30/10/2021 Walk and Lunch from Peatling Magna. app 5 miles.

Before she moved away last year one of our walkers passed on some tried and tested walks in and around the Countesthorpe area so for her first visit back here, we decided to try out a condensed version of her walks.  It was also the perfect opportunity to have lunch together when we'd all have the chance to catch up with the news.

As arranged we went into the Cock Inn to order our lunch before setting off.

It was rather a soggy start to the morning, fortunately we were all geared up for it.

Off we set towards Arnesby.

Walking along Arnesby Lane before we turned left on to Lutterworth Road heading into Arnesby.  

The alternative route was across the fields but it was very wet and there were ten stiles to navigate - the road was an easy choice!

Cracking little village as they all are in this part of Leicestershire.

At the mill we turned left and headed into the fields in the direction of Foston.

Waiting our turn for the stile.

                                                

Old kissing gate bit worse for wear.

                                                 

The private entrance to the Mill.

                  

There'd been a lot of cutting along this hedge recently

and a lot of mowing  in this back garden  -  a footballer's garden judging by the full size goal posts just out of sight.                                  

Bit of a chat as we all get through though the stile.

The views from up here are absolutely stunning.

The essential group photo.

And another.

It looks amazing but is the sky trying to tell us something?

                                         

A bit on the slippy side.

   

                                         

  

Heading down towards Foston.

Sun and stormy skies, very dramatic.

Having arrived at Barley Lane we turned away from Foston and headed back to Peatling Magna.

The rain did arrive and it was very heavy for a while.

Help yourself to apples.

On the outskirts of Peatling Magna.

Curious cows.

And horse.

Having worked up an appetite we're looking forward to lunch.

Back at the Cock Inn, not normally open week-day lunch times, but they'd opened up especially for us making us feel a little Covid safer.

And in we go.

Smiles all round.

                                     

                                        

After drinks, the mains were served very promptly. Big smiles all round and the service was excellent.

There's always room for one of these.

                                       

And why not?

A few words of thanks to everyone including the Cock Inn landlady and staff for a very enjoyable meal.

Wonderful to catch up with our friend, let us know next time you're visiting and we'll do it all again. 😊

22/10/2021 Blaby, Oakfield Park to Everards Meadows, near Fosse Shopping Park. App 6 miles.

Leaving Oakfield Car Park we walked across to Mill Lane then into Blaby old town, Wigston Road and Chapel Street before turning into Northfield Park.

After navigating the busy roundabout at the end of the Blaby by-pass we headed through the industrial estate before joining the path to the Great Central Way.

                  

 

Over Newbridge Road and the Grand Union Canal.

Slight rise in front of us heading towards Glen Hills.

Turning left at Needham Avenue out towards the Glen Hills and Glen Parva local nature reserve.

Into the Nature Reserve and continuing along the Great Central Way.

Turning left in approx. 1/2 a mile heading for Blue Bank Bridge which crosses the canal.

The River Soar is crossed by a newly constructed bridge to enable everybody to participate in the lovely walks available in the area.

Continuing to Everards Meadows Car Park where we had the choice  of Jenno's coffee house or Everards Beer Hall. We thought we'd give Jenno's a try.

The sun came out so we were able to sit outside.

 

Chocolate cake looked very good.

Coffee was good too.   Time for the return trip.

Back into Blaby, a very good walk worth remembering for a rainy day.