This gallery is split over several pages. Each page displays pictures from a particular year or years as taken by members whilst on some of the longer walks, i.e. Ramblers and Striders. The most recent are at the top of the page. The links below can be used to select the relevant year.
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2023
October 2023's RamblersThe walk started at Grace Dieu car park. We passed through Grace Dieu woods and picked up the Ivanhoe Way at Cademan Wood, then headed west via the oddly named City of Three Waters, and on into the fields west of Thringstone. It was a little breezy at times but otherwise it was quite a warm day with occasional outbreaks of sunshine. We headed north towards Griffydam, leaving the Ivanhoe Way which turned west, we continued north to the pleasant village of Osgathorpe, where we stopped for lunch. We sat on a bench opposite the now closed down pub (the Storey Arms) which the local residents are campaigning to buy and re-open as a pub. We then walked south along a leafy path by remains of the derelict Charnwood Forest Canal dating from 1794, and back through the north of Thringstone and into the Grace Dieu woods to the car park. |
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September 2023's RamblersThe Ramblers September walk was led by Alison from Markfield. Starting in somewhat misty weather the route followed the Leicestershire Round to Thornton Reservoir where Banana break was taken. From there to Forest Hill Golf Club, Old Hayes and Charnwood Acres before a road section (to avoid a field of maize that an inconsiderate farmer had planted blocking the path) and then a final field path back to Markfield. An unexpected bonus was having a picnic lunch stop in the lovely garden belonging to a group member which happened to be on the route. A very enjoyable walk over a variety of terrain. |
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August 2023's RamblersOur August walk on Friday 4th was led by Andrea and called the Three Great Houses Walk. Starting from Staunton Harold we passed the Hall and climbed onto the Ridgeway, a permissive path opened by John Blunt, the owner of the Hall, in 1994 to connect with the public footpath to Melbourne, and made our way to Melbourne Pool where we had our Banana Break overlooking the water. Resuming the walk we passed Melbourne Hall and walked alongside Staunton Harold Reservoir to Calke where we had lunch at the Visitor Centre before making our way back to the car park. The weather was mostly overcast with a few sunny spells, reasonably warm and dry. A good, varied walk. |
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Jnly 2023's RamblersIt was a fine morning on Friday 7th July when Linda led us on a walk starting from Shackerstone. After short tow path and road stretches we took to the fields to Newton Burgoland where we had banana break before walking through the village. Then it was on to Snarestone where we rejoined the canal for the walk back to Shackerstone having lunch on the way. A lovely level walk through peaceful countryside and nice villages. |
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June 2023's RamblersOur walk on June 2nd was led by Joyce starting from Stoke Golding. Having walked through the village we joined the canal towpath for a short stretch, passing a marina on the way, before heading to Higham On The Hill where we stopped for Banana Break in St, Peter;s church porch. Onward then through nice countryside, some of which will soon be spoilt by a large new housing estate on the edge of Himckley, to Wykin where we had lunch at a quiet spot just off the road. After lunch we returned to Stoke Golding through an area known as Wykin Fields. A lovely walk through an area which I think was new to most of us. 1. The marina on the Ashby Canal near Stoke Golding. |
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May 2023's RamblersOn Friday 5th May Owen led the Ramblers walk starting from Sutton Bonnington. After walking through the village we crossed over the railway and headed towards West Leake before following the Kingston Brook to Kingston on Soar stopping for Banana Break on the way. The route then crossed fields and the railway, under this time, before reaching the outskirts of Kegworth. A pleasant walk alongside the River Soar to Zouch with the threatened rain holding off was followed by the last mile back to Sutton Bonnington. |
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April 2023's RamblersOur walk on April 7th was led by Ann and started from Barton Under Needwood. We started off by crossing wide open spaces with distant views of Dunstall Church before passing Dunstall Old Hall and continuing over undulating countryside with more views to Tatenhill Common and village where lunch was taken by the village hall. The return route passed close by Dunstall church and Dunstall (new) Hall, a privately owned 18th century mansion. A lovely walk over the Dunstall Estate on a lovely day with very little mud considering what the weather had been like recently. |
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March 2023's RamblersOn Friday 3rd March Owen led the walk and started from Moira Furnace. The route was alongside the Ashby Canal to Donisthorpe and then followed the route of the Ashby to Nuneaton Railway as far as Measham. Having walked through part of the village we took to fields as far as Oakthorpe before continuing on good tracks to the lunch stop at Hicks Lodge. After lunch it was just the last mile back to Moira Furnace. The distance was 7.5 miles with no stiles. |
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Febuary 2023's RamblersOur February walk was led by Terri (unfortunately Brian was unable to attend at the last minute). On a cloudy but dry and reasonably warm day for the time of year we left Ticknall along the National Forest Way and skirted Foremark Reservoir before having "Banana Break" on some convenient benches. We then went through Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve and made our way to a lane which became a bridleway through lovely rolling countryside then another lane then fields towards Milton. From there it was more or less a straight path back to Ticknall. Having had a few dry days the ground was virtually mud free and with only one stile, varied terrain and good views from several places it was an excellent walk. |
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January 2023's RamblersOur first walk of 2023 was led by Owen starting from Melbourne church. On a grey day with just occasional glimpses of sun we made our way through the town before joining a bridleway to St Brides. From there we made our way to Stanton By Bridge and banana break, before moving on to Kings Newton where we joined the Cloud Trail. We followed the trail for just over a mile before stopping for lunch at Wilson and completing the final short but strenuous section back to Melbourne. The total distance was just on eight miles. |
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2022
December 2022's RamblersOwen led our walk on December 2nd which was seven miles around Calke. Having driven through quite thick fog to get to Ticknall we set off in misty, murky but dry weather. Having walked through the village we walked into Calke Park along the main drive before turning off and heading for the Limeyards. Then through fields and along tracks, past the Old Man of Calke, alongside the deer enclosure and Staunton Harold Reservoir to the visitor centre for Banana Break. The second part was mainly on well made paths with a field and short walk along the road at the end to arrive back at the Staff of Life where 12 of us enjoyed an excellent lunch. Many thanks to all who have attended our walks throughout the year and especially those who have led a walk, it's very much appreciated. A very merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all. Owen |
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November 2022's RamblersThe November walk was led by Alison from Mount St. Bernard Abbey. On a sunny morning the route started by crossing one end of the Blackbrook Reservoir and then along by Sandhole Lane, footpaths and One Barrow Lane to Poacher's Corner where Banana Break was taken. A short stiff climb towards Cademen Woods followed before skirting Whitwick Quarry and returning to the Abbey for a picnic lunch. A great varied 6.75 mile walk |
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October 2022On the 17th October Striders walk commenced from Bagworth following the Leicestershire Round through Thornton, with a circuit of the reservoir and on towards Markfield. Then returning to Bagworth via Ashley's Wood, Browns Wood and Bagworth wood. A beautiful warm day to see the National Forest woodland in its autumn glory. About 11 miles.
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October 2022's RamblersOwen led the October Ramblers starting by St Peter's church, Shackerstone. We first walked through fields that were once part of the Gopsall Hall estate before joining the Ashby Canal at Bridge 54. Stopping for Banana Break opposite Gopsall Wharf, where the last commercial coal boats picked up their cargoes, we went along the canal as far as Snarestone tunnel, then walked through the village and through fields and along tracks to the outskirts of Newton Burgoland. From there more cross country walking to the canal again where a short stretch took as back to the cars. A varied walk of a shade under eight miles in mostly bright and blustery conditions. |
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September 2022's RamblersOn Friday 2nd September Ann kindly stepped in at short notice and led a walk from the Oakwood Colliery site. The route went to Hicks lodge and around the lake, then over the other side to where the cycle tracks are. From there on to Ashby and down Packington Nook Lane to a break at the park in Packington. Then over fields to Willesley golf course, into Willesley wood and back to the car park area. Some of us had our lunch there. It was a nice temperature for walking and the seven miles were covered fairly briskly, finishing at 12.15. Thank you Ann. |
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August 2022's RamblersOur August walk was led by Lynda starting from Conkers. From the main car park we walked to Waterside before joining the route of the Ashby and Nuneaton Railway to Donisthorpe and on towards Measham before branching off to Oakthorpe. We then made a circuit of the Saltersford Valley Nature Reserve, having Banana Break overlooking one of the flashes (ponds). Having completed the circuit we returned to Donisthorpe by a different route and joined the Ashby Canal for the walk back to Conkers with lunch at Moira Furnace on the way. A lovely walk made all the more enjoyable by Lynda's extensive knowledge of the area. |
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Striders Aug 2022Penny planned her walk through shady woodland commencing at Whitwick making a figure of eight so we were never far from the start if the temperature started to climb. After a brief shower of rain we stopped for lunch at Mount St Bernard’s Abbey and decided not to cut short our walk. In fact we finished having completed 12.5 miles!
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July 2022's RamblersOn Friday 1st July, Pearl led us on a 7.5 mile walk from Cotes, near Loughborough. The route took us over Hoton Hills to the village of Hoton and on to Prestwold where we had a break by St Andrew's Church. Then by Prestwold Hall to Burton on the Wolds and back to Cotes. A lovely walk with some great views in an area we don't go to that often. |
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June 2022's RamblersOn Friday June 3rd Terri and Brian led us on a 7.5 mile walk from Whitwick. Our route took us through Charley Woods and on to Mount St. Barnard Abbey where we stopped for Banana Break and some of us climbed to the Calvary Monument. Next we crossed the Blackbrook Reservoir, walked around Mellor Woods and passed Fenny Windmill before returning to Poachers Corner and Cademen Woods. A scenic and interesting walk in excellent walking weather. It was most enjoyable. |
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May 2022's RamblersOur May walk was led by Joyce starting from Shepshed. On a better day than expected weather wise we crossed the M1 and headed to Hathern, then to the River Soar where we had Banana Break at a nice spot overlooking Normanton on Soar. We than followed the river to the edge of Loughborough before taking a pleasant path beside Black Brook through the outskirts of the town and crossing the ancient Stonebow Bridge. Return was alongside Garendon Park and back across the M1. An excellent walk. |
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Striders May 2022Striders walk on May 16 led by Ann Potterton started from Netherseal village hall . We passed through some of the prettiest villages of the Mease Lowlands - Netherseal, Coton in the Elms and Lullington as well as ancient woodland and newly planted woods. Conditions were pretty soggy underfoot after heavy overnight rain but we still enjoyed occasional sunshine.
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April 2022's RamblersOn Friday April 1st, Tony led us on a walk from the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. The weather was dry and bright and the route took us to Sence Valley, Donington le Heath, Ravenstone and Normanton le Heath. The distance was eight miles and covered a variety of terrain including old and new woodland, regenerated mining sites and fields with open views. A most enjoyable local walk. |
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Striders March 2022Striders walk on the 21st March was led by Pearl and started from the Bath Grounds car park in Ashby. We passed through Packington meeting 3 very colourful cows! Then onto Normanton Le Heath and Queen Elizabeth Jubilee park. A promising day weather wise starting with a beautiful clear blue sky but clouding over later. We also saw a lamb with its leg in a splint which none of us had seen before!
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February 2022's RamblersOn Friday 4th February Ann led 12 Ramblers on a walk from Dimminsdale car park. On a surprisingly nice day weather-wise we climbed a flight of steps from the car park up to the Staunton Ridgeway then along the permissive path through Spring Wood and in the Breedon direction. At the end of the permissive path we turned north towards Melbourne and had our Banana Break on seats overlooking Melbourne Pool. Our route then took us past Staunton Harold Reservoir and to Calke where we had lunch at the Visitor Centre before heading back to the car park through Dimminsdale Nature Reserve and a good display of snowdrops. A lovely walk of a fraction over eight miles. |
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February 2022The February Striders walk started from Martinshaw Wood near Ratby . We walked through Ratby Burroughs to circuit a choppy Thornton Reservoir and then returned over the fields to Martinshaw. The weather certainly made for challenging conditions but after starting off in the rain and wind the sun came out and it turned out to be an enjoyable 10 miles.
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January 2022's RamblersOur first walk of 2022 took place on Friday January 7th. Starting from the Swithland Woods North car park we walked through the woods and alongside Bradgate Park to Newtown Linford, then returned through the park and a different route through the woods, a total of 7.25 miles. Although a little chilly it was a dry and mostly sunny day. There were some muddy stretches but not too bad for the time of year. |
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January 2022Our walk on the 17th January led by Ann Potterton began at Moira Furnace. North to Albert Village , via conkers to Hicks Lodge and then touching the edge of Willersley Wood. We returned to Moira Furnace along the Ashby Woods Heritage Trail. A perfect 10 mile walk for January avoiding the extremely muddy conditions over fields . An absolute perfect blue sky, winters day too made the walk all the more enjoyable.
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2021
December 2021's RamblersFriday 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 |
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Striders, November 2021Our 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.
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November 2021's RamblersOn 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. |
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October 2021's RamblersOur 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. |
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Striders, September 2021Our 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 RamblersOn 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. |
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August 2021's RamblersOur 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. |
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July 2021's RamblersOn 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. |
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June (!) 2021's RamblersOn 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. |
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May 2021's RamblersOn 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. |
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Striders, April 2021Five 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.
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2020
December 2020A 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..
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December's RamblersDecember 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. |
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November's RamblersThe 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. |
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March's Striders
A view over Leicestershire.
Banana break at Beacon Hill.
Renovations at Ulverscroft Priory.
There were some muddy stretches.
Blossom near Newtown Linford.
Spring flowers in Bradgate Park.
A well known Leicestershire landmark.
February's Ramblers |
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February's Striders |
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2019
November Striders
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October Striders
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September Striders
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September's Ramblers |
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August's RamblersThe walk was led by Andrea and went from Lount Nature Reserve to Coleorton Woods and Farm Town. |
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July StridersA 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.
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June StridersA nine mile walk starting from Barrow upon Soar and visiting Mountsorrel, the Granite Café, Swithland Reservoir and Quorn.
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May StridersThis 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.
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April StridersA 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
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April's RamblersThe 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. |
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March StridersAnother 11 miles starting from Worthington then following the Cloud Trail to Tonge and on Diseworth, Belton and Osgathorpe
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March's RamblersThe 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. |
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February StridersAn 11 mile walk starting from Swannington to Whitwick, Cademan Woods, Poachers Corner, Blackbrook Aquaduct, Osgathorpe and Thringstone.
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February's RamblersIn 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. |
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JanuaryA 9.5 mile walk starting from Ticknall and passing St Brides, Stanton by Bridge, Inglebury, Seven Spouts and Foremark.
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January's RamblersThe 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. |
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