Friday Walk Swithland Wood to Bradgate Park circular route. app 5 miles 22/8/2021.

 

What a lovely day for walking. We all met at the northern car park of Swithland Woods and after a bit of chat and banter we set off on our Friday walk.

Unfortunately, we hadn't walked far when one of our walkers felt unwell and decided to return to his car and then home.

A 61ha remnant of the original Charnwood Forest, Swithland Wood is part of the Bradgate Estate and is managed by the Bradgate Park Trust.

As a remnant of the Charnwood Forest Oak Woods, Swithland consists principally of mature oak, birch, alder and lime, which support a rich variety of butterflies, moths and birds.  The famous Swithland Slate - characteristic of many buildings in the area - was quarried from the two quarries in the wood, which have since flooded.  

A good network of waymarked footpaths and riding tracks extend throughout the wood and link directly to Bradgate.

The sun shone through the trees creating plenty of photo opportunities.

On the way out of Swithland heading towards Bradgate Park.

After crossing Roecliffe Road we took the path up to Bradgate Park.

   

Our original plan was to walk up to the base of Old John Tower. This

was changed to a walk down to the visitor centre past the reservoir.

                          

The walk down to the visitor centre has some stunning views.

                         

Tucking in.

On the way back we were amazed to spot a grass snake slithering across the path and disappearing into the safety of the undergrowth. We all know there are lots of snakes at Bradgate but we're not usually lucky enough (or unlucky, depends on your point of view) to see them.

After the snake excitement someone noticed that there were a lot of stripes today.

                           

After that we set of for Swithland woods and back to the carpark.

Horses in their fly protector gear.

More views of the gorgeous Leicestershire countryside.

What's that up there?

Nearly back.

Happy to report that our walker is now feeling much better.

Circular Walk from Leire playground car park via Claybrooke Mill and Ullesthorpe. Approx 5.5miles.

Great day for a walk, although overcast it was sunny and breezy. Twenty eight walkers turned up at the small car park just outside Leire. With a bit of juggling we managed to get everyone parked up.

Lots of photos have been sent in of a very enjoyable walk

 Farmers had been reaping the corn harvest leaving fields of stubble ready to be ploughed back into the soil.

We left Leire and headed out of the playground keeping the disused railway on our left, then after about half a mile turned right across the fields towards Ashby Road.

 

Arriving at Ashby Road (which runs from Frolesworth to Ashby) we then did a left and a right after about twenty yards.

Lots to chat about.

Back into the fields it was tricky to see where the path exited this field. It had just been cut and it was very large with overgrown hedges and the sign post was obscured.  After a little help from google we were on our way.

                                        

When we tumbled out of the next hedgerow we discovered the road was closed which made it a pleasant traffic free walk down to our next turning.

Ignoring the diversion sign we walked down to the scout camp entrance  tuning right off  Frolesworth Road (this road runs from Frolesworth to Ullesthorpe).

The path runs alongside the scout camp and heads off in the direction of Claybrooke Mill.

At the entrance to Claybrooke Mill we stopped for a group photo, changing photographer so we have two photos.  Spot the difference.

Leaving Claybrooke Mill we turned left and headed for Main Road running out of Claybrooke towards Ullesthorpe.

On the outskirts of Ullesthorpe there is quite a steep hill but at the top and a short way into the village is the Chequers Inn where a warm welcome was given to all.

We chose tables outside. Urns had been set up so that we could help ourselves to tea and coffee. Excellent organisation, thank you to The Chequers.

Beers went down well, it's thirsty work enjoying the countryside. 

Leaving Ullesthorpe we passed an old mill which had been converted into an attractive home.

We walked through part of Ullesthorpe Golf Course before reaching the fields again.

Our next turn on this walk was the move from fields to a disused railway and probably nettles galore.

Fortunately the route had been well walked and the few nettles there  didn't bother us too much.

Plenty of wild life lives in this area and the cameras were out searching for that fantastic shot to show all.

What was that?

Near the end of the walk now.

Looking for an exit off the old railway up to the car park.

And here it is.

A short walk back up off the disused railway.

A bit challenging but a very enjoyable walk.