There had been warnings of heavy rainfall and lightening strikes, so we decided on a stroll around Bradgate Park as not only the walk is very scenic there is nearby shelter if needed.
Bradgate Park is always very special. It's good to get off the tarmac road and although you have to climb a little, the fantastic views are worth it. We hope some of the photographs show exactly what we mean.
On our way up, a gentle climb.
Dramatic cloud formations.
In the distance two famous land marks of Bradgate, Old John and the War Memorial.
A prominent landmark is the folly known as 'Old John' on the top of the highest hill in the park. Built by the Greys in 1784, the folly is, by local legend, a memorial to John, an estate worker killed in a bonfire accident during celebrations of the 21st birthday of the future sixth Earl of Stamford. It is reputed that the stonework at the side of the tower was altered to look like a handle, perhaps knowing John's liking of ale. However, he was not 21 until 1786, and a map of 1745 names the hill as 'Old John'. The tower was used during the 19th century as a viewing point for the horse-racing practice circuit laid out by the seventh earl.
Had a small break here while everyone caught up. Good chance to check out the types of ferns and bracken.
While waiting, one of our walkers showed off her new tattoo which she's very proud of.
Teas and coffee break was to be in the Conservatory Tearoom as we had not tried this one for quite a while.
The Bradgate Park Trust provides two tearooms to be enjoyed by visitors: the Conservatory Tearoom, situated in the garden area adjacent to the Newtown Linford car park and the Deer Barn Tearoom located in the middle of the Park next to the Visitor Centre.
Both tearooms are open seven days a week and offer a range of light lunches, locally produced cakes, hot and cold drinks, as well as ice creams.
There are areas that are restricted for dogs which is important because of the roaming dear population.
After our break we headed back into the park.
A couple of magnificent oaks, both showing wear and tear.
At this point the rain arrived so those who had rain coats put them on. We also changed our route back down towards the tarmac path as there was shelter down there if necessary.
We walked past harebells which a lot of the group hadn't seen for a long time.
We're told that with its papery petals and delicate appearance, you might think the harebell a rather fragile wild flower. In fact, it's incredibly tough and resilient. It needs to be given the environment it grows in: the harebell is a wild flower of dry, open places from the bare slopes of hills to the windswept coast.
Then as if by magic out of the long dry grass stepped five deer all displaying magnificent antlers. Wow!
Very lucky that the camera was immediately to hand and we were able to record the moment.
Fallow deer are native to Asia and were introduced into the UK by the Normans around the 11th century. They subsequently escaped from deer parks and were intentionally released into hunting forests. Today, they are widespread and the most common deer in England.
We continued our walk past Lady Jane Grey's house.
Lady Jane was Queen of England between July 10 and July 19, 1553. She was born in Bradgate Park in October 1537 and grew up at the park, which was owned by her family, before moving to London when she was 10.
She was proclaimed queen on July 9, 1553. However, Jane was soon removed and imprisoned in the Tower of London when the Privy Council decided to change sides and proclaim Mary as queen just nine days later.
Lady Jane was convicted of high treason four months later which carried a sentence of death. She was executed in the tower of London in February 1554.
Foresters at Bradgate Park 'beheaded' oak trees in the park to commemorate her, legend says. Legend has it that on New Year's Eve, a ghostly coach leaves the ruins of her former home and travels to nearby All Saints Church. As Lady Jane climbs out of the coach, she and the coach vanish. 👻
On our way back to the car park we passed the Deer Barn where there is a seat outside that had been carved in the shape of Old John.
Pity about the drop of rain but if it hadn't rained we wouldn't have been treated to the view of the deer crossing the road.
See you all next week.
