29/8/2025 walking from Willoughby Waterleys to Peatling parva.

 All parked up and ready to go.

Interesting?

                                                

Nearly ready

 

We're off, not too bad weather wise.

        

 1846 -179years young this school is.

                                     

                          

At the top of the village on our way out heading along a bridleway leading to Gilmorton.

Cross roads, just making sure that we are on the right road - it's straight ahead.

On our way to Peatling Parva through the horse enclosures.

                                       

                                  

Only a couple of fields more then we're nearly there.

That is one big muck scraper-upper.

                                        

Bit wary of the scraper-upper but the driver kept his distance.

Lovely time of the year for walking.

Just down here then past the church and we are there.
                                       

Tra la!

Some improvements been made here at The Shires.

Still a very nice place for a chat and a cuppa.

Not that we thought that the Shires needed improving but we all agreed that the updates of the décor were very good.

So much so that on a show of hands it was decided that we would have our Christmas munch here again this year so booked it there and then.

Time to wind our way back.

Always looks different when you come back.

Bye for now, see you December.

22/08/2025 Sence Valley.

 

Sence Valley Forest Park, 14 Ravenstone Road, Ibstock LE67 6NW. Meet-up time - 10.30 a.m.

Two pieces of advice if travelling through Ibstock village from the south:

1. Be aware of a peculiar double mini-roundabout - it can catch out the unwary.

2. When leaving Ibstock on the A447, the Forest Park is on the left immediately round the bend just after you leave the village.

Went with friends to do a recce last year - hopefully our joint memories are not too dim!

Important points: 

1. No stiles, no cattle, plenty of bird-sightings (not of the outlawed Benny Hill variety!).

2. Car parking - card, cost varies between £2 to £3 depending on length of stay (more later).

3. Refreshments - Little Bluebird cafe, a hospitable mobile van (home-made Barista coffee and cakes) - open on Friday. Outdoor Park seating (may be popular). 

4. Watering time  - 12.00 (very approx).

I recommend that you download a map of the Park from the Sence Valley Forest Park website as, when we did our recce, there was no overall site map - just detailed sub-sections. The website map gives you a good overall view of the site PLUS:  

1.Cosby Codgers arriving for the 10.30 start, park at the TOP car park (as you arrive from the road). The walk will start from here.

2.For those arriving later, pay for the car park at the TOP car park. However, if you fancy a lovely gentle stroll taking in one lake (at least) then drive down the slope and park in the Lower car park. It's referred to in part of the website as "Disabled," but last time we were there there were no apparent restrictions - and it's large. Then drive back up to the large Top car park for refreshment time.

A downloaded map will make all this info clearer.

After refreshments people might feel like a further (unguided) wander.

PHEW! End of spiel - enjoy the walk(s)

We've got two spare car spaces if required.

A few photos from the walk on the 22nd of August.

A groupie - it was  a good day out.

Oops - maybe not this way?

A lovely walk, thank you leaders.

See you all next week.

15/8/2025 Burbage Woods. Very hot weather

Very hot, so a walk around the woods in the shade was without doubt better than walking in the open in 24 degrees of heat. 

We have arrived.

Gathering together for the start.

Two of us did a parachute jump for a very deserving cause.  Hearing all about it and glad it wasn't us!  

We listened intently as to how the jump unfolded. Very successful and lots of funds raised for their charity.  Well done both!

Off we go.

                              

Back across a small field.

Through a railway tunnel then out into the woods again.

Half way and a well earned cuppa and a chat at Acorns on the Common.

In memory of one of our walkers.

On our way back.

                               

Some of us got a bit lost!

But we all managed to meet up again back at the cars.

Good walk see you all next week.