2015-05-15 Croft to Stoney Stanton approx 5 mls.

Thirteen of us set out from outside Croft Church and took the reverse route, going through Croft and then taking to the fields. For the walk to Stoney Cove the footpaths were well marked across the fields passing a couple of horses with plaited manes.

Stoney Cove was much clearer than we've ever seen it and from the cafe balcony we were able to see divers at the bottom and the submarine just off the balcony. 

After coffee, and in the case of one walker a bacon baguette and a pint, we walked through Stoney Stanton and took to the fields back to Croft.  This time the footpaths were not so well marked across the recently sown fields and we navigated by spotting the yellow posts.  The route did include a field with cows, however these were very lazy in the sunshine and kept their distance.

The walk ended up going through the Croft Nature Reserve with the trees supplying welcome shade.

8th May 2015 Bluebell walk at Burroughs Wood near Ratby app 4.5 miles.

The forecast was ' right up our street, ' sunny start to the morning, clouding over and by the time that it was due to rain we would be back home.

The route that was selected was a little flexible just in case the weather forecast wasn't quite right.

Starting from the car park on Burroughs Road 18 of us set off on a figure of eight path in the woods. We hoped to come across some exceptional views of bluebells and we were not disappointed

We soon came across lots in the hedgerows and as we walked into the top part of the woods the bluebells became carpets of blue.

The camera men in the group started to click away. There were comments of a disappointing lack of shafts of sunlight through the trees but, not to be deterred, they sought out the best views.

All this bluebell gazing was making us thirsty, so we set off in the direction of the local golf club where a good cup of tea and coffee were known to be served and, of course, cake for those wishing to indulge.

 

We had a special birthday boy with us - this walking lark certainly keeps you young!

After our break we set off back into the woods, cameras ready looking for more bluebells - and as you can see, they were everywhere - fabulous!

Back to the cars to change shoes ending another very good walking day - roll on the next one.

P.S. Just to prove that we didn't spend the entire walk looking at bluebells, below is a picture of golden dandelions, special in their own way.