5 Milers - December's Walk

The 5Milers walk on 2nd December was round Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir led by Steve and Evelyn, followed by a Christmas lunch at the Grey Lady Kitchen and Deli in Newtown Linford.

5 Milers - November's Walk

On Tuesday 4th November members of the 5 Milers Walking Group, led by Pete, set off from The Hare and Hounds (aka Mary’s House) in The City of Three Waters, Whitwick. Pete described the circular walk as including: “open fields, a few short stretches of village streets, old railway tracks and some woodland”.
He explained it would “include the edge of Thringstone, the Swannington Incline, New Swannington, Whitwick and High Cademan which is one of the high spots of the area at 646 feet”. As we followed his route, we walked in lovely autumn sunshine which enhanced the views and gave us the opportunity to appreciate our interesting local landscape.
Most of the group stayed on for a buffet lunch at The Hare and Hounds.

Walking up the Swannington Incline and under Potato Lane Bridge

At the Incline Engine House

On the right track at the top of the Incline

At the Jack Jones Wheel

Hermitage Lake

In Cademan Woods

The vineyards of Whitwick!

5 Milers - October's Walk

Ten members of the 5-Milers Walking Group met in Melbourne for their October walk to be led by Rose. The circular route led us to unfamiliar territory.

We walked from Melbourne to King's Newton and then along an old track towards Swarkestone Bridge. Rose explained that, in medieval times, this was an important route to the bridge.

Once at the causeway to Swarkestone Bridge, we crossed towards Stanton by Bridge where we paused for our banana break. Refreshed, we continued through the village and onto field paths with pleasant views over the countryside.

As we approached the outskirts of Melbourne, the weather deteriorated and we completed the walk in light rain. Since we were all wearing our all-weather gear, this did nothing to detract from what had been an interesting and pleasant walk with lots of friendly conversations along the way.

Most of the group stayed on for lunch in Melbourne.

Stanton by Bridge and time for ... banana break

5 Milers - September's Walk

Summer returned for the September meeting of the 5- Milers Walking Group which took place in glorious weather. Fifteen members met in Swepstone to follow a circular route via Normanton le Heath led by Bill.

It was a delightful walk across fields, along quiet tracks and lanes and with marvellous views of our countryside throughout.

Afterwards, most of the group stayed on for lunch at the Queen's Head in Heather.

Swepstone Church

Battling through the undergrowth

There must be a way through!

Can you spot the waymarker?

A colourful display in Normanton-le-Heath

Keeping up the pace.....

.....and back to Swepstone Church

5 Milers - August's Walk

The August Meeting of the 5 Milers Walking Group was from Oakthorpe, led by Elaine and Martin.

Elaine explaining the Ashby Canal Mine Seam Marker

Tired, gentlemen?........

.....Last of the Summer Wine!

At one of the Oakthorpe mine shaft plaques

Having a well-earned rest

Eighteen 5-milers

5 milers - July's Walk

The July Meeting of the 5 Milers Walking Group took place on a warm and sunny day. Thirteen members met in Heather at The Queen's Head to be led by Roger on a circular walk of five miles.
We began in Sence Valley Forest Park. It was beautiful. The group was pleasantly surprised at how the whole landscape there has matured. We spotted two herons and several patches of wild orchids whilst walking along. The impact of this new environment was enhanced when Wally shared some of his memories of working at the former opencast coal mine
. After strolling through the park and some road walking, we went into the recently planted Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood between Heather and Normanton le Heath. It reminded us of what Sence Valley used to be like in the 1990s. It will be interesting to watch this new woodland develop.
Back in Heather, most of the group stayed on for lunch at the pub.

Wild Orchids, past their best!

5 Milers - June's Walk

Twelve members of the 5- Milers Walking Group met in Ticknall on 3rd June to be led on our circular walk by Derek. In spite of the overcast sky, it was good walking weather.
Our first stop was by Ticknall Methodist Church, built in 1815 and still in regular use. In addition to the fine building, the site also has one of Ticknall’s water pumps which is in working order.
After sharing information about Ticknall’s long history, Derek led us across field footpaths to Robin Wood. Everyone was amazed at the extent of this wood. Our route took us on into West Wood and then out into the open again as we walked towards Ingleby Toft. During this part of the walk, we learnt about pylons and how electricity is transmitted.
Shortly after our banana break, we saw a very unusual feature: a ram pump. Again, Derek enlightened us. We continued our walk by Seven Spouts Farm and eventually came to the small reservoir which feeds the ram pump. We paused by Hangman’s Stone to hear the story associated with it and then followed field paths back to Ticknall. As we walked along, Roger pointed out the signage for the recently-launched National Forest Way Footpath.
Everyone thanked Derek for giving us such an interesting and pleasant walk. Most of the group drove on to Smisby for lunch at the Smisby Arms.

The small reservoir which feeds the ram pump.

An opportunity for a group photograph at a field gate.

Another way to enjoy the countryside.

St George’s Church, Ticknall.

5 Milers - May's Walk

On a sunny morning, May 6th, 18 walkers set off from the Plough in Ratby for a tour of Ratby Burroughs led by Pete. We were truly delighted; with the weather, the local information given by our leader, the lovely area and the bluebells of course! They were absolutely at their best, we couldn't have picked a better day. Carpets of blue everywhere you looked and the intoxicating scent was just wonderful. A walk that belied our name, as we only did three and a half miles, but what does the odd mile and a half matter between friends? After our walk we repaired to the pub for a very promptly served, reasonably priced and tasty lunch.

Have you got my apple?

A pause for some local knowledge from Pete

A distant view of Ratby Church

Negotiating a muddy gate....

...and I don't intend getting my feet wet!

Walking through the bluebells.....

....and....

...pausing to admire them

Finally, does anybody know my name?

5 milers - April's Walk

A circular walk from Shepshed to Loughborough was chosen for the April meeting of the 5 Milers Walking Group. Twenty-one members met at The Pied Bull in Shepshed on Tuesday 1st April to be led by Sue.
The route took us northwards out of Shepshed crossing both Black Brook and Grace Dieu Brook before their confluence. On the Hathern Road, we stopped by Shepshed Water Mill and then set off across field footpaths towards the outskirts of Loughborough. We were delighted to spot several yellow hammers along the way.
Turning through Bailey’s Plantation, we came to the old Stonebow Bridge where we paused for our banana break.
Refreshed, we followed the wonderfully named Oxley Gutter by the side of Garendon Park. Sadly, there is little to see of the former Garendon Hall, home of the DeLisle family, but the Bavarian Arch, one of the lodges, still stands.
From there the route took us back to Shepshed on well-maintained footpaths and a footbridge over the M1.
Most of the group stayed on for lunch at The Pied Bull.

Walking through Bailey's Plantation

Banana Break

Stonebow Bridge dating from the 1200s

The Bavarian Arch - Garendon Park

Room for one or two weary 5 milers!

5 Milers - March's Walk

Sixteen members met at the Charnwood Arms on Tuesday 4th March for the monthly circular walk. Denis and Jenny had planned the route and had taken the trouble to provide members with a handout listing “Points of Interest”, which was greatly appreciated. The walk in the Battleflat – Bardon area was very enjoyable and the weather conditions ideal, as the photographs show. Owen’s local knowledge was another bonus since few of the group had knowledge of all the places we visited. After the walk, most stayed on for lunch at the Charnwood Arms.

Over the stiles and across the fields from The Charnwood Arms.....

....to the old railway track....

Admiring the view towards Bardon Hall from Billa Barra Hill

The group outside Old Hall Cottage and Farm

At Bardon Park Chapel

5milers February's Walk

On Tuesday 4th February, seventeen members of The 5 Milers Group met in Appleby Magna for a circular walk to be led by Pearl. The weather was perfect for walking: dry and sunny.
Pearl gave us information about some of the distinctive buildings in the village and we set off in the direction of No Man’s Heath.
The walk provided some delightful views over the local countryside. We spotted several clumps of snowdrops both growing wild and in gardens too.
We did, however, encounter some very wet areas – particularly along a bridle path, as the photographs show. We did not let this deter us and, in good spirits, returned to Appleby Magna without any mishaps.
Most of the group drove to the Cricketts Inn, Acresford for lunch.

Pausing to view.....

....Sir John Moore School & Foundation

Water, water, everywhere.....

....everywhere....

....everywhere....

....and a dryish spot for a break

January's Walk

Twelve members joined the first Short Walk of 2014 in lovely winter sunshine. We met at “The Staff of Life” in Ticknall for a five-mile circular walk led by Ann. The walk included sections of the newly developed gravel paths over the old tramway in Calke Park, in addition to meadows and a climb on Pistern Hill. The views over open countryside were delightful. Most of the group stayed on to enjoy lunch and more companionship at the pub.

The happy group

Steady through the woods

Usual banana break

Admiring the view....

....and onwards

Time for play

No room in the trunk