24th March 2017 Walking round Draycote Water app 5.2 miles.

We all met at Cosby Village Hall on what promised to be a dry day albeit a bit on the cool side.  Red Nose Day was celebrated by some by donning the appropriate kit. 

We then set off for the village of Thurlaston on the banks of Draycote Water, near Dunchurch, Rugby.  It's a very pretty village -  could well be depicted on a box of chocolates.

There's a small sloping path to the perimeter path of the reservoir.

Looked like it was going to be a gentle amble.

The sun arrived on the scene and brightened up the proceedings.

Geese feeding on the edge of the golf course.

After taking photos you end up at the back of the group.

It's well worth the time to get those shots that are appreciated by the viewers of this blog.

Having caught up, the group set off for the restaurant and a cuppa.

Cakes are always a welcome addition to a cup of coffee.

Setting off for the rest of the walk.

Quite a lot of fishermen on the banks. Most fish caught are returned to fight another day.

Back up the path towards the village and the cars.

The local pump and pictured below, ducks in the eaves.

As always, a great walk and we're looking forward to the next one.

17th March 2017 Walking in Bradgate Park.

We met at Newtown Lindford car park.

Weather forecasters had promised a cloudy day with rain arriving at about 3.00pm.

Bradgate Park is a smashing walk on a quiet day - weekends can get busy.

There were twenty of us today all chatting away and enjoying the views.

In no time at all we had walked to the end of the park, about two miles. Turning around here we set off for the visitor centre in anticipation of a cuppa and hopefully some cake.

Old John in the distance.

He's not with us !!!

Cake and ice cream?

There always seems to be a great selection of cakes to tempt us.

After a good natter we set off back to the car park just as the rain was starting.

Interesting map from the Visitor Centre giving a few ideas for walks in the future.

10th March 2017 Walk around Watermead Meadows, Thurmaston.

Well, the weather wasn't forecast to be on the damp side (they don't always get it right!) 

Great to see some of our regulars back on track.

Very helpful notices on what goes on now and what was here before us.

A host of golden daffodils.

The smelly part of the river - a bit yucky! 

We were all trying  to work out how the fish were going to reach the wires.

Lock gates were being replaced and the lock had been drained.

You can find some strange things at the bottom of a lock.

We had a good view of what was going on.

Boats belonging to Robin Hood's merry men?

The winter greys and the drab browns have a charm of their own.

There must be a good photo to be had.

Walking on towards the metal sculptures, rusting away on the side of the canal.

With so many paths at Watermead it was good to choose a different route.

Not many of us had seen this prehistoric monster before.

Mum, dad and baby looking for a snack - unfortunately none of us had any titbits on us to give away.

A friendly dog looking for attention.

The group photo.

Off to the pub.

The pub was very busy as usual.  After our drinks we gathered together ready for the walk back through the water park.

We were lucky to come across a heron which our photographer managed to capture in full flight.

Waiting for a passing meal.

Lunch time?

Reflections in the park.

The sky was starting to turn rather grey - fortunately, we weren't too far from the car park.

A quick peep to see if there were any unusual visitors. 

Just one more picture.

Oh - what's that on the horizon, time to go home. 

Good walk - about six miles. Weather could have been better, hopefully it will be next week.