5 Milers - December's Walk

Eighteen members met at the Robin Hood in Swannington for December's 5 milers walk led by Owen. It was a foggy day which spoilt some of the views we would have had. Amongst the pictures below are some that were taken on a bright sunny morning only days before the walk, showing the contrast. You should be able to tell which is which!! Afterwards 16 of the walkers were joined by 4 members who were unable to take part in the walk to enjoy a lovely Christmas lunch at the pub.

A bit wet in places

    
Looking over Swannington!!!

Into the unknown!!!

Were we wondering how "live" this exhibit at Hough Mill is?

The fruit of the Spindle Tree - near Hough Mill

    
One of the ponds near Hough Mill

Can you guess what this was used for down the mine? It may be a relief to know!!

Banana Break at the Mill

    
Another view of the Mill

5 Milers - November's Walk

Eighteen members met in Market Bosworth for November's 5 Milers Walk which was led by Sue.
The route followed that of the Leicestershire Round for a short distance as we walked south towards Sutton Cheney. Initially, we walked amongst mature trees which looked glorious with every shade of autumn amongst their leaves. Indeed, throughout the walk, the hedgerows and woods looked splendid.
The banana break was taken in Sutton Cheney, by the village church of St James. Happily, the church was open so we were able to look inside. Tradition has it that Richard III heard his last Mass in this church.
Unfortunately, the weather conditions deteriorated as we walked back to Market Bosworth over field footpaths. Undeterred, we reached Sutton Lane, the gated road, for the final stage of the route.
Most of the group stayed on for lunch at Ye Olde Red Lion pub, one of the oldest buildings in the attractive market town.

An Autumn scene in Market Bosworth Country Park

The walkers at Sutton Cheney Church, ready for their banana break

Inside Sutton Cheney Church

5 Milers - October's Walk

A walk from Swarkestone led by Elaine and Martin.

Firstly, some pictures of Swarkestone Hall..........

Now some pictures taken at Swarkestone Lock........

and finally, St. Wilfrid's Church in Barrow upon Trent..........

5 Milers - September's Walk

A walk along the path of the Charnwood Forest Canal and through Osgathorpe, led by Bis.

The Charnwood Forest Canal - a little dry perhaps!

Something has been spotted in the canal!

At Junction House - it has certainly seen better days!

Osgathorpe Parish Cemetery.........

......high above the village

The former Headmaster's House and School in Osgathorpe

5 Milers - August's Walk

A walk from Thornton, led by Steve and Evelyn.

Heading down to Thornton Reservoir........

.......and then up the Bagworth Incline

Crossing the old Leicester-Burton line

Negotiating a ladder stile

Banana break!!

5 Milers - July's Walk

A walk from Carlton, led by Lynda.

Carlton Church with its unusual tower

Our walk leader telling us about the history of Carlton

Crossing a corn field

Passing under the railway at Shackerstone

Alongside the Ashby Canal......

Proud parents!!........

..........and gently does it!!!

18 of 21 at 44

5 Milers - June's Walk

A walk from Shackerstone, through Bilstone and Congerstone, led by Pete.

Our walk leader telling us about Gopsall Temple............

The group in Bilstone - "I think we go that way"

The mill pond in Bilstone

Congerstone Church

A passing narrowboat on the Ashby Canal

Back to Shackerstone and the station

5 Milers - May's Walk

A walk through the Ticknall Limeyards and beyond, led by Owen and Jenny.

Approaching the Ticknall Tramway Tunnel

Inside the tunnel

   
Our walk leader explaining some of the history behind the Limeyards

A view of the Limeyards

High Road or Low Road?

We had a really lovely day for the walk - this is a view towards Staunton Harold Reservoir

A zoom shot of a heron on Mere Pond on Calke Abbey Estate

16 walkers sitting down!!! Don't worry - just a short break!!

5 Milers - April's Walk

A walk from Stanton under Bardon led by Denis.

On the way

A wonderful display of bullrushes

Eighteen "5 Milers"

Approaching Thornton Reservoir

Making friends

5 Milers - March's Walk

A walk from Swepstone Church led by Pearl. "Mud, mud, glorious mud!!!!".................

5 Milers - February's Walk

A walk of two halves, led by Bill and David - two and a half miles round Charley with lovely views over the Leicestershire countryside and through Burrows Wood, followed by two and a half miles around the diverted path skirting the Bardon Quarry extension works. Some pictures below....

   
Two of the ten stiles!!

Through Burrows Wood

19 happy walkers in the February sun

  
Not the most picturesque part of the walk!! The quarry workings and crossing the quarry road.

On the left is Copt Oak, our lunch destination

Getting nearer to lunch

  
Rise Rocks - apparently destined to disappear!!

These boots were made for walking!!......But no more!!!!

5 Milers - January's Walk

Twenty-two members met in Ticknall on a damp morning for the first walk of the year. Ann led the group along the Ticknall Tramway Trail which follows parts of the route of the old Ticknall to Ashby horse-drawn tramway. After all the heavy rain of recent weeks, we were all pleased to be walking on gravel paths. Being out and about in the fresh air was a welcome change too.
Most of the group stayed on for lunch at The Staff of Life in Ticknall.

The walkers having had their Banana break.