December's Walk

The final walk of 2013 was very well attended with 21 members turning out for a circular walk from Ratby. Fran and Pete led the group and, as usual, gave us interesting snippets of information about the area through which we walked.
Our starting point was the Bull’s Head in Ratby. From there we headed west towards Holy Well and Bury Camp, the Iron Age hill fort. There were pleasant footpaths on the edge of woods and, later, by the Forest Hill Golf Club greens. We turned back towards Ratby by Ratby Burroughs and saw the memorial to UK citizens killed in the Bali bombings.
Our four-mile walk finished at the Bull’s Head where most of the group stayed on for a convivial meal. It had been a delightful walk and a positive conclusion to the Short Walks programme for 2013.

Queuing for a stile near Ratby

Some of the group walking through Change Spinney....

....and some more in Change Spinney

A well earned refreshment for some....

....and for others

Back into Ratby

October's Walk

The Short Walks Group met on Tuesday, 1st October for a five-mile circular walk led by Valerie, starting from Barrow-on-Soar.

Best foot forward

Banana break over

Some inquisitive onlookers

September's Walk

The Short Walks Group met on Tuesday, 3rd September for a five-mile circular walk led by Pearl. Seventeen members met in Burton on the Wolds on a warm, sunny morning.
As Pearl led us along our route in the area around Burton on the Wolds and Walton on the Wolds, we had delightful views over undulating countryside and Loughborough.
One particular highlight was the section of the walk close to Prestwold Hall which looked most impressive. We took our banana break by St Andrew's Church wall, close to the Hall.
Afterwards, most people drove on to Hoton for lunch at the Packe Arms.

Crossing a tricky field

Banana break outside Prestwold Church

New members always welcome!!

On Tuesday, 6th August a record number of members, 21, participated in the circular walk led by Roger from the Gelsmoor pub. The theme of the walk was to visit sites of some of the former local rail and tram ways and to learn about their role in the industrial development of north-west Leicestershire.

Everyone was amazed by Roger's knowledge of these historical features and his recall of facts associated with them. The interesting information, combined with delightful views, resulted in a very pleasant walk.

Afterwards, most members stayed on for lunch at the Gelsmoor.

Here's where we're going...

Following the leader.

A record 21 participants.

Battling through the undergrowth.

At Highfield House (former isolation hospital).

An old boiler!

At Hough Mill.

Thirteen members of the Short Walks Group met in Packington at the Bull and Lion pub for a five-mile circular walk to be led by Ann.
Following footpaths across farmland, we set off in the direction of Measham. Ann then led us towards Normanton-le-Heath. The views across the open countryside were wonderful and we stopped several times to identify features we could see some distance away.
After walking through the village of Normanton-le-Heath, we turned towards Packington. Back at the pub, everyone agreed that it had been a delightful walk.
Over half the group stayed on to eat lunch together and enjoy more of the convivial company.

Normanton Church

Maybe we should close the gate!

Group photo

Single file please!

June's Short Walk

Thringstone, Whitwick, Belton and Osgathorpe

Alongside Charnwood Forest Canal

Info from Bis about...

...The Junction House

Crossing the brook near Grace Dieu Priory...

...fortunately no wet feet!

It was said 'some cherished relics'

Walking past bluebells

Some interested onlookers

Thirteen members of the Short Walks Group met on Tuesday, 7th May in Thornton for a circular walk of 5 miles led by Fran and Pete. The weather was glorious - sunny and warm; it made a pleasant change to walk in light clothing.
From Thornton, we walked in the direction of Stanton-under-Bardon and then turned to cross the M1 towards Markfield. Our banana break was at the disused Markfield Quarry. Few of the group had been there before. The views were spectacular and in the quarry itself, the golden flowers of the gorse bushes looked very attractive against the dark rock faces.
Refreshed, we walked into Markfield and were delighted to find handsome buildings and pretty gardens in the village. Following field paths, we headed back to Thornton. The countryside looked beautiful and we spotted a few early bluebells.
It had been a lovely walk. Most of the group stayed for lunch at The Bricklayers Arms which was, as usual, a very pleasant way to end the outing.

On the way from Thornton

Blossom in Brown's Wood

Poplars in Ashley's Wood

Banana Break on top of Markfield Hill

On the cold, but dry, morning of Tuesday, 2nd April, nine members of the Short Walks Group met in Ticknall for a five-mile circular walk led by Rose.
Warmly wrapped up, we set off through the village and entered Calke Park near the Limeyards. We followed MUD-FREE paths towards the deer park. Here we saw a stag with its new antlers. We walked on to Calke Abbey itself where we took a break and enjoyed a warm drink.
Refreshed, we followed the route out of the park towards the lane by Standley's Barn, then shortly turned right back across fields to the park again. Although the scenery in this area is always beautiful, few signs of spring could be seen.
We were all pleased that Rose had included in the walk a visit to see the new-born lambs in the pens and marquee.
After this delight it was a straightforward walk back to the cars parked in Ticknall.
We concluded the outing with a tasty lunch at "The Staff of Life" in Ticknall.

March short walk, Groby Pool and Newton Linford

Not a SWANS walk!

Geese at Groby Pool

Martinshaw Wood

Banana Break

Snowdrops in Newton Linford

A record-breaking number of 19 members met on Tuesday, 5th February in Shepshed for the monthly Short Walk. Starting from "The Jolly Farmers" pub, the circular walk was led by Sue in cold but fine weather.
We had clear views of Ives Head from Iveshead Lane before following Ingleberry Road back towards Shepshed.
The next stretch of the walk mainly followed the course of the now dismantled Charnwood Forest Railway which closed in 1964. We also saw the dry course of the Charnwood Canal.
As we left the railway track, everyone was intrigued by an unusual brick-lined tunnel built underneath it. Fortunately, Pete was able to enlighten us all when he explained that it was part of the Charnwood Canal route - on this occasion, an ideal spot for our "banana break". Back on country roads, we walked by the landmark of Fenney Windmill and enjoyed marvellous views over Charnwood Forest. A short walk across a field and lanes took us back to our starting point.
It was agreed to add on a visit to Morley Quarry, a Local Nature Reserve and important Geological Site with some of England's oldest rocks. It is a fascinating place and most of the group were discovering it for the first time.
Back at the pub, our pre-ordered lunches were waiting and everyone was able to relax after an interesting and relatively mud-free walk.

Walking the old railway track

Walking the old railway track

Steady does it!

Examining the tunnel

Morley Quarry

Anyone know the way out of this quarry?!

Best foot forward

Best foot forward

What else but a banana break

Who stole the fence?

Short Walks Group by hazel catkins