February 8th 2019. Walking from Cosby to Whetstone. app 4 mls.

Right from the start of our walk it was raining, not torrential but significant. Hence they are no photos of the start of the walk...................... 

The idea was to keep it short and if the heavens opened as per forecast we would beat a hasty retreat back to Cosby.

As we progressed the rain was much more subdued so we decided to go to Attfields Farm Shop for our tea/coffee break.

When we got there it was heaving with people all going for late breakfast. Absolutely no way could they fit in another twenty plus walkers. 

A quick call to Granny Smiths in Cosby and they couldn't accommodate us either.

So we set off back. No tea, no coffee and no cake. Just a bit damp.

Walking back along Springwell Lane.

 Past the local branch of JCB.

The new church under construction, we are on a wait and see mission. It looks a bit drab at the moment. So it is wait and see.

Puddles galore.

Some catkins blowing in the breeze.

And some blossom about to burst into bloom.

  

Approaching the local golf course at Whetstone somebody had the brilliant idea of trying to see if there was a table or two free in the club house.

Welcomed with open arms, they were quite busy but took time out to fit us in. And the coffee was good.

Desperate for tea - couldn't wait for the milk jug?

Warm and dry at last.

Must remember this place in future - not too far out of Cosby, great for a rainy day.

Snowdrops next week. Early start 9.30am.

1st February 2019 Walking from Broughton Astley to Lutterworth Road and back app 4.5 miles.

The weather was not fantastic, it was a bit on the cold side but with everybody wrapped up it was not a problem.

Parking our cars at the White Horse in Broughton Astley we set off along Cottage Lane towards the Lutterworth Road, the A426.

A showy display of snowdrops to cheer us on our way.

All wrapped up and ready to go.

A very happy chappy.

The chat flowed backwards and forwards.

The duck pond we have passed many a time.

 Signs of the cold nights that we have been having.

Two miles up Cottage Lane we came to a stop and turned around and set off back the way we'd come.

Greetings!

Passing the local farm which had just turned out the manure from the cow sheds. What a PHEW!

The purpose of our route was finally revealed. Not a clue did the victim have, oh, we do like a surprise.

A great rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY filled the street and the surprise was complete, GOTTCHA!

Then we all piled into two of our walkers' house which had been transformed into a grand cafe for the day.

What a great job they made of it. Everybody was so appreciative. Their names are Granny and Grandad.

Guess who is SEVENTY years young today?

Ah, the victim, the one with the badge. 

Sometimes, you just can't help it!

Plenty of chat.

We all had a great party, really enjoyed by everybody.

We must do it again some time.

Thank you everyone, especially our hosts for the day.

25/01/2019 Walking from Dunton Bassett to Ashby Parva. app 4.5 mls.

Very mixed weather warnings today so we opted for a shorter walk on terra firma .

Freshly cut trees form a barrier onto this farmers fields.

 Empty seat on the way there, not needed just yet.

Someone's project - possibly in need of a refurb?

A look around Ashby Parva and some of the quainter cottages.

Opening time at the Holly Bush.

 A favourite with the clientele.

Dogs welcome here.

 Just waiting for the coffee to arrive.

Perfect!

Lack of photos this week, 'camera malfunction to blame.'

See you next week.