Leisurely Walking Group

Tuesday 1st September 2026. Staunton Harold

After all the torrential rains of late, 11 of us grabbed the chance to enjoy the return of a sunny day at Staunton Harold. An interesting circular route took us towards the lake where we shared the area with very calm cows and 12-month-old calves of differing breeds. The resident swans at the edge of the lake were enjoying a snooze in the sun but no doubt on duty with one eye open to guard their large brood of cygnets still in brown baby plumage.

Some of the group had not visited Staunton Harold before but Im pretty sure they enjoyed everything it has to offer here, a lake side seat, a more comfy seat and especially the refreshments at The Stables café in the Ferrers Centre which finished off our walk perfectly.

Tuesday 4th August 2026. 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.

Tuesday 7th July 2026. Sence Valley Forest Park

Ten friends old and new met and thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed, casual & very warm visit to this lovely area.

There was plenty to stop and stare at along the way. It was amazing how many butterflies of all shapes, colours and sizes surrounded us.

We caught up with a paddling of young mallard ducks at the first lake and a beautiful Swan family tending their four pretty, fluffy cygnets at the second lake.

A warm breeze fanned us at the start of our meander, developing into a hot spell at the finish.

As the heat increased, we took it really easy and returned to the parking place by 12 noon.

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