4/01/19 Walking in Bradgate Park. First walk of the New Year. app 4.5 mls.

Forecast for the day - not bad for walking.

Meeting at Bradgate Park, all wrapped up and raring to go. 
30 WALKERS - A NEW RECORD.

First part of the walk was a steady climb up towards Old John.

We didn't actually go on to the Old John feature, just skirted around it. 
The tower itself began life as a ruined folly, built in 1784, during the time of George Grey, 5th Earl of Stamford. He got Thomas Sketchley of Anstey to build him the mock ruin, which had strong similarities to Mow Cop, Staffordshire. It was adapted in the mid-19th century by the seventh Earl to serve as an observation tower for the practice circuit he laid out for his horses, along with the building of a stable block lower down the hill. It is well known for its "mug-shape" — there was a longer section of wall adjoining the tower after the 19th century extension but this reduced in size over the years leaving the present 'handle' shape. The mug shape has given rise to false accounts of the tower's origins supposedly relating to a beer-loving miller who was killed after being hit by a pole during a bonfire.

We started off pretty chilly but by the time we'd reached the top we all had a rosy glow.

After reaching the summit we began the descent near to the Hallgates Car Park (Cropston) (off Roecliffe Road). We kept to the left so we had sweeping views of Leicestershire on the way down.

Old John in the background.

A small pause as we re-grouped.

As we got close to the Deer Barn Visitor Centre we spotted adverts for venison. There must have been a cull to keep the numbers down.

Venison meat is a flavoursome and low fat red meat. With less fat and cholesterol than beef, it can be used as a substitute for beef and is very versatile. It has a characteristic game taste with a texture similar to lean beef. It contains a small amount of natural fat which helps bring out its flavour and keeps it naturally moist and juicy as it cooks.

Everyone enjoying a well earned cuppa (the hot chocolate is very good we're told) and a cake here and there.

After our interlude we set off on our shorter return walk along the track back to the cars.

Just what was needed after the Christmas excesses.

See you all next week.