December 2021's Ramblers

Friday 3rd of December was the final walk of the year for Ramblers.16 of us set off from Ticknall for a walk around the Calke Estate including woodland still with autumn colour. The weather was dull but the rain just about managed to hold off. To round off 2021, 18 off us sat down to an excellent lunch at the Staff Of Life

Autumn Colour in December!

A brief pause in the woods.

The 1,200 year old oak tree "The Old Man Of Calke"

On the way back to the pub.

Striders, November 2021

Our November walk was led by Brian and Teri starting at Whitwick Leisure Centre. We passed through Swannington, Thringstone, Grace Dieu, and Cademan Woods. We were lucky to have a very mild beautiful autumn day.

November 2021's Ramblers

On Friday November 5th Phryne led us on a walk from Ticknall. The varied route took in Knowle Hill House, Ingleby Toft, Robin's Wood, St. Brides, Staunton Harold Reservoir and Ticknall Limeyards. The weather was fine and there were some great views across the Trent to Derbyshire even it was hazy at times. A most enjoyable walk.

Banana Break at Ingleby Toft

Walking towards St. Brides

Staunton Harold Reservoir

There were not many stiles today. This is one of them.

October 2021's Ramblers

Our walk was led by Marlene and Neil. We left Nanpanton in bright sun which was surprising after the heavy rain earlier in the morning. The route took us through the Outwoods to a stiff climb up Buck Hill then to Felicity's Wood, Beacon Hill, Woodhouse Eaves and back by a different route through the Outwoods. The distance was 7.5 miles and despite being caught by a sudden heavy shower on Beacon Hill it was a thoroughly enjoyable walk.

On Buck Hill.

An overflowing stream with submerged stepping stones.

Banana Break in the woods.

Sheltering from a sudden shower.

A view from the Outwoods

Striders, September 2021

Our September walk starting from Wymeswold benefitted from Beautiful weather. Heading towards Hoton and in a loop round to Prestwold we came across a large obstacle on the footpath - a mature ash tree had fallen completely blocking the path - and we had to clamber over it to continue our journey. Uphill from this point we had a great view of Stamford Hall - the new rehabilitation centre. We walked past the back of Prestwold Hall to Burton on the Wolds and then to the sleepy village of Walton on the Wolds before arriving back in Wymeswold. A good 11 miles.

September 2021's Ramblers

On Friday September 3rd, eight Ramblers led by Terri and Brian set off from Hermitage Leisure Centre on a slightly longer than average walk taking in Bardon Hill, Charnwood Lodge Nature Reserve, Mount St Bernard Abbey and Holly Hayes Wood. Terri and Brian had found paths that were new to many of us which was great. Although somewhat damp and murky at times a most enjoyable walk with some good views.

A woodland path around Bardon Quarry

On the edge of Bardon Quarry

Banana Break on a convenient picnic table

A fine crop of bracken

August 2021's Ramblers

Our walk on 6th August was lead by Alison. 12 Ramblers set off from Markfield on an eight mile undulating route through fields and woodland with some great long distance views. Heading towards Thornton we passed the reservoir and went in the direction of Ratby before turning north passing the golf course and then Field Head. A most enjoyable walk even though there were a couple of quite heavy showers.

Heading towards Thornton

Banana break at Thornton Reservoir.

Lunch in a field.

July 2021's Ramblers

On Friday 2nd July Tony Robb led 15 Ramblers on a 7.25 mile walk from Ticknall. The varied route went to Robin Wood, Seven Spouts Farm, Heath Wood, Foremarke Hall, Anchor Church Caves, a path beside the River Trent which is only passable during a dry spell and Knowle Hill House. A thoroughly enjoyable walk in fine weather.

Banana Break at Foremarke Hall (now Repton Prep. School)

Anchor Church Caves

A riverside path just passable after a dry spell.

View across the river Trent to old gravel workings.

An audience for lunch.

June (!) 2021's Ramblers

On Friday 28th May, Joyce led a dozen Ramblers on a route from Albert Village through the old coal mining areas of Spring Cottage, behind Conkers, Overseal, Linton Heath and Tunnel Woods where lunch was taken at a very pleasant spot more or less on top of the tunnel. Nature, with a little help from the National Forest Company, has turned the area into woodland and countryside and it was a great walk in fine weather.

Walking away from Albert Village

A field of buttercups.

Coffee stop in Overseal churchyard.

Lunch at Tunnel Woods.

May 2021's Ramblers

On Friday 7th May 14 Ramblers set off from Ticknall in two groups and completed a 7.8 mile walk in the dry, and even with some sunshine. The route covered Seven Spouts, Ingleby Toft, Poppy Wood (the northern gateway to the National Forest), St Brides, Staunton Harold Reservoir where there was ample room for a socially distanced lunch break and the Ticknall Limeyards. Members enjoyed meeting people they hadn't seen for a while and we now hope that we can continue walking together regularly.

Group one leaving Ticknall.

Group one having a short stop near Lane End Cottage looking over the River Trent and into Derbyshire.

Interested spectators.

Group two at Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Group two arrived back at Ticknall.

Striders, April 2021

Five Striders members set out from Milton Derby's for a 9 mile walk taking in Foremark Reservoir. Beautiful sunny weather and certainly good to be back walking as a group.

      

December 2020

A group of 6 walked on the 14th December led by Pearl on a 9.7 mile route from Ashby. A beautiful day for walking but extremely muddy underfoot..

December's Ramblers

December Ramblers took place over two sessions on Friday 11th and Monday 14th to comply with Covid regulations. We assembled on the Friday morning in heavy drizzle. However, by the time we set off the rain had stopped and the walk was completed in the dry. Monday was a different matter, it was a lovely day with almost constant sunshine. The route from Diamond Jubilee Wood to Packington, Swepstone and back towards Donnington was eight miles, around three miles on country lanes and the rest on tracks, footpaths, bridleways and fields. The short lunch stop was on conveniently socially distanced wooden bollards. Friday was wet underfoot and Monday wetter after the heavy rain on Sunday. There was only serious mud for a few yards in a couple of field gateways and where a tractor had been working.

Friday Group in Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Socially distanced lunch stop.

Socially distanced queue for a stile.

Monday Group in Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Long distance view from a high point on the way to Swepstone.

November's Ramblers

The November Ramblers for 17 members that was planned as three groups over Friday 6th and Monday 9th had to be cancelled after the imposition of Lockdown 2. However, eight members were able to participate in a rescheduled walk on Wednesday 4th. We set off from Ticknall in two groups of four, in lovely sunshine, and walked for six and a half miles around Calke Park using some lesser known paths as well as part of the Tramway.

Group one about to set off from Ticknall Village Hall.

Autumn colour in Calke Park 1

Autumn colour in Calke Park 2.

Calke Abbey

Heading back towards Ticknall.

Group two arriving back at Ticknall Village Hall.

February's Ramblers

Gorse Lane towards Boothorpe.

From Blackfordby towards Ashby.

Lunch at Hick's Lodge.

Back at Moira Furnace.

February's Striders

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Banana Break on the Tramway.

Calke Abbey.

Staunton Harold reservoir is full.

The boardwalk across the end of Staunton Harold reservoir.

Lunch stop at the Calke visitor centre.

November Striders

The intention had been to walk from Zouch. However, shortly after this flooded lock on the pre walk the route was impassable and so a back up plan was used.

Break at Lount Nature Reserve.

A muddy woodland path

A horse with winter coat on at Newbold Coleorton.

October Striders

Break on Broadstone Lane near Ticknall

Distant view of Staunton Harold Reservoir

Impressive fungi

A nice looking calf at Calke

September Striders

A misty view near Market Bosworth

Break by the Ashby Canal

Market Bosworth Marina

The town centre in Market Bosworth

September's Ramblers

On the path towards Milton from Ticknall.

Glimpses of Fourmark Reservoir.

Sheltering behind a high hedge for lunch.

Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve.

August's Ramblers

The walk was led by Andrea and went from Lount Nature Reserve to Coleorton Woods and Farm Town.

Looking back towards The Woolrooms.

Ramblers crossing a stile is a spectator sport.

The sand martin nesting box in Lount Nature Reserve.

Walking through Lount Nature reserve.

July Striders

A nine and a half mile walk from Melbourne. The route took us to Wilson, the Cloud Trail, the Trent and Mersey Canal, Swarkestone and Stanton by Bridge.

The rear and gardens of Melbourne Hall.

The River Trent from the railway bridge on the Cloud Trail.

Banana break on the Cloud Trail just before joining the Trent and Mersey Canal .

Swarkstone Hall Pavilion. This was the setting for the picture on the cover of the Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet album in 1968.

Swarkestone Causeway from ground level.

Lunch break at Stanton by Bridge. The nearby bench was rejected in favour of the shade of by the wall.

The site of an ancient well near Melbourne. I believe the inscription translates as "This Holy well by Robert named Hardinge 1662".

June Striders

A nine mile walk starting from Barrow upon Soar and visiting Mountsorrel, the Granite Café, Swithland Reservoir and Quorn.

The River Soar.

Mountsorrel Lock.

The Mountsorrel branch of the Great Central Railway at the Granite Café.

Some way to go before this pile is shifted.

We're used to climbing over stiles but crawling under a lorry tightly wedged between two walls is a first I think.

"Well boss, the sat nav said ….."

Lunch near Quorn.

Back to the River Soar near the end of the walk.

May Striders

This month we completed the "Three Great Houses" walk. Starting from Staunton Harold car park we went to Calke Abbey, Melbourne Hall and finally back to Staunton Harold Hall, a distance of 10 miles.

Approaching Calke Abbey.

At Melbourne Hall

Almost at Staunton Harold Hall and the end of the walk.

April Striders

A 10 mile figure of eight walk starting from Swepstone The first loop was to Normanton-Le-Heath and the second to Newton Burgoland and Shackerstone

Our starting point at Swepstone Church.

Near Normanton-Le-Heath. What could be water on the left of the picture is a field of solar panels.

Taking a break on the towpath of the Ashby Canal.

A narrow boat cruises on the Ashby Canal

Narrow boats moored near Shackerstone.

April's Ramblers

The April Ramblers walk was led by Pearl. We set off from Appleby Parva and took a bridleway which led us to a rather muddy Salt Street at the end of which we reached the wireless station. We continued along another bridleway into the village of Austrey and then across some fields to reach the next village of Newton Regis where we had a civilised lunch sitting on benches overlooking the duck pond. The final section of the walk was a mixture of track, road and field walking through No Mans Heath and back to our starting point. At the end of each walk everyone consults their gadgets for measuring distance - step counters, fitbits, GPS etc - and we come up with a variety of distances. This time they ranged from 5.8 - 8.2 but we decided it was probably somewhere between 7.5 and 8 miles. A very enjoyable walk though.

A muddy Salt Street.

The first of three crossings of the M42.

Further along Salt Street approaching the wireless station mast that can be seen from miles around.

Banana Break with a panoramic view.

Two horses taking an interest in us.

Lunch by the duck pond at Newton Regis.

A carved owl.

The wireless station mast we passed earlier in the distance as we make our way back.

March Striders

Another 11 miles starting from Worthington then following the Cloud Trail to Tonge and on Diseworth, Belton and Osgathorpe

Cloud Hill Quarry

On the Cloud Trail

About to cross the A42 with Breedon Church in the background.

The airport control tower is visible from miles around.

Banana break at Diseworth with the airport still in view.

Wide open spaces heading to Belton.

Belton Church.

Looking for food (unsuccessfully).

March's Ramblers

The walk was led by Marlene and Neil and started from Mount St Bernard Abbey and went through Oaks in Charnwood and Charley, a distance of around 7 miles.

A view of St Bernard's Abbey at the start of the walk.

There were a number of tumble down stone walls to clamber over in place of stiles.

Banana break near Bardon Quarry.

Another view of the Abbey, this time near the end of the walk.

February Striders

An 11 mile walk starting from Swannington to Whitwick, Cademan Woods, Poachers Corner, Blackbrook Aquaduct, Osgathorpe and Thringstone.

Approaching Whitwick the hard way.

Cademan Rocks

Lunch at Osgathorpe Church

In this area we are blessed with many footpaths but also many stiles. We crossed 26 on this walk.

February's Ramblers

In spite of the very cold morning, twelve members turned out for the February meeting of the Ramblers walking group. The walk, led by Sue, began in Ibstock and was based upon "The Miners' Way", a circular walk created in memory of the hundreds of miners who walked on local footpaths to and from collieries in the area.

The 6.5 mile route began by walking along High Street in Ibstock. U3A members Paula and Terry had passed some fascinating historical information to Sue about this central part of the village and she was able to share this with the group. After leaving the village, there were footpaths to follow through Grange Wood and Battram Wood where we saw lots of catkins.

After a walk around and through Battram and more woodland paths (where a few new hawthorn leaves were spotted), we turned towards Ellistown. There was a short section of walking by the road before we turned back towards Ibstock along a track that eventually becomes the residential Pretoria Road. Along this route, we passed the boundary of Ibstock Brick's clay pit where there was lots of activity. Everyone seemed to enjoy the walk in an area that has been transformed by the National Forest during recent decades.

Ibstock Church from Overton Road.

A snow covered track through the woods.

A tree laden with catkins (with the Ramblers standing by it).

In Battram, noisy geese walking away in disgust because we had no food for them!.

Pointing out our next landmark - Pickering Grange Farm.

A large truck climbing out of the Ibstock Brick clay pit.

January

A 9.5 mile walk starting from Ticknall and passing St Brides, Stanton by Bridge, Inglebury, Seven Spouts and Foremark.

Morning break near Inglebury Toft

Lunch at Foremark Church

On the way back to Ticknall

January's Ramblers

The Ramblers walk on Friday 4th January started from Groby Pool. It was a very chilly day but 11 members braved the cold and did the figure of eight walk which took them to Hunts Hill and through Bradgate Park and back to Groby Pool, a distance of around 8.5 miles.

Walking towards Newtown Linford.

Banana break at Hunt's Hill.

Cropston Reservoir.

Lunch stop at Bradgate Park.