27.7.2018 Short walk from Dunton Bassett to Ashby Parva. app 4.5 miles.

It is getting a lot warmer, so much so we had to change our planned walk this Friday for a more shadier route. Hence an E mail was sent out explaining the change, here is an extract and a weather forecast.

It is very hot, we think too hot for some of our walks. The planned walk, Draycote Water, would be too far at the moment so we are changing to a local shorter walk, Dunton Bassett to Ashby Parva.

Having all met just outside the church at Dunton Bassett we set off for a walk through the village before taking the lane to Ashby Parva.

Plenty of shaded areas on the walk to keep cool as we walked along. 

Having arrived at the Holly Bush in Ashby Parva, we were able to sit in the shade while we waited for opening time.

We soon had thirst quenching drinks to enjoy.

Then it was up and off on the return leg before the heat of the mid afternoon got too much.

Smiling faces as we descended down the hill into Dunton Bassett.

Last field and we were back at the cars.

Nice walk in the sunshine. See you all next week.

20 July 2018 Groby Pool to Newtown Linford 4 mls round.

Weather is still a little on the warm side to put it mildly so we will be keeping our walks to gentle ambles and not too long.

Starting at Groby Pool car park we part circled the pool before heading out on the field path towards Newtown Linford.

Just looking around at the fields we are certainly in need of lots of rain.

Plenty to chat about before we get to Newtown Linford and then the difficult decision of which cakes we are going to try this time round.

Watch out for the roots, we're not looking for any different trips on this walk.

How's this for a cake selection, cherry bakewell, date and apricot, treacle pudding and chocolate panache and that's just a sample of what's on offer.  A good reason to come out for a walk.

Taking plenty of liquid on board ready for the next section.

Leaving the small picturesque village church behind, we set off on the return section of the walk.

Horses with their tails flapping in an attempt to keep the flies flying rather than landing.

There's always a friendly pat for our four legged friends.

The fields do seem to be getting drier.  Many farmers have already collected in this year's corn crops although yields are well down on last year.

Over our last hill and we can see Groby in the distance.

Back at the car park, a good walk just comfortable enough for the temperature of 25 degrees.

See you all next week - should be going to Draycote Water, that's the plan.

13/07/18 Wistow Park round walk. app 4.5 miles.

Parking at Wistow Garden centre.

Already to go, glorious sunshine but hopefully not too hot.

Time for a group shot or two, spot the difference between the two.

Leaving Wistow behind us we headed down towards Kilby Grange Farm.

Turning right  towards Kilby on the brow of the hill.

Deep conversations as we crossed the fields to Kilby. Silverstone was mentioned then the visit of Mr Trump - lots to say!

Someone spotted a large bird and several theories were put forward.

There were a lot of stiles to get over, some doubles and with the vegetation in between growing quite high they were a challenge in places.

The roof tops of Kilby in the distance.

Well I suppose we could do with a cup of tea but no cafe to be seen.

Out of Kilby on the road towards Wistow we crossed the road to the public footpath which eventually led to the canal.

A couple of horses came to say hello as we negotiated the narrow path.

This shed needs a bit of TLC but it does have a lot of character you might say.

Through the undergrowth, it was much cooler here.

The canal at last, we had a five minute pause here, it was beginning to get a little on the warm side.

Walking up by the canal there was a welcome breeze which helped to cool things down a bit.

With Newton Harcourt on our left we turned right past the church and the Manor House.

Heading towards Wistow again and a very welcome drink at the Garden Centre cafe.

Oops!  How to get out of here without damaging those nice cars?

At the cafe drinks and shade were more than welcome as the temperature soared.

Very good walk - everybody enjoyed it. Looking forward to next week.

Information on our fabulous canal system which needs to be retained for the future.

Wistow Garden Centre's splendid flower show - pots all over the shopping area.