21 March 2025 Willoughby Waterleys to The Shires Ashby Parva.

Big thanks to our leader of the day for organising and leading the walk at short notice.

20 of us met in Willoughby Waterleys for a walk to The Shires at Peatling Parva.  For the outward journey we walked on the relatively hard surface of Gilmorton Road and its extension.

                                 

                                        

This was the first footpath walk of the year and it was nice to feel the earth under our shoes, though we did have a number of stiles to negotiate as well as one muddy patch.

As we approached Peatling Parva we cut across the fields, using the footpath, to the back of the church passing some very frisky horses in the fields next to the path

We also saw the remains of a tree with very severe woodworm.

We arrived at Peatling Parva Church where we had a group photo.  The last time we had a similar photo there was a display of umbrellas in the rain.

Keeping watch.

Time for a snooze

Down to The Shires where we sat on the patio and had coffee and delicious shortbread biscuits.  (We were very well looked after by the staff).

After discussions we decided that after several days of dry weather we could risk taking to the field route back to Willoughby. 

Negotiating a tricky stile.

Badgers sett looking as if it's in current use.

At least one of our number was pleased that there were no cows, we assumed still under cover, however there were sheep, some with lambs, getting ready for Easter Sunday lunch.

All agreed it was great to get back to our countryside walks, hopefully the end of Winter.

14/3/2025 Walking in Bradgate Park.

                                

    A nice sunny walk this morning in Bradgate Park.                                             

All Saint's Church at the start of our walk.

Well thought out.   

                                         

Moving on through the park

                                             

The waterfall always attracts the bird life

Old John in the distance, a local landmark.

Breakfast in the shade.

                                           

Watering hole but not for us.

                                          

  Pausing a while. 

                                      

   

A rather tame jackdaw.

In the memorial garden.

An oak leaf in memory of one of our much loved walkers.

Leaving the memorial garden and on our way to the end of the park.

                                       

 Just a thought.  

                          

 

The other end of the park and ready to wend our way back. 

                          

    Still grazing.

Having a chat with the rangers.

           

Taking a look in the truck, a book to buy perhaps?

 Cuppa time at Jades, always a popular stop.                                          

Coffee and cake.

                                    

All Saint's Church, Newtown Linford which is just within the park had an art exhibition on.

 

Beautiful church and artwork.

Really enjoyed the displays as well as the art.