!8/11/2022 Walking from Dunton Bassett to The Holly Bush at Ashby Parva. app 4.5 mls.

After a week of rain Friday morning arrived, a little on the grey side but thankfully it wasn't raining. We set off on our walk from Dunton Basset heading to Ashby Parva.

Leaving the village heading for the countryside.

                                                   

Soon be Christmas.

Arriving in Ashby we walked around the old part before heading for the village pub.

The local library.

We're a little early so a walk around the village sights.

Just awaiting mine host to open up the pub.

Heated seating, very unusual, very welcome considering the smiles.

Getting down to business.

 

All good things must end so we set off for the return journey. Still no rain, hooray.  

                                  

Back to the cars at Dunton Bassett.

P.S. Secret Santas if not done yet. Please, please next week.

See you all then.

11/11/2022 Walking from Fosse Park to Kings Lock.

Bit of a grey day, but better weather forecast for later.

After placing some Secret Santa gifts in Santa's sack we set off from Everards Meadows heading towards the canal.

Turning on to the canal, greeted by one year old cygnets. 

The local artists are always busy. 

Time to stop for a group photo.

Spot the difference.

Horses grazing in the fields with the the Great Central Railway walk, obscured by hedgerows, at the back of the photo.

Sun starting to work its magic on the views.

King's Lock in sight and ready for a break..

The back of the queue.

The front of the queue.

With a table just the right size.

A firm favourite = scones, butter, cream and jam on its way.

Apple pie and custard.

Enormous bacon butties.

Apple pie just about to disappear.

And a Pumpkin Spiced Latte.

Photos and chin wagging finished. We get ready for the walk back to Fosse Park.   

                                    

Another view of the ponies.

Autumn leaves.

Just about to climb up to the next set of locks. Must remember to turn right here back to Everards Meadows and Fosse Park.

Walking up the meadows approaching Everards we came across a gentleman with his Red Tailed Hawk.

Yep a real live Canadian Hawk!

We all stood transfixed whilst the Bird of Prey was put through its training programme. Then the falconer offered to let us have a go.

We couldn't resist. 

What a fantastic experience. 

Thanks very much to the gentleman with the hawk, an amazing experience. We then continued our way past Jennos coffee house, back to where we had parked the cars in Fosse Park.

Very good walk see you all next week.