all off on our Easter walk to Kings Lock on the Grand Union Canal -  a beautiful bright day that put smiles on everyones face.  We were joined by visitors from the north including grandchildren keen to stretch their legs and have some fun. 

Someone had made some rather yummy chocolate easter nests, a really good way of starting our day.  Thank you.

We parked on the industrial estate close to the Blaby by-pass.

Willie and Sheila found some willing helpers.

Heading up to New Bridge Road we passed horses that were getting ready for their exercise.

Reaching the Great Central railway walk and passing the local Stonehenge we headed off in the direction of  Old Aylestone.

One of our walkers who lives locally joined the group.

 Willie and Sheila were enjoying the sunshine and the attention. 

Another walking group from the Braunstone area came along going in the opposite direction.

At the totem pole pictures were taken. Willie and Sheila insisted on the kids joining them.

It's always a good idea to check which way you came from, you never know, it could come in useful. 

Our first sighting of our half way point Kings Lock and the cafe.

We turned left down on to the tow path over the canal. In order to get to Kings Lock, you have to pass the old pack horse bridge on the right.

 The tea rooms were very busy. A nice day like this and everyone's  out for a walk.

We all waited patiently - it was chilly in the shade but a nice cuppa would soon put that right.

The cakes arrived and what a selection - they looked and tasted like heaven to those who couldn't resist. Along with the usual teas and coffees there was frothy coffee and milk shakes on offer.

All finished, we gathered on the canal side ready for the walk back to Blaby.

 Willie and Sheila found cosy pockets to snuggle into. 

Some started singing, something about the joys of Spring. They hadn't seen the weather forecast that's for sure.

Reflections.

More reflections.

The group started to spread out a little so Willie and Sheila found a bench and everyone was able to catch up.

We set off again in the sunshine.

 The canal and the fields provided a wonderful backdrop for the walk.

Spotted, well perhaps not.

 Walkie talkies

And back in Blaby

Everyone enjoyed the walk especially the spring sunshine.

See you next week.

18th March 2016 Walking around Draycote Water approx 5miles

After meeting at the village hall car park we set off for Draycote Water, south of Rugby on the A426.

The day was dull, damp and a little misty. On the plus side it wasn't raining.

 Booted and gloved up we set off. There are no toilet facilities walking around Draycote so the first port of call was the Visitor Centre.

There's a very nice cafe which we fully intended to make use of on our return.

As always everyone gets in the mood.

Even under the hoods and hats there are smiles -  you just can't see them.

The local geese didn't object as we walked by.

After the first section, which is a long walk along the dam, we came to the nature reserve, near the Thurlaston area. 

On the right of the path there is an Alpaca farm and you can often see them at close quarters grazing close to the fence.

Over the small incline we spotted a fishing boat on the reservoir with what looked like a catch.

This fish was caught, taken out of the water, given a word of advice and then set free.

Turning left at the pumping station and walking across the other dam another fisherman was spotted landing a fish.  Again the fish was taken out of the water, a few words of advice and then set free.

I suppose they were not quite big enough for the dinner table, so it was their lucky day today.

Talking about dinner tables, we soon arrived at the cafe and yes, they served coffee, tea and scones freshly baked - irresistible to the chief testers within our ranks.

                          Cream Scone verdict - 5 star rating.

Outside the visitor centre there was a sign indicating other reservoirs with walks around them.

We all had a good walk today and will be trying out some of the others in the future.

Next week it's Easter. On Good Friday we will be walking from Blaby to Kings Lock cafe along the Great Central path and the canal path if it's not too muddy.

Our picture of the week was one submitted in the interesting conversational topics category. 

            Gents Urinals in a Garden Centre at Cold Overton