13/2/2026 Annual trip to Launde Abbey

 Well somebody has to check out all these wonderful walks.

Loddington church and snowdrops galore - enjoyed at our reccy a couple of days before the group walk.

On the day and the key to the church - borrowed from one of the locals.

     Up the muddy fields to the church.

 

Around the church and the amazing show of snowdrops.

Extensive work due to ash die-back has been caried out.  New trees have been planted to compensate.

Always a delight.

Let's go and look in the church, should be warmer and drier.

Just a moment - time for another shot.

Signing the visitors book again.  Not many recent entries - it's kept in a drawer to protect it from damp so not everyone knows it's there.

Time to go.

Our last look at the snowdrops before we leave.

Back across the field to start our walk to Launde.

There is a lot of water around the route but we're all prepared for it.

On leaving the church the back up team take their cars to Launde.

Off we go - some of us chose to do a shorter walk but the majority opted for the usual challenging route.

A thatched cottage getting a makeover.

Horses still need to be exercised whatever the weather.

Having just walked up this hill we confirm it's much steeper than it looks!

Roads splitting down the middle and tracks a muddy mess.

That's the way to Launde Abbey

Keeping close to the abbey for shelter.

Inside the abbey - all very happy to take a seat and relax.

Lunch of steaming winter vegetable soup and crusty bread was enjoyed by all - as were the selection of cakes on offer.

Refreshed, we prepared for the return trip back to the cars via the hill of all hills - an annual challenge - but we did it.

Unfortunately no more photos were taken as it just became too wet to take them. 

Everybody got home safe and sound and thoroughly enjoyed the day, rain and all!