Strollers - November's Walk - 2019

A figure-of-8 walk from Snarestone, led by Sue and Ian, including a bit of the Ivanhoe Way and along the newly restored section of the Ashby Canal. Although a bit wet underfoot the weather was perfect for walking. Afterwards there was an optional lunch at the Globe in Snarestone.

The walkers gathering in the Globe car park.

Gorgeous walking weather.

Entering Snarestone again - maybe we should slow to 30!!

That's right ladies - no room for the gents!!

   
There was a little water underfoot!!.

The end of the new section of Ashby Canal, and the planned extension to Measham.

Crossing the bridge at Snarestone Wharf.....

.....to view the old pumping station.....

On bridge 61 where the towpath moves to the other side of the canal.

On the Ashby Canal nearing Snarestone again.

SWANS - October's Walk - 2019

A walk round Hough Mill, Swannington.

The mill with sails

The group at the replica horse gin in the gorse Field

The group in Moor Lane (formerly Workhouse Lane) with Dr Parker's 1930 art deco house in the background

SWANS - July's Walk - 2019

A walk round Swannington, led by Janet and Jenny, on the day that broke the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Britain, 38.7 deg C. This was actually in Cambridge, but it was plenty warm enough in Swannington. Lunch afterwards was at the Robin Hood pub.

Pausing under Potato Bridge on the Swannington Incline.

Approaching Swannington.

Strollers - June's Walk - 2019

A 3.1 mile walk from Ticknall, along the edge of the Calke Estate and returning through the Limeyards. Lunch afterwards was at the Smisby Arms. The weather was almost perfect, considering the very wet forecast!!

SWANS - June's Walk - 2019

A walk round Hick's Lodge, led by David and Helena, with lunch afterwards at the Halfway House, Donisthorpe.

A lovely warm day for a gentle walk

Next to the bird hide and the "Black to Green" feature,

signifying the change from the opencast coal field to the natural area it is now.

A "gaggle" of geese.

Strollers - May's Walk - 2019

The May Strollers,led by Owen, started from Dimminsdale and after climbing 45 steps walked along a permissive path through Spring Wood then across fields towards Melbourne. There are 13 walk-through stiles along the permissive path, each inscribed with part of a poem; from south to north a quotation from Hillaire Belloc and north to south a verse by John Blunt who created the path in 1994. At the end of the permissive path we changed direction towards Breedon on public footpaths and a country lane before heading back to Dimminsdale across more fields and then alongside the wall bounding the Staunton Harold Estate before descending the 45 steps back to the car park. Our Banana Break was taken in the sunshine at the highest point on the walk with views into Derbyshire and of Breedon Church, the Airport Tower and Newbold Coleorton Brickworks chimney. Lunch afterwards was at the Ferrers Arms.

There were 45 steps to climb at the start of the walk.

The permissive path through Spring Wood.

Some bluebells were still in flower.

Part of the quotation from Hillaire Belloc on one of the walk-through stiles.

A view towards Breedon Church.

Banana break with views in all directions.

This is a great view of Staunton Harold Hall in the winter when there are no leaves on the trees.

SWANS - May's Walk - 2019

A walk in Outwoods, led by Maggie, with lunch afterwards at the Copt Oak. It was another perfect walking day, along part of the Outwoods Sculpture Trail. Firstly some pictures of the walkers.....

"Woodland Web"

Now some views overlooking Loughborough...........

Strollers - April's Walk - 2019

A walk from Newton Burgoland, led by Sue and Ian, with lunch afterwards at the Globe in Snarestone.

Do they look laid back?

Yes, they're fine.

May blossom in April!!

Alpacas en route.

Another perfect walking day.

A view of Swepstone Church.

Snarestone Tunnel on the Ashby Canal near the Globe.

SWANS - April's Walk - 2019

A walk in Bradgate Park, led by John and Beryl, with lunch afterwards at the Copt Oak.

Saunters - March - 2019

Well - planning to Saunter anyway.

Strollers - March's Walk - 2019

A walk round Coleorton led by Lorraine and Phil, with lunch afterwards at the Angel Inn.

The first of many stiles, next to the Communal Bakehouse/Gunpowder Store.

And another stile!

Approaching Hough Mill.

At Hough Mill.

Maybe we should slow down!!

Is this Limby Hall?

A perfect walking day

Another view of Hough Mill

SWANS - March's - Walk - 2019

A walk at Beacon Hill led by Lynda.

Firstly, here's a couple of pictures of the walkers.......

Observing one of the wood sculptures. And here's a few more.......

  

  

Strollers - February's Walk - 2019

A circular walk from Conkers, towards Blackfordby, through the hamlet of Boothorpe, led by Sue and Ian. An excellent lunch was had afterwards at the Halfway House pub in Donisthorpe.

Over the footbridge at Conkers.

Through the hamlet of Boothorpe

"Admiring" the landfill site near Moira.

SWANS - February's Walk - 2019

A walk through the Ticknall Limeyards led by Bill and David, with lunch afterwards at the Smisby Arms..

The Tramway tunnel.

Approaching the limeyards............

    
One of the lime kilns

Crossing the Calke Abbey Estate

Strollers - January's Walk 2019

A circular walk from Groby Pool, through Newtown Linford, led by Owen and Jenny, with lunch afterwards at the Stamford Arms in Groby.

A little wet underfoot.

The group in Newtown Linford.

Groby Pool.

SWANS - January's Walk - 2019

A walk round Queen Elizabeth Woods led by Bill, with lunch afterwards at the Queen's Head in Heather.

On our way

Approaching the lake

It is a swans walk!!

The information cabin