The December meeting of the SWANS Group was at Hicks Lodge in Moira, the new cycle hire centre for the National Forest. This was a fresh location for most members and was ideal for a winter walk, particularly since we were there on such a bright, sunny afternoon. Ann Potterton led six other members.
The first section of our route was around the lake where we were delighted to see many water fowl and a few swans. The latter looked spectacular because we could see clear reflections of their plumage in the calm, blue water.
Later we crossed over the road to follow footpaths amongst trees planted as part of the National Forest and enjoyed clear views over the surrounding area.
As usual, we finished our pleasant afternoon with tea, coffee, soft drinks and even an ice cream in the centre's cafe.

Members of the SWANS group by the lake at Hicks Lodge

The other type of swan

SWANS admiring swans

November's Short Walk took place in Lount Woods and Nature Reserve in pleasant sunshine. It proved to be yet another of those walks when the group were not only delighted but also surprised to find such attractive surroundings so close to home.
Carol, who walks there often, led the group of seven members around the area. We walked through mature woods with sunlight slanting through the trees; by new plantations and hedgerows with their varied autumn colours; and over ground which had once been mine workings. The ponds, of which there are several, looked particularly beautiful with reflections of the sky and plants in the still water.
As usual, we paused to admire views and take refreshment. Unusually, Sue asked the group to help her collect acorns for a primary school project and this we did with much good humour.
After the walk, most of the group drove to the Ferrers Arms for lunch and more friendly companionship.

Reflections

Acorn hunt

Banana break

Lount Wood

Autumn colour

Appleby Magna was the location for November's SWANS outing and the route was one of the LCC's excellent circular "Parish Walks".
Appleby Magna is one of those villages that people have heard of but few, in our local community, know well.Ten members of the group turned out to complete the 1.5 mile walk and most were surprised to find such a pretty and interesting place not so far away. Another treat was having Roger with us; he used to live in the village and was able to give us additional information about some of the impressive buildings.
The first building we stopped to investigate was St. Michael's Church which was open. It's a large church with notable and unusual features such as beautiful windows, box pews and a plaque to commemorate a local lady who was burnt at the stake in Lichfield during the sixteenth century. The Moat House, our next attraction, is just what it says: a stunning old house almost surrounded by a moat.
Walking through the village, everyone was admiring curious buildings. Eventually we came to Sir John Moore's School which certainly has the "wow" factor. Based on an original design by Christopher Wren, it was completed in 1697. After following the footpath over some fields, we arrived back near the Church and the Almshouses; again Roger had a story to tell.
We had permission to park at The Crown and everyone finished the walk by going into the pub for a welcome drink and more friendly conversation.

The Group

Appleby Magna School by Wren

Appleby Magna Moat House

Appleby Magna Church

Rose led eight fellow members of the Short Walks Group on Tuesday, 4th October. Beginning in Ticknall, the circular walk took us through fields and woodland towards Melbourne. Visibility was clear and we could see Derby and beyond.
We followed footpaths to Staunton Harold Reservoir. At the Visitors' Centre, we made use of the picnic tables to enjoy a refreshment break; it was noted that some walkers prefer chocolate to bananas. The information boards gave us details of the reservoir and the surrounding area. Walking by the reservoir, we all noticed the extremely low water level.
After a while we came to Calke Park which looked very attractive in the autumn sunshine. We saw several deer, including a white stag close to the enclosure fence. The walk through the Park was very pleasant and we maintained a steady pace all the way back to Ticknall.
Most of the group went along to The Smisby Arms for lunch which was eaten outside due to the mild weather.

The view from the Visitors' Centre at Staunton Harold Reservoir

Refreshment Break

White stag in Calke Park

Walking back towards Ticknall

This month's SWANS meeting was in Bradgate Park on Thursday, 22nd September. Roger led members on a walk from the Newtown Linford car park to the Deer Barn and back again.
In dry. but chilly weather, we saw herds of both fallow and red deer, sometimes at very close quarters. On the River Lin, a group of swans (birds not walkers) suddenly became very excited and provided a spectactular display.
As usual, the Park looked wonderful. We also had the benefit of information from Roger who shared with the group details he had remembered from the recent visit by the History Group. We all enjoyed our walk in a familiar yet sometimes overlooked location.

Red deer

Swans on the River Lin

The ruins of Bradgate House with fallow deer in the foreground

Fallow deer

Members of the group

On Tuesday 6th Sept, in blustery and showery weather, 7 intrepid walkers set off from the car park in the middle of Anstey. The walk was an Anstey parish walk which our leader, Valerie, had modified to make a comfortable 5 mile circuit. Valerie told us something of the history of Anstey and its infamous inhabitant Ned Ludd, who allegedly gave his name to the Luddites after smashing up machinery in protest against the Industrial Revolution.
The walk initially took us through the village and then soon out into open fields. Before long we had a marvellous view of Old John and the War memorial in Bradgate Park. Well, at first the view was obscured by driving rain, but it soon cleared and the view improved! Next the route took us into the Park and along by the side of Cropston reservoir. We stopped for a banana break and encountered a group of other walkers who stopped to chat (they belonged to the '41' club, or some other such name). I think they were looking for new recruits, but we all seem quite happy with our U3A walking groups and didn't join up. On route we passed over two lovely old packhorse bridges, the second of which had been named 'King William's Bridge' as William 3rd had had the bridge widened when he visited the Grey family in Bradgate in 1696. Not only a walk but a history lesson too!
We finished off our morning's walk by having lunch in the Bradgate in Newtown Linford, always a popular choice, and guess........ what happened then? The sun came out of course! However, we hadn't got too wet while walking, and never let it be said that a bit of wind and rain will put U3A walkers off!

View towards Old John

Banana break!

Cropston Reservoir

Des Res along the way

August's SWANS walk was led by Carole Adcock. Carole had organised warm, sunny weather which allowed us to appreciate the countryside to the full. Nine members of the group and a visitor walked on level footpaths around Lount Wood.
The tall grasses and hedgerows full of assorted berries looked splendid. Equally attractive was the original part of Lount Wood with its fully mature trees and tall bracken. We took a detour when a friendly fisherman allowed us access to the fishing lake, an unexpected bonus. Another slight diversion was taken to see the memorial to Edward Blunt.
Everyone enjoyed the walk, the opportunity to chat with companions and the scenery. The afternoon concluded with pots of tea and soft drinks at The Ferrers Arms.

The group about to set off

At the memorial to Edward Blunt

Walking through the new plantation

By the fishing lake

For our August walk, the Short Walks Group used one of the series of circular Parish Walks produced in Leicestershire. Our choice was the Carlton Parish Walk: Walk 2 - 5 miles. Five members walked, led by Sue Calcutt, on a very warm and sunny day.
The walk began in Carlton at the end of the village near the former village school, in use until 1969. We followed footpaths across rolling countryside towards Shackerstone Station. This area is very quiet and peaceful with splendid views of the rural landscape of west Leicestershire.
It was delightful to approach the station at Shackerstone from the fields and cross over the railway line by the footbridge. Unexpectedly, the station was open and trains were running to Shenton. Our usual "banana break" was abandoned in favour of a visit to the Station's Victorian Tea Rooms.
Leaving the station, we walked the short distance to the Ashby Canal and joined the towpath heading south. This was to be the longest section of our walk but we found plenty of things to interest us. With the aid of a book on wild flowers, we identified several unfamiliar flowers that were growing on the canal banks: water mint, purple-loosestrife, skullcap, gypsywort, and the wonderfully named touch-me-not balsam.
At bridge 44, we left the canal and headed back towards Carlton. A short stretch of road walking was followed by more field footpaths which included crossing the railway line. The hot weather was making us all feel weary and we were relieved to reach our destination.
Refreshment was the priority; we decided upon a light lunch at Sunnyside Garden Centre in Ibstock.

Countryside near Carlton

Approaching Shackerstone Station

Victorian Tea Rooms at the Station

Narrow boat on the Ashby Canal

Crossing the railway line on the route back to Carlton

Thirteen members of the SWANS group met for the July walk in Sence Valley Park. In warm, sunny weather, we walked along footpaths in this delightful local amenity. Paula Gretton led the group from the lower car park on a figure-of-eight route by plantations and open ground. The River Sence, Horseshoe Lake and Goss Lake looked particularly attractive. The name "Goss" perplexed some of the group until Paula explained that it was a local corruption of "gorse". Several family groups and others were taking full advantage of the lovely weather to relax and enjoy themselves. It is difficult to imagine that only fifteen years ago, Sence Valley was the site of a huge open cast coal mine. The landscape you see today looks so natural. Tea and cake at Sunnyside Garden Centre were enjoyed by most of the group after the walk.

The group, a short way into the walk

Walking by the Horseshoe Lake

Pausing to admire the views

Looking across the Horseshoe Lake

On Tuesday, 5th July, eight members of the Short Walks Group completed a circular walk from Griffydam. We were led by Roger Bisgrove and walked in very pleasant sunshine. Following footpaths across fields, we left Top Road in Griffydam and walked to the Rempston Road. We crossed the road and continued on footpaths towards Newbold, aka Newbold Coleorton. There were wonderful views from the outskirts of the village. Roger explained that there is an unusually dense distribution of footpaths in this area. During our walk, we certainly saw old tracks and the routes of former railways as well as several way-marked paths. Walking through Newbold gave us the opportunity to admire many gardens and particular garden flowers and shrubs. Our next destination surpassed our expectations: it was Lount Nature Reserve. This is on the site of New Lount Colliery, the shortest-lived colliery in the area, which operated from 1924 to 1968. Here there is a pleasing variety of environments, including three wetland pools. It was an ideal spot to take our banana break. Strolling through the reserve gave us plenty to admire, such as the delicate pink wild flower, century, with which most of us were unfamiliar. We also saw dragonflies and one huge frog. Fortunately, one of our members was able to help out with identification whenever we were puzzled. Leaving the Nature Reserve, we joined the route of an old railway, one of the very early links to the Swannington Incline line, and followed this to Gelsmoor. Many members may recall that the pub "The Gelsmoor" was previously known as "The Railway". From there it was a relatively short walk across the fields back to Griffydam. We all considered ourselves fortunate to have experienced such handsome surroundings. Most group members drove to The Gelsmoor for lunch which they were able to enjoy sitting outside.

View from route towards Bardon Hill

The group listens to Roger

Banana break in Lount Nature Reserve

One of the ponds in Lount Nature Reserve

One of the ponds in Lount Nature Reserve

The focus of this month's walk was to see the wild orchids growing in the grounds of Calke Abbey. We were not disappointed.
Five members of the group were free to participate on Tuesday, 7th June. We parked at Ticknall Village Hall and, led by Ann Potterton, we were quickly into the Calke estate. Initially we followed the route of one of the tramways formerly used to move lime. Our path then took us through a newly-developed wetland area where a bird hide and boardwalks have been constructed.
We headed on to the more familiar parkland adjacent to the Abbey, passing Betty's Pond. At the end of the overflow carpark, we came across an unexpected delight. From the new bird hide, we were fortunate to watch many different birds including chaffinches, goldfinches, a nuthatch and a greater spotted woodpecker feeding its rather large chick. We were reluctant to leave.
In a shower of rain, we crossed open meadows and walked through woods towards the Limeyards. The Limeyards date back to the fifteenth century and continued to burn lime until 1940. The site is now made up of ponds, spoil-heaps, quarry floor and rock outcrops, all of which has been reclaimed and hidden by nature to create a magical place. The showers disappeared and we came across the second highlight of our walk: beds of wild orchids. The common spotted orchid is mauve / pink in colour. The orchids grow abundantly across the open ground between the ponds - a marvellous sight. Again, we had to tear ourselves away to complete the walk.
In other parts of the Limeyards, we saw more evidence of past industrial activity and new conservation projects. From Ticknall, the five of us drove to Smisby for a late lunch at the Smisby Arms. Once again we had enjoyed a memorable outing.

One of the tunnels on a former tramway

Greater spotted woodpecker

Goldfinch

Common spotted orchid

Bed of orchids in the Limeyards

The second walk, in May, for the newly-formed SWANS Group was well attended in spite of the overcast skies.
Ten members met at Moira Furnace site for the short walk and no stiles. With rain-proof jackets and umbrellas and led by Roger Bisgrove, we explored the woods between the Furnace site and the lime kilns. The information boards located there give lots of detail about the wildlife and history of the area and we all found something of interest.
Roger led us on to the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, a former railway track and part of the Donisthorpe Woodland Park. Here we spotted more wild flowers, trees and birds which gave us much to query and admire. The dog daisies were both abundant and beautiful. Shortly we arrived at the restored Ashby Canal and walked along the tow path towards Moira Furnace. We were lucky enough to see several ducklings which we just had to stop and gaze at. The Furnace itself looked as impressive as ever.
The walk had been marvellous and some members stayed on for refreshments at the Furnace site.

A wet start to the walk

In Donisthorpe Woodland Park

Dog Daisies

Approaching Moira Furnace by the Ashby Canal

Finished in sunshine!

On Tuesday, 3rd May, the Short Walks Group met in Hartshorne for the annual “Bluebell Walk”. Ann Potterton led the group of 8 walkers, including 3 members who joined us for the first time. The circular walk began in wonderful sunshine.
The route was over fields and next to hedgerows bursting with may blossom until an extraordinary place was reached. This was the area known as Daniel Hayes. It is an ancient site which is undergoing reclamation and the group was able to read something of its history.
After following a footpath around more fields, the first significant beds of bluebells were spotted as we walked along a wooded track. This proved to be just a taster for the delights that lay ahead. In the woods known as Several Wood, there were extensive banks of bluebells on either side of the path. Each new view seemed even more stunning and the unique scent was heady.
Out into open countryside once more, the group crossed arable fields back towards Hartshorne. It had been a very pleasant walk; certainly, there can be little to compare with an English bluebell wood in May.
Everyone completed the outing by having lunch at The Greyhound in Boundary.

Daniel Hayes - looking along a path with bank on one side

View from Daniel Hayes looking North

First sight of bluebells, on wooded track

Inside Several Wood

Inside Several Wood

The walking group, with vista

On Thursday, 28th April, the “Swans” Walking group had its first meeting.
We met at Thornton Reservoir at 2pm and were delighted that 13 members of our U3A came along. Walking at a steady pace, we paused to admire wild flowers such as bluebells, pink campions and king cups, and wondered at the low level of water in the Reservoir. There was plenty of companionable conversation too.
After completing the route around the Reservoir, we strolled on to the nearby garden nursery where we enjoyed teas, coffees and soft drinks. Many of the group were also tempted by the plants on sale. It had been a very enjoyable and successful outing.

On Tuesday, 5th April, the Short Walks Group met for their monthly walk in Melbourne. Eight members came along, including a new recruit whom we were delighted to welcome. The walk was led by Ann Pottereton. Booted and wrapped up against the chilly weather, we set off by Melbourne Hall and "The Pool". It looked lovely. We followed the footpath south over fields until we arrived at a wood. There, amongst the trees, was a carpet of wood anemones; we had to stop, admire and take photographs. After pausing again for our traditional "banana break", we arrived in Breedon on the Hill. We walked through the village and climbed the steep hill to the famous landmark church. The bell ringers were practising, the church was open and we took the opportunity to explore. It was fascinating and we all found something to investigate. Outside, the views were stunning. Taking a different footpath, we descended the hill, walked by the edge of a golf course and headed back to Melbourne. As we walked into the town one more surprise awaited us: a road-side stall selling locally grown vegetables. The proprietors sold their vegetables from a pretty, blue-painted, Victorian style cart. It proved to be irresistible. Shortly, we were back at the cars and anticipating our lunch. Most of the group stayed in Melbourne and ate at the nearby Tea Rooms, where the hand-cut chips were certainly out of the ordinary. Without a doubt, the whole outing had been most enjoyable.

Members of the Short Walks Group

Wood Anemones

What else but a banana break!

A clump of Lesser Celandine

On Tuesday, 1st March, the Short Walks Group met for a walk with a difference. For the first time, we enjoyed a Themed Walk. Our leader was David Oliver-Williams and our theme was Geology. David is a keen geologist and he shared with his fellow walkers an insight into the rocks of Bradgate Park. The rocks of Charnwood Forest, including Bradgate Park, are amongst the oldest in Britain and include Pre-Cambrian deposits. As we walked through the Park, David pointed out particular significant features and soon had the group enthusiastically searching for further examples. Bradgate Park was relatively quiet and at one stage we were able to stand close to a herd of fallow deer. The ancient oak trees with their weird shapes and forms also caught our attention. Whilst the weather was dry, it was cold and we were all ready for a hearty meal at the Bradgate.

The group standing by a twisted oak

A special outcrop of rock

The group sheltering inside an oak tree

Fallow Deer

The Group met in February, at Sence Valley Forest Park. Five members were able to participate and the walk was led by Sue Calcutt. Before we set off, we looked at the oak Noon Column by the car park. It is one of six found within the National Forest. Sence Valley was a vast opencast coal mine between 1982 and 1996; the park was opened in 1998. We crossed the A447 and walked over fields to the disused railway line. This was the line from Shackestone to Coalville East Station and on to Loughborough. When the opencast mine was in operation, this section was converted to a conveyer belt to transport coal. The next feature was the River Sence itself which we crossed and then walked to Donington le Heath. We passed by the Manor House which dates from 1280 and entered fields again to walk to Snibston. The medieval St Mary's Church in Snibston is the smallest church in England to hold regular services. The peaceful spot gave us the opportunity for a "banana break". Ravenstone was our next destination and as we headed there, the sun came out. We had a brief look at the Hospital which was established exactly 300 years ago this week as an Alms House for 30 women. From there, our route took us back towards Sence Valley over some of the muddiest footpaths we had ever encountered. We couldn't resist the temptation to wash off the mud in the River Sence. By now the it was so sunny that it felt just like a spring day. After changing our boots back at the car park, we drove to Sunnyside Garden Centre for a tasty lunch.

Donnington le Heath Manor house

Banana Break

St Mary's Church Snibston

Muddy boots!

Washing boots in the River Sence

January 2011's walk was led by Rose Westram, following light snow showers. Our cars were parked in Stanton under Bardon and once we were warmly wrapped up, six of us set off on our five-mile walk. We followed footpaths across fields and through new woodlands created as part of the National Forest, including The Partings, Ashley's Wood and Brown's Wood. The names given to these new woods often give rise to light-hearted debate as we speculate about their origin and those we discovered during this walk were no exception. As we walked towards Thornton, the church spire became visible above the surrounding trees and looked very picturesque. However, the highlight of this walk was Thornton Reservoir. It looked stunning since it was mostly frozen over. A few swans and mallards were taking advantage of a small ice-free area and we watched their antics for a while. After walking by the Reservoir for a short distance, we took a path by the church and walked uphill into the village of Thornton. We walked along Main Street to Stanton Lane where we turned once more into woodland and fields. Our route led us to the Ivanhoe Way and we followed this back to Stanton under Bardon and our cars. We drove to the Bull's Head at Greenhill for lunch. It had been a delightful walk made even more attractive by the light covering of snow on the ground.

Walking group in The Partings Wood

View across Thornton Reservoir

Banana break by Thornton Reservoir

View across Thornton Reservoir

Graffiti!

On Tuesday, 2nd November Ann Potterton led the group on a 5-mile walk in the countryside north of Smisby. Six members participated, along with someone taking advantage of the opportunity of a "taster session". We left the cars in Smisby and followed field footpaths to South Wood. The hedgerows and woods looked stunning with all the shades of colour we associate with autumn. Although overcast, the weather was dry and we could see the undulating countryside for some distance. Emerging from the mature beauty of South Wood, we headed towards Heath End. Unknowingly, we wandered from the footpath and had an interesting encounter with a local resident. Happily, all was resolved and we continued towards Southwood House where we turned south to return to Smisby. This stage of the walk took us through a new wood, "Harry's Wood", part of the National Forest planting scheme, and then over Pisternhill. Here we were treated to marvellous views once more. Lunch was at the Smisby Arms where we enjoyed a warm welcome, hearty meals and friendly conversation.

In South Wood

In South Wood

Edge of South Wood

The climb up Pisternhill

Six members of the group joined in October's walk which was led by Valerie Smalley. We met in Hathern where Valerie gave us information about aspects of the village including the Village Cross and one of the famous inhabitants, John Heathcoat, the inventor of a lace-making machine. We walked out of the village following footpaths towards the River Soar. After walking over fields, we arrived at Dishley Pool where we enjoyed a short break and the opportunity to see a variety of geese, ducks and wild fowl. In particular, we were intrigued by a pair of Rouen Ducks, a large "mallard" type duck with a loud call! As we walked around Dishley Pool, the clouds dispersed and we felt the benefit of warm sunshine. Next we made our way to the River Soar, heading north towards Zouch. The river looked very attractive, especially at Normanton on Soar. Here we spotted the carved post indicating where the ferry crossed the river. We walked back towards Hathern, pausing to identify a lovely blue flowered plant, and retraced our route into the village. After thanking Valerie for all her efforts with preparation, we set off to "The Plough" at Normanton on Soar for lunch.The weather was so pleasant that we were able to eat our meals outside.

  
Walking through Heath Wood & St Saviour's Church

  
Anchor Church Caves & By the lake at Foremark Hall

August's short walk was led by Sheila Burgess and took place in the Peak District National Park. Six members of the group met in Ilam. We walked across fields to Dove Dale and soon came upon the famous stepping stones. This part of Dove Dale was busy with people enjoying a summer outing. We continued northwards by the river until it was time for a coffee break. The wild flowers, some of which we struggled to identify, the clean water of the Dove, the limestone rocks and the fossils gave us much to examine and chat about. We walked on until we arrived at Ilam Rock where we crossed the river and climbed a steep slope to leave Dove Dale. Walking through fields, we headed towards Stanshope and then turned south towards Castern Hall. Our picnic lunch was eaten in the most beautiful spot: leaning against a dry stone wall, we had fabulous views over quiet, unspoilt countryside. Refreshed once more, we walked downhill to the River Manifold and south along "Paradise Walk" to the National Trust Cafe at Ilam. Here we all enjoyed more refreshments before Roger successfully completed his test on wild flowers.

July's short walk took place near Market Bosworth on Tuesday, 6th July. Seven U3A members walked in splendid weather. We parked at the Battlefield Centre and walked on footpaths over arable land to join the gated road which leads from Sutton Cheney to Market Bosworth. We followed the road into Market Bosworth where we took the opportunity to admire the marvellous flower arrangements in the Market Square. (Both photographs were taken here.) Our route then took us through the Country Park, where we enjoyed the shade, along part of the Leicestershire Round and through more fields until we arrived at the beautiful village of Sutton Cheney. We took another break to look inside St. James' Church, reputedly where King Richard III took communion on the eve of the Battle of Bosworth. Following a path along a lane and across some meadows, we returned to the Battlefield Centre. A tasty lunch was enjoyed there; some of us even indulged in delicious ice cream afterwards.

On Tuesday, 1st June, five members of the group met at Branston Water Park near Burton Upon Trent. Sheila Burgess led the walk over what was mostly new territory. We began by walking alongside the lake and crossing the Trent and Mersey Canal at Tatenhill Lock. We walked across fields towards Tatenhill and then through meadows and woods in that area of Staffordshire before circling back to the Water Park. It was a delightful walk with lots of variety; we were pleasantly surprised by the splendid views across the open countryside. The may blossom was at its best and buttercups were in abundance. In fact, the only disappointment was the weather: we did have steady rain. Happily, a convivial lunch in "The Horseshoe" allowed the group to dry out.

Pictures from the April walk. The 5¼ mile walk began in Calke Park. We walked through the Park with a short diversion to see the new-born lambs. We left the Park in Ticknall and then followed paths across fields and through woods. We walked by the Staunton Harold Reservoir, across fields and back into Calke Park for lunch at the NT restaurant. We kept to a leisurely pace, making frequent stops to look at things that interested us seeing a variety of wild flowers, including pale violets, cowslips and primroses. Besides the lambs, the deer were clearly visible in Calke Park; crossing a field, we paused to watch and listen to a skylark.

Some pictures from the March walk by the Short Walks group. The group of 8 met at Swarkestone Bridge and walked via Stanton by Bridge, across fields to King's Newton , along the Cloud trail, beside the Trent & Mersey canal, passed a folly and returned to the pub