4th October 2013 walk from Huncote to Thurlaston approx 5 miles.

The weather forecast on Thursday evening was not very good for Friday morning. We got up to grey rolling clouds and little bit on the windy side with the odd chink of blue trying to get through and considering the torrential rain over Thursday night,  initial signs were not good for the proposed walk. However, none of the sixteen walkers gathered were deterred, so we set off from Huncote Leisure Centre  armed with sticks and stout walking boots. 

It was a little on the wild side for the first half a mile, but nothing got in the way of those intrepid walkers. Hanging brambles caught in hoods and hair, and slipping and sliding in the mud added a bit of a challenge but we pressed on to recently ploughed fields which made the going a little tricky, choosing to skirt the field rather than cross it whenever possible.

The strategically placed foot bridge allowed us to cross the motorway.

Coming across newly sown fields it's good to adopt the 'no more than two abreast walking '  as it helps to protect crops and shows respect for farmers' livelihoods. By keeping to the footpaths heading in the direction of the markers, then everyone  is happy.

 A good reason for heading off to Thurlaston at this time of the year is that it is their annual three day Harvest weekend and scarecrow competition.  Unfortunately, we didn't see many scarecrows as, due to the weather, many were yet to be erected. (Some of us came back the following day and the scarecrows were amazing - we made a mental note for a return trip next year.) 

We moved on to the church to see the flower festival. The displays were really beautiful complementing the magnificent church.

The local garden centre provided refreshments including some rather delicious cakes.

After a good natter and noticing impending dark clouds we set off for the return walk.

It was a good brisk walk back, just a few queues at the muddier parts.

Better weather next week hopefully. 

THE SCARECROW COMPETITION WAS WON BY THE FIREMAN AND THE VISIT THE FOLLOWING DAY PRODUCED THIS COLLAGE

WE HAVE TO SAY THAT THE LITTLE BOY BROUGHT RAUCOUS LAUGHTER FROM ALL!!!

Friday 27th September Cotswolds Walk inc the villages of Winderton and Upper Tysoe approx 7.5 miles

Well, this was one walk that was eagerly anticipated having been postponed because of the weather earlier in the year. (It was too hot 30 degrees plus).  Seven walkers from Leicester met up with our two leaders from the Tewksbury area at Winderton, not far from Banbury, on a lovely Friday morning. 

Leaving the church behind us we moved off into the fields and lanes heading towards Upper Tysoe.  After a couple of fields we found our first incline of the day.


Jackets and pullovers started to come off as we proceeded up what started as a steady incline. Then it got a little steeper and to get to the summit we had to climb up overgrown wooden steps.

Of course, it's a celebration when the top is reached - it was worth it - at the top we had fabulous views for several miles around and also a lovely hill side view of Compton Verney.

 

Leaving this countryside viewing area we headed off past a mill (minus its sails) and down gradual slopes towards Upper Tysoe and refreshments in the back garden of the tea room.

Then it was up and away heading back to Winderton on a longer circular route with good views and the occasional field of cows, not to mention the odd ploughed field.

 

There is always the really funny side of walking - that is when something doesn't go to plan. Getting across styles should always be approached with care remembering not to get your foot stuck anywhere as this causes everybody to laugh - the lady in the picture saw the funny side after the initial shock. No one else got stuck as we discovered the adjoining gate was simple to open - ah well!

After a while we all decided to find a good spot for lunch .

Setting off on the last leg of our walk we all agreed how beautiful the English countryside is on a balmy Autumn day.

  And then we went home !!!!!!!!!!!!!!