24th February Market Bosworth to the Battlefield Visitor Centre app 6.5 miles.

Storm Doris made her presence felt yesterday, Thursday, leaving a trail of devastation behind her.

So we were very surprised to see the weather forecast for Friday was very favourable.

And it was when we set off for Market Bosworth for a walk along a couple of gated lanes and a quiet road down to the visitor centre.

At Bosworth Country Park car park we put on our walking boots and set off  towards the village.

Passing Market Bosworth Hall. 

For info: It is said that the hall is haunted by the ghost of Ann Dixie, the daughter of Sir Wolstan Dixie, who tragically killed his daughter in error when he set traps to ensnare her lover, the local gardener's son.

 After snowdrops the crocuses arrive.

On into the centre of Market Bosworth. 

For info: At the heart of the town is a small market square (circa 1285), where regular markets are still held. The surrounding streets are filled with pretty thatched cottages and Georgian houses.
  

This sleepy little market town lies deep in the heart of Leicestershire's rich countryside. The nearby Bosworth Field is renowned as the site for the decisive battle of the 'War of the Roses', between Richard III and Henry Tudor; who defeated Richard to become Henry VII of England.

Richard III stayed the night at the White Boar Inn in Market Bosworth, preceding the Battle of Bosworth, and hid £300 in a false bottom of his bed. As he was killed in battle the next day no one returned to collect it, so it remained undiscovered until the reign of Elizabeth l. The then landlord discovered the money and became rich, but ironically, following the landlord's death, his widow was then murdered on account of her wealth.

We came across some very skilled thatchers repairing a cottage roof.

Out into the countryside via a gated road.

 Storm Doris damage.

 Walking into the Battlefield Heritage Centre we headed for the Tithe Barn and a cup of tea/coffee.

 View from the lane to the Tithe Barn.

 Ready for a cuppa!




Outside the barn a falconry display was taking place.

Trying to tempt the wild life with tempting morsels.

On the way back before turning left into the lane towards Market Bosworth.

Amazing how the sky changes in such a short space of time.

Coming towards us was a cycling club out enjoying a very pleasant day.

 Across the country park and back to the cars.

Six and half miles, a very pleasant walk.

See you all next week.

17th February 2017 Snowdrop walk Launde Abbey app 5.5miles.

Snowdrop time and our walk at Loddington and Launde Abbey was on. The weather was okay, the snowdrops promised to be just at their peak, and lunch at Launde Abbey beckoned.

Parking up at Loddington before walking through the village towards the church.

Beautiful houses and beautiful gardens.

Now I wonder where I put those glasses ?

After a stroll around the village we set off across the fields to the church.

                              

Mr Mole had been visiting too.

Through the church yard gates and we were greeted by a drift of  snowdrops.

The church is well worth a visit - it's normally closed but the key is available on request.

All the walkers agreed that the display never disappoints.

Out through the doorway.

Who's that in the distance making a low approach?

Time to catch up.

It's that photographer again - as you can see, the results are amazing.

We had time for a group photo.

One last look and off we go. We'll be back next year for sure.

Back over the fields to Loddington village.

We set off on our walk to Launde Abbey leaving Loddington behind us.

The lanes are a bit up and down here and there.

An old railway embankment and nature has taken over.

The sky was grey but no rain was forecast and it was quite mild. 

We continued towards Launde Abbey. Some of the lanes showed signs of weather damage and cracking up.

Only another mile before lunch.

Everybody still smiling - maybe it's the thought of home made soup and perhaps a cream cake ahead.

Smoke was spotted.

It looked like a large manure heap that was generating too much heat.

Arriving at Launde we discovered they had certainly received their fair share of rain.

Launde Abbey and waiting to go in for lunch.

The home made vegetable soup and assorted bread rolls were excellent.

The cream scones, well - feast your eyes.

After lunch we had a walk around the abbey gardens and again were treated to snowdrops along with other spring flowers, such as aconites and crocus.

Then out of the abbey grounds and up the very steep hill on the way back to Loddington.  We like a challenge!

Our timing for the end of the walk was just about perfect as the clouds began to gather to signify the onset of rain.

Brilliant walk - must do it again!