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Leisurely Walking Group
Leader: Estelle Sandles - leisurely-walk@ashbyu3a.co.uk -
phone 07919 986456 or 01530 234309
or via WhatsApp
The emphasis for this group is short, slow-paced manageable walks with an empathy for members who find group walking a bit daunting & an opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts / photographers.
The Leader will be at the meeting place whatever the weather & only cancel the walk in consultation with those who turn up on the day. Wear suitable clothing, footwear & sun protection & carry a water bottle. Always keep dogs under close control.
All Leaders act in a voluntary capacity, carry a First Aid box & emergency contact list. All walkers join the walk at their own risk
Future programme | ||||
| Date | Time | Venue | Leader | Distance/details |
| Tue 1st Sep | 10.15 for 10.30 start | Meet at the hut at Staunton Harold lower car park LE65 1RU | Mike | This month the beautiful Staunton Harold Estate beckons us. A level walk past the lake, over the bridge & through the meadow gate on the right, going across to the path exit onto a shortish road stroll back to car park for optional refreshments at the Ferrars Centre. Others may like to browse in the remaining grounds & lakes, the church or Garden Centre before heading home. Note the lower car park is the main one, not the one for the garden centre. Parking is free during the week |
| Tue 6th Oct | 10.15 for 10.30 start | Meet at Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, Heather Lane LE67 2TH | Estelle | You will notice a wind turbine beside the road. The CP entrance is almost immediately opposite and easy to miss. This is a wonderful all year destination for nature lovers, it provides a habitat for a wide range of plants & wildlife. The lake, ancient woodlands & old hedgerows make a special place to roam. A waymarked surfaced path from the free car park to the lake will start our walk. There are a few seats at the welcome barn but after that they only exist halfway down to the lake, at the lake and on the further side of the lake. Fold up seats are advised if you feel you may need them. |
Tuesday 4th August. Oakthorpe CollieryPicnic Site
8 of us met to enjoy the peace and beauty of this easy to navigate site, and I wondered if we would see much of the lake at this time. Sure enough it was hiding behind an abundance of green stuff….overgrown Bull Rushes and the tall Rosebay Willow Herb. Some members of the group had never visited this site before, and it is truly a gem not to be missed. Like most areas the view and the inhabitants change with the seasons. It would seem the lack of any sightings of numbers of birds at this time could be the unusual, prolonged heat.
The level well maintained track was easy going and for those less able the many seats offered well-placed relief as the day warmed up.
We ended this section of the walk at the Willesley Wood Memorial Grove. The Royal British Legion (Ashby branch) planted a ring of Oak trees in 2002, and it is a magnificent backdrop to the 2.5 ton stone for the plaque to commemorate the fallen. Called ‘Rest and Remember’ Grove. A well mowed area and seating make it an ideal place to rest and reflect on the service of others.
Well worth our visit.
Photos by Estelle and Lynda