Whitwick & District U3A - 5 milers
If you look at our title quickly, it looks like 'Smilers', which I assure you we are, so do come and join us and we promise to put a smile on your face!
We are a friendly group who go for a leisurely local walk of up to 5 miles. There is plenty of time to stop and admire the view or take a look at something of interest. There is an opportunity for revival after the walk with a lunch stop at a nearby pub or cafe, but this is optional. We try to share transport whenever possible. We regret that we are unable to allow dogs to come along on these walks.
Why not join us on our next walk and give it a try? New members are most welcome but are asked to contact the Group Leader before the event in order to join in with the walk.
You may also be interested in a programme called SWANS - short walks and no stiles. This is an easy walk of 2 to 3 miles taken at a leisurely pace. It is mainly on pathways and tracks with no muddy fields, or stiles or hills to climb. The walk will be followed by refreshments at a nearby cafe when possible.
Venue
Various
Timing
Monthly, normally first Tues of month
Next walk Tue Nov 3rd
Tue Mar 3rd Walk will be led by John Stent and will be round the Castle Donnington area. Details to be sent out nearer the time.
Tue Apr 7th Walk will be led by Tracey.
Tue May 5th Walk will be led by Pearl and will start from Swepstone Church. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
Tue Jun 2nd Walk will be led by Ann and will be around the Ticknall area. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
July - no walk.
Tue Aug 4th Walk will be led by Pete around the Market Bosworth area. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
Tue Sep 1st Walk will be led by Ray and Antji around the Ibstock area. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
Tue Oct 6th Walk will be led by Phryne around the Thringstone area. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
Tue Nov 3rd The November walk will be led by Sue Garside and will start from the Jubilee Wood carpark.. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
Contact
Evelyn Andrews 
Please note that as an anti-spam measure e-mail addresses on this page are NOT links, but should be manually copied
Pictures
Below are some pictures from a recent walk.
Pictures from other walks are in the gallery.
2026
5 Milers - October's Walk - 2026 |
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5 Milers - August's Walk - 2026 |
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5 Milers - April's Walk - 2026The 5 Milers April walk was led by Tracey. On a lovely spring morning we started from Ticknall and walked through the village, then into the Limeyards. We made our way to higher ground and went through Serpentine Wood where a lovely display of bluebells was a surprise. Banana Break was at the visitor centre before continuing past the house and Calke Explore back to Ticknall. An excellent walk enjoyed by everyone. |
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5 Milers - March's Walk - 2026The walk began on a dry day from the Nags Head in Castle Donnington and began by walking a short distance around the perimeter fence of East Midlands Airport where we could see any plane movements. We then walked in the direction of Hemington before turning off towards Lockington. After crossing a variety of muddy fields we were back on the outskirts of Castle Donington and back to the Nags Head and our cars. A most enjoyable walk and the weather was very kind to us. |
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5 Milers - February's Walk - 2026Evelyn welcomed eighteen walkers, including some new members, to the first 5 Milers walk of 2026 which was led by Marlene and Sue in the outskirts of Whitwick. Unfortunately, the weather was dull, which restricted our views over the landscape, and a cold persistent wind was very chilling - but it did not rain. We began at Warren Hills and walked towards Mt St Bernard Abbey, passing the site of the former Reformatory. The next stage took us from the monastery, along Oaks Road and across fields towards Whitwick quarry. We could look down into the quarry, which is now operational again, from a very muddy path. We returned to the monastery grounds and then followed a lower route across Warren Hills back to the Bull's Head. Those who stayed on for lunch at the pub enjoyed their warming meals. |
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2025
5 Milers - December's Walk - 2025The group in Bradgate Park. |
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5 Milers - November's Walk - 2025The walk started from Sutton Bonnington and continued along River Soar by the Zouch Lock and was enjoyed by all. |
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5 Milers - October's Walk - 2025The walk from Newton Burgoland |
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5 Milers - September's Walk - 2025The walk started from The Griffin Inn Swithland. Yes one picture shows a field of corn but if you look closely that is our group going through it. The walk was just over 5 miles and took us towards Rushey Fields, past Tyrvey House Farm through open fields to the outskirts of Quorn before heading back to the Griffin Inn for a well earned lunch. |
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5 Milers - August's Walk - 2025We set off from the car park at the Globe Inn, Snarestone in blustery but reasonable warm weather. Throughout the walk rain threatened but only a few drops actually fell. The route took us along Main Street and Occupation Lane before taking to fields for the first part of the walk. Fortunately long grass encountered on the practice walk had been cut and it was easy going through several fields until we emerged onto Derby Lane. Half a mile along this quiet road and we reached a short track to a quiet spot by the Ashby Canal for Banana Break. The second part of the walk was entirely on the canal tow path with some good views over the countryside |
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