29th July 2016 walk from Huncote to Thurlaston through Normanton Park back to Huncote. App 5.5 mls.

Friday morning and the weather was not looking too good. Weather forecasts indicated possible heavy showers later but they were not specific when exactly. It was decided to go to Huncote Leisure centre and walk to Thurlaston Garden Centre first and then make another decision on which way to walk from there.

Off we set with a definite mixed bag of clothing. Waterproof coats at the ready wrapped around our waists or in the top of walking bags, first out so to speak. Long pants, short pants, nobody was sure what would transpire.

Logs en route or low hanging branches - it all adds to the fun.

When the sun shone it was good walking weather but looking at the sky you could be forgiven for thinking that cats and dogs were about to fall.

After crossing the bridge over the M69 motorway we turned right and headed off across two recently cut corn fields.

Dramatic cloud formation over head.

Then we came across a couple of fields planted with maize which is used mainly for cattle fodder. When walking around you don't often see the sweet variety which is quite a tasty addition to the dinner plate in the summer. Nice roasted too. 

There is always a good laugh in the maize fields as some of our not so tall walkers can sometimes disappear from sight occasionally.  

Best to keep your hands up if you're loosing touch with the front group.

Out of the maize, over a style and straight across the Croft to Thurlaston road - with care of course.

One hundred yards down the road is the garden centre which is undergoing a transformation. We were informed that it was changing to a Rural Arts and Crafts centre with a Farm Shop and Restaurant.  They've made a good start.

Coffee and teas all round. Cakes were on offer too.

The weather seemed to be holding up so we continued our walk rather than return to Huncote the way we came.

On the way out of the village we passed the Elephant and Castle pub, turning left up Earl Shilton Road keeping the church on our right.

Heading out of the village past a nice looking Bistro towards Lodge Farm.

Turning left over the fields through the farm and the sports ground towards Normanton Park.

At the top of Normanton Park  we waited for everybody to join up as some couldn't resist taking photos of the alpacas. 

The park is very popular with fishermen, having several lakes stocked with a variety of fish.

Coats had not been needed and clouds now seemed high enough to indicate that we would not be bothered with any rain.

On our way round we came across the familiar sight of rubbish tipped into farmers gate ways. Very unsightly and a drain on farmers resources as we believe it is their responsibility to remove it if it's on their land.

We turned right towards Croft over the motorway again. 

Seen better days.

Then left into the fields heading in the direction of Huncote.

A little bit of overgrown pathway then out into fields.

We were hoping that these fields would be an excellent place to photograph butterflies but very few were seen.

Back into Huncote where we had a bit of a natter before we headed off back to the leisure centre.

Turned out to be a really nice walk.

Still no sign of Willie and Sheila. Maybe they will be along for next weeks walk to Rutland Water.

RUTLAND WATER WALK
Just a reminder - 9.30 start from Cosby Village Hall car park (with packed lunch).

22nd July 2016 Burbage Woods walking in the shade.approx 4.5 miles.

 As we were experiencing the hottest week of the year so far we decided on a shady walk around Burbage Woods. 34 degrees on Wednesday, haven't had any temperatures like that for quite a while.

Burbage Woods would at least give some shade for parts of the walk. It was decided to park on Smithy Lane and then make our way to the Acorn Cafe, one of our favourite stops, for tea/coffee etc.

Unfortunately one of our group only heard 'Acorn cafe', and so set off for the wrong car park giving three other walkers a lift. Then, to top that, two other walkers decided to follow in the wrong direction. What a to do !!! 

After contacting the way-wood parties it was decided to meet at a bridge crossing the Birmingham to Leicester railway line.

So the two parties set off. The pictures are of the Smithy Lane walkers, now walking in a different direction to join up with the others.

The trees around the woods do give welcome shade at times, that is until the open field sections have to be crossed. 

  

Hopefully, this sign will deter would-be fly tippers.

Leaving the woods behind us the photographers were able to get close ups on some butterfly's and flying insects.

                                 

Others among the group got on with the walking and talking.

Not far to the railway bridge.

When both groups eventually met, we all realised that we were still two walkers short.

After a discussion and an attempt to phone the missing two walkers the group continued on with the walk.

It was a glorious day with some superb country views.

The photograph shows a smiling face, but in the distance you can just spot two missing walkers doing a quick shuffle catch up walk. 

After an explanation of all sorts of wrong turns and huge traffic jams they had parked up to see the group walking off in the distance. It was all good fun.

Back to the walk, anyone need to know how to coppice?

Maybe in the future. At this particular point it was mentioned that a cup of tea or a cool drink would be nice.

Not too far to Acorns now.

Through the bridge and back into the woods for a short way.

Out of the woods and Acorns could be seen in the distance.

Lemon drizzle, fruit cake, scones and more - yum!

All very enjoyable.

After the break  it was a walk back through the woods.

Eventually arriving back at the car park.

It was a lovely walk using the shade of the trees as much as possible.

Forecast is that the weather will get cooler but not too cool. Perfect walking weather.

Please note that on the 5th of August we will be having an away- day walk around part of RUTLAND WATER. Approx 5mls.

Leaving Cosby Car park at 9.30am

Please bring a packed lunch. We plan to go to a pub for an early evening meal - please indicate if you would like to join us.

More details at next week's walk and via your E mail.