11th November 2016 Walk from Fosse Meadows to Claybrooke via Frolesworth. Approx 5mls.

The weather was absolutely great, crisp with blue sky and sunshine - the only complaint was the sun far too low for taking good photos - we can live with that! 

After meeting in Cosby we made our way to Fosse Meadows where after a bit of a chat we got on our way.

For info:   Fosse Meadows - a young, predominately broadleaf, woodland with something for everyone ... kids play equipment, plenty of wide paths (some partially surfaced), bird hide, bridleway, open grassy places, benches, ponds, permanent orienteering course. The on-site map aptly describes the woodlands as Three Fields and a Plantation, Developing Woodland and Arboretum.

 At 11o'clock we observed the two minutes silence along with the majority of the UK. We then continued our walk towards Frolesworth.

As the Autumn weather turns a bit damper, walking across fields tends to be in single file. We have no wish to damage crops already sown by the farmers.  

 There is always somebody at the rear .

 In the distance you can just see the village of Frolesworth. 

For info: A public footpath located near the side entrance of Hall Farm and from the church grounds provides wide views across surrounding countryside. The Leicestershire Round footpath crosses the parish and additional footpaths have been created around the artificial lake in the fields of Manor Farm. The majority of the parish buildings are aligned with or set back from the single main street in the village; with a small number of outlying farms, homes and businesses making up the total of eighty or so properties. The village’s boundary has changed little over two hundred years, with virtually all twentieth-century properties being infill sites along the main street. At the centre of the village is St Nicholas Church.

There are some large fishing lakes close by.

Through the horse stable yard and into the village before turning right to exit.

Leaving the village and the lakes behind us we continued through more undulating fields towards Claybrooke.

Some would call these undulations hills. 

Almost certain it's downhill over the brow.

Looks like somebody had a bite out of the notice. The horses taking revenge?

A small pause whilst everyone caught up.

 Down this hill and into Claybrooke Mill.

Out of the other side of the mill and through that big green field again. We couldn't decided what the crop is - maybe oil seed rape?

Fortunately, the cows were more interested in feeding than bothering intruders.

Into Claybrooke now, not far to go to the Pig in Muck Pub (affectionally known to us as the mucky pig). 

For info: Historically in Claybrooke Magna, men were employed by the timber mill or worked on the land, but now few men who live within Claybrooke Magna are employed in this sort of primary and secondary employment.

Refreshments await just around the corner.

For info: The only pub in the village, popular again after a change of ownership in 2012.  The current licensee, brews his Pig Pub beers in a small brewery behind the pub and also cooks the food, which is proving increasingly popular. The pub runs a 'Real Ale Club' loyalty scheme on Pig Pub beers. 

We were made most welcome - mine host always greets visitors warmly.

After a well deserved break we started down the path back to Fosse Meadows.

A bridge and about three more fields and we will be back on the old Fosse way.

For info: The Fosse Way is the oldest of the roads featured on this site. It runs from Exeter in the south west to Lincoln in the north-east, and was built in the middle of the 1st century AD. The word Fosse comes from the Latin word for ditch (Fossa) and is appropriate for this road as for a long time, the western boundary of Roman controlled Britain was protected by a defensive ditch running between Exeter and Lincoln. Whether the ditch was filled in and the road built later, or whether the road was built to follow the ditch is a subject of much conjecture. What is certain is that the road got its name from the ditch.

 Big fields.

Back on to the Fosse Way and only about 400 yards to the car park.

Cracking weather - can we order some of the same for next week please?

November 4th 2016 Leire to Ullesthorpe via Claybrooke Mill returning via railway line.Approx 5miles.

The weather man said it was going to be dry with a touch of sunshine and a bit of a breeze. Ideal walking weather.

After meeting at Cosby Village Hall car park we set off for Leire sports ground car park.

Setting of across the sports ground and over some fields we took a left turn towards Claybrooke Mill. 

The leading group had to wait a little for the rest to catch up just to make sure everyone turned left.

Yet again the views from the higher ground are quite stunning.

Making our way towards the Frolesworth, Ashby Parva road which we had to cross. 

We found the path into the fields was opposite Frolesworth Lodge Farm. 

Somebody had decided to light a bonfire and the smoke was quite dense, fortunately it was going up rather than sideways.

Well, it was when we started across the field.

Leaving the smoke behind we headed towards the scouts/cubs/brownies camp.  Only two or three fields to cross to get there.

A weird landscape - it is Leicestershire - think this is the remains of a maize crop.

On the road for a short distance and then through the camp heading for the mill.  

Some us were reminded of the days when our children went to this camp for exciting week end camps and camp fire fun, toasted bread sticks and sticky marshmallows. 

Following the tree lined path to the open fields.

Back out in the open we headed down to Claybrooke Mill.

This is the rear garden of the mill which is still working and producing some of the finest grains in the country.

For info: Claybrooke mill is a commercially operating water mill and is not open for public tour, unless  pre-organised. Look out for  open days during the year. Visits can be arranged.

Leaving the mill behind we headed off for our cuppa destination the at The Chequers, Ullesthorpe.

Somebody obviously has a sense of mischief about them. It's not our group - we have the bruises to prove it!

Arriving at the Chequers and ready for a cuppa and cake.

This young man may be laughing here but two minutes later. 

All because of a boot lace. '''''' Painful''''''''''

We left the casualty and his wife at the pub to recuperate and one of our walkers came to the rescue later with a lift home for them.

On to the golf course, not many people playing, maybe they were expecting rain. They got it wrong it has been a lovely day.

On the homeward stretch walking along side the old railway line (another Doctor Beeching casualty).

On to the actual railway path it is now overgrown in sections and nature trail in others.

                                    

 

These are not edible fungi (well none of us fancied them).

Turning left up the small incline and were back in the car park.

Apart from another mishap, a great day - we are ready for the next one, roll on Friday.