Strollers - December's Walk

We finished off 2014 with a 4 mile stroll from Packington to Normanton le Heath, which 10 of us took part in. The first part of the route was along a narrow country road which took us past Hill Farm where we had a good view of the herd of bison. They did seem to be all smallish specimens and not as intimidating as they could have been! There were also quite a lot of deer in the fields, which also belong to the farm. We then continued on a mucky bridleway, and turned off into the new Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. The planting we passed seemed very new and will be a fantastic woodland in a few years time. We then entered the village of Normanton le Heath, and just near to the church turned off to descend the hill and cross fields on our return to Packington. Mouths were watering as we anticipated the lovely pies which we had ordered from the pub. Lunch was served to us very promptly on arrival, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A lovely way to round off the year. Here's to many more great walks in 2015 and very sociable lunches to follow!

Strollers - August's Walk

4 Miles from Shackerstone led by Steve and Evelyn

Strollers' preparation by Steve

Under the Shackertsone line

Waiting for a bus, or a train?

Through the farm from where fresh veg was bought

Having a break in Carlton

The lengths some will go to for a bit of Wilko shopping!

Strollers - July's Walk

4 Miles from Melbourne led by Ann

War Memorial and Melbourne Church

At the Wash Pit in Melbourne

The 8 Strollers

Capturing a Bracket Fungus

Leaving the Cloud Trail for Wilson

A distant view of Melbourne

Near the Pool - not inviting enough for a dip!!

A view of Melbourne Church across the Pool

Strollers - June's Walk

4 Miles from Newton Burgoland led by Ann

Some feathered friends

Some bigger friends

Some friends together

Narrowboats on the Ashby Canal at Shackerstone

Motte and Bailey at Shackerstone

A beautiful peacock.....

.....and another in full display

A relaxing lunch at the Belper Arms

SWANS - April's Walk

On a lovely sunny afternoon in April, Carol led 9 Swans around the woods and along the old railway track in Grace Dieu woods. Carole, as ever, amazed us with her extensive knowledge of all the wild flowers. Refreshments were enjoyed in the garden of the Bull's Head after the walk.

Swans enjoying the bluebells in Grace Dieu woods.

Grace Dieu woods.

The First Strollers Walk - March

Strollers has launched! On Wednesday 19th March, 8 members of the new Strollers group met up in Measham. You may be confused by the first photo which shows 9 members! Well, Jenny was just acting as chauffeur on that day, but hopes to join our walks in the future.
We walked along the old railway track, part of the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, as far as Donisthorpe and then turned back to stroll over the meadows surronding Saltersford Lakes where we had a short breather. The 'breather' included eating cake to celebrate Steve's birthday. Lovely! We spotted a heron, various waterfowl, and scores of wonderful bullrushes. We meandered on, passing through Oakthorpe and back over fields to Measham. The walk was 3.5 miles in total and took us about an hour and three quarters. We finished off the morning............ yes, you have guessed, by having lunch together at Cattows farm. There was a discussion as to whether future walks would be finished by lunch or just a cuppa, but support was overwhelming for lunch. I am beginning to wonder whether we might be a walking group finishing with lunch, or a lunch group preceding our meal with a short stroll??? Watch this space..................

The new Strollers Group in happy anticipation of their first walk.

Approaching the Saltersford Lakes........

........8 geese afloating.......

......and some bulrushes.

February's Walk

On Thursday 27th February we had a lovely afternoon for our Swans walk in Bradgate Park. Twenty one members met in the car park and were led through the park by Jean and Carol. On our way we passed ducks and swans (real ones) looking at us eagerly hoping to be fed. We had to disappoint them and move on. When we reached the tea house in the park, no we didn't stop, but turned left towards Old John. No one wanted to brave it to the top (Swans don't do that sort of thing!) so we returned via the lower stretches of grassland. At the turning point there was a sharp downpour with the rain coming directly in our faces. However, it stopped as soon as it had started and the sun was out again! There was a brief detour for some of the group to take a look at the archeological dig being done by Leicester University, and then all back to the new tearoom near the entrance to the park with a good view of the snowdrops growing along the edges of the car park. The tearoom had a lovely selection of cakes which some of us indulged in, and the lemon sponge is highly recommended!

A select group of Swans in brdgate Park. Where were the others hiding ?

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