15th December 2017 Christmas Munch Thurlaston Garden Centre

What can I say? On the day of the Christmas munch the weather beat us. A small smattering of snow overnight turned to ice on the pavements and lanes where we'd planned to walk. A decision was made to cancel the actual walk but carry on with the festivities. Everyone  was informed by telephone, E mail, word of mouth and possibly pigeon post. 

We all met at the Gardener's Rest at Thurlaston Garden Centre at 12.00 noon and proceeded to tuck into the magnificent buffet provided by the catering staff.

Below is one of the posters on the wall of the restaurant - very apt -no excuses needed to indulge in a piece of cake.

 Christmas hats and jumpers were out for all to see.

The sun was in the eyes of some people, depending on where you were seated. A very misleading picture when considering the condition of the paths outside. 

Plenty of time to catch up on everyone's Christmas plans. 

Twenty nine walkers joined in the festive munch.

More eating than talking going on at this table.

Excellent choice of menu, something for everyone.

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More pies? Yes please.

After the cracking buffet there was plenty of time to have a look at photographs by one of the groups photographers.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts and card from everyone - you are very generous. 

                                     

                                               

 

A big thank you to everyone who helps with the walks - our photographers, walk sorter outers, and everybody who comes along making the group such a great success.  

Unfortunately, some of our regulars couldn't make it on the day but we wish them well and hope to see them soon.

Finally, a big thank you to Thurlaston Garden Centre for providing the superb buffet.

And the answer to the question is - yes, we're booked in again for next year.

Happy Christmas everybody.

Foston Church to Peatling Magna app 4 mls.

It was a bitterly cold day but there was a very bright sky as we set off on our walk from Foston Church to Peatling Magna. 

Twelve walkers in total.

Walking along Barley Lane towards Peatling Magna.

The sun was very low in the sky as we crossed the first cattle grid.
  

Sheep grazing in the next field moved over to let us through.

There were some very good looking lamb chops wandering around.

 With the sun so low some of the photos had quite a dramatic look to them. 

A good brisk pace was set by the leading group so the temperature of 3 degrees didn't seem so cold.

Barley Lane on the way into Peatling Magna.

Lots of head gear out today.

Waiting for everyone to catch up.

The local library set in a telephone box.

On the way back ready for a hot cuppa at the local garden centre.

 

Views of the countryside as we walk.

 A stylish tree at the end of our walk.

 Cream cake and a cappuccino. Yummy !!!!!!!!!

Always time for a chat.
See you all next week for the Christmas munch.

Walking from Dunton Bassett via Holt Road and Cottage Lane. Approx 6.5 mls.

A very chilly day was forecast so today was a tea cosy day i.e. the wearing of not always flattering woolly hats. Various designs and formats were on show.

Eighteen walkers arrived at the old Merrie Monk pub in Dunton Bassett, now closed and in disrepair, unfortunately, the way lots of public houses have gone in recent years.

After a quick chat we all set off down towards Holt Lane.

Not much traffic uses this lane which is fortunate when you want to go for a walk and the fields are a little on the squelchy side.

At the end of Holt Lane we turned left and crossed the Blaby to Lutterworth road the A426, turning right at Cottage Lane heading towards Broughton Astley.

Again a good lane to walk down with not a lot of traffic about.

On arriving at Broughton Astley we made our way to the White Horse for drinks.

Leaving the White Horse and Broughton Astley we passed lots of new housing which seems to have sprouted up in the the blink of an eye.

Arriving back in Dunton Bassett we were a lot warmer than when we left.

24th November 2017 Walking in the Kilworth area approx 5mls.

No report on this walk.