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.