22nd April 2016 Walking from Staunton Harold to Caulk Abbey Approx 7.5 mls.

The weather looked okay with no rain forecast at all.  We left Cosby at about 9.30am, an hour earlier than usual, for Staunton Harold.

Parking at the Garden Centre is free during the week. 

After a quick discussion as to which way we were going we set off at a leisurely pace.

Route of walk

Leaving the Garden Centre we headed up a slight incline on our way to Caulk.

Then down through some lanes displaying the end of the daffodil show and the start of blossom in every hedge row.

Round the corner we passed a duck pond. No ducks today so we had to use our imagination.

Reflections

At a raised section of the walk we were able to look down on the fields below.

Taking the odd picture over the hedges.

 At the top of a small hill we stopped for a couple of minutes to let people catch up and then it was off again across the fields.

Someone with antlers?

It would soon be time for our packed lunch and a cuppa would be very nice too.

A very tempting sign for some but we were very good and kept on going.

Caulk Abbey was at the bottom of a hill. Here we were able to find plenty of seating outside and use the National Trust facilities, drinks etc.

Willie and Sheila were soon bouncing around enjoying a little snack with their fellow walkers.

Who wants the Loo

When the meal was over we like to nominate a fetcher and carrier to tidy up.

This good looking fellow was only too happy to oblige. Very skilful, see - only one hand!

After lunch several of us popped around to the bird hide that the trust had provided.  It was very busy with many varieties of bird life visiting.

Plenty of food

Chaffinch

Siskin and Greenfinch

After lunch and a bit of chill time we set off through the bluebell wood on our return journey to Staunton Harold.

A gorgeous display of bluebells

There are a lot of dead and decaying trees in the wood. A little imagination and a monster could soon appear. 

A local artist was making the most of the good weather to get out and sketch at his favourite spot in the woods.  He was happy to show us his work.

Giving a little support?

A handy map if  you're lost?

Rustic  stiles

                               

Out of the woods we walked down towards the lake.

There were lot of  views worthy of photographing.

 Alongside the lake, board walks had been constructed to help negotiate the wetter side of the fields next to the lake. 

Add a caption?

After wandering around the lake we came upon a viewing platform where we had a break for 5 minutes or so to let the everyone catch up and have a group photo.

Leaving the lake we came to Calke village. Through the village and down the road we picked up the path to Staunton Harold.

Follow me.

After a slight incline we made our way across the fields to Staunton Harold.

Must be a big key

Staunton Harold is just around the corner from here and what a picture it is.

                                               

Down the hill we walked and on to the driveway of the hall.

Up the drive we went and we were back at the start.  

Time to relax with a cuppa.

Still a kid!

After the walk most of us looked around the |garden centre and craft shops for a while before meeting up for dinner at the Ferrers Arms in Lount.

Everyone had a great day, the walk was exceptional, the walkers brilliant and the meal in the evening was spot on. What a way to end the day.

A special thank you to three of our walkers for doing a brilliant job organising today's walk and as always, a special thank you to all our wonderful photographers and contributors.

Looking forward to next Friday.

Normal start 10.30am. Going to Ratby for Burroughs Woods hoping to see an exceptional display of bluebells.