Another angle.
After parking up at the Blaby Industrial Estate we set off across the canal and up on to the Great Central Way. It used to be a railway track but now, thanks to Doctor Beeching, a fantastic way to get into Leicester either by walking or cycling. Tarmacked all the way and no cars.
The only rise of any kind is just up from the canal before we approach the nature reserve.
Entering the nature reserve through the Glen Parva entrance.
A meeting-up with another of our group headed in the same direction as us.
Approaching an underpass of the ring road.
Yes, it was a bit frosty last night.
Having stopped (for a call of nature) you can get left behind if nobody notices.
Anyway they all waited, don't want to lose anybody as we approach the city.
A little bit of history from the early days of Leicester and its railways.
" The next engines were Samson and Goliath, delivered in 1833. They were initially four-coupled, but were extremely unstable and a pair of trailing wheels were added. This 0-4-2 formation was also used for Hercules, the next engine to enter service. These were the first six-wheeled goods engines with inside cylinders and, after the flanges were taken off the centre pairs of wheels, were so satisfactory, that Stephenson decided never to build another four-wheeled engine.
On almost its first run, at Thornton crossing, Samson collided with a horse and cart on its way to Leicester Market with a load of butter and eggs. Although the engine had a horn, it clearly was not loud enough, and at the suggestion of Mr. Bagster, the manager, the engines were provided with the first steam whistles."
We walked on towards the city. Somebody remarked on the wide footpath we were using and how good it was not to be on a pavement next to traffic.
All good things come to an end. We hit the city and the traffic.
The large van in the picture seems to be carrying the Statue of Liberty.
For info: The Liberty Statue stood on the roof of the former Liberty Shoe Factory for seven decades.
It was removed when the building was demolished in 2003.
A nine-tonne statue has been restored at a roundabout close to its original location.
Waiting to be fed by passers by.
Castle gardens - nice place to come when it's a bit warmer.
Close to the gardens is Leicester Castle and St Mary de Castro Church. Well worth a visit.
For info: The building was closed in 2011 to the public after the spire was found to be unsafe.
Latest news on the replacement . Leicesters most prominent church spire is still "some two or so years down the line" according to the priest in charge.
David Maudlin, of St Mary de Castro in Castle View, says around £1.5 million is likely to be needed to replace the spire which had to be dismantled after engineers said it had become unsafe when cracks appeared in its faces
At the end of the walk we all enjoyed a cup of tea/coffee at Wetherspoons on the High Street. It was a bit chilly in their conservatory but it was ok, we were dressed for the occasion.
On the way back on the bus.
Forty winks?
Great day out - looking forward to next week.
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