12 Feb 2016 Watermead Park approx. 5.5mls

The weather was as the local forecast predicted - just as we started to walk the grey clouds lightened up making it the best part of the day.

We were off to Watermead Country Park on the northern outskirts of Leicester.

The actual route we took was recorded as we walked and showed a few detours.

We had a laugh about not taking the suggested route to arrive at the same car parking area at the park -  in fact some of us going in the opposite direction.  But we all got there, eventually!

All sorted, out we set off. 

There were one or two bridges to cross to start with. We could see from them how the recent floods had affected the park. Rubbish had been swept down and was left adrift as the waters subsided, hanging in trees and high up on the banks of the river.

Work in progress

A pantomime situation - maybe someone who always wanted to be the front legs?

 You have been framed.

Catkins

Mum and dad?

Shadows

Babies 

Sometimes Robins will fly down and feed from your hand.

But not today.

Heron just taking off

On the way to the pub for a cuppa.

Britain's favourite bird

Half way destination and time for a break.

 On the way back one of the photographers was a reflective mood.

 King Lear walking on water.

 Just about back to the cars.

It was a very good walk, lots of activity -  well worth another visit later in the year.



P.S.
Willie and Sheila have gone on holiday to the far east. Below is a photograph of them at a temple.

5th February 2016 Walking from Loddington to Launde Abbey. approx 5miles.

We arrived at Loddington village, parked up and got into boots and waterproofs. No one was taking any chances with grey clouds every where and it was quite chilly, 8 degrees, someone said.  A good turnout of walkers, sixteen in all.

We headed for the church which stands on it's own in the corner of a field and at this time of the year surrounded by snowdrops.

The walkway to the church is down an avenue of trees carpeted in snowdrops.

Cameras came out and a lot of photographs were taken.

Willie and Sheila had a closer look at the flowers.

The photographers did too.

It will be a great shot by ?

Daffodils were popping out here and there.

As we left the church to cross the field back to Loddington it was quite noticeable that SUPER MOLE had been here earlier.

We climbed up and over the hill on our way to our destination Launde Abbey. On leaving the village it was noticed that a tea pot had been misplaced.

The weather was good and we weren't the only people taking advantage of it.  

Farmyards in wet weather are not the most appealing places.

Best grub around at the moment.

One for the woodburners?

All going well, so it should be, we haven't reached the up and down bit yet.

Even the lorry seemed to struggle up this small hillock.

Well, we made it, much to the delight of several walkers.

That's where we're heading to - Launde Abbey - it looks very tranquil set in Leicestershire's gorgeous countryside.

Approaching the Abbey there was a definite quickening of pace.

No time for silly signs - soup was awaiting.

Just outside the Abbey there's a tree with a sinking appearance.

Lunch is served.

And cakes of course.

Scones, cream and jam.

This is one happy chappie who likes his scones jam first, cream next.

Lunch over, we put our boots back on and got ready for a quick walk around the kitchen garden and the snowdrop walk.

Say cheese!

Fancy meeting you here.

When you leave Launde Abbey there's a hill,  a big one.

And it's great when you get to the top because from there it's downhill all the way back to the cars.

Fantastic walk - see you next week at the usual time 10.30 am.

Thank you for all the wonderful photos - what a team!