The Short Walking Group

Friday 16th February 2024. Staunton Harold lower car park for a walk to see snowdrops.

Eleven intrepid walkers set off from the lower car park at Staunton Harold the weather was sunny and dry. We took the road towards the entrance near the Ferrers Arms. The traffic was an inconvenience but after a shortish distance we passed through a gate onto a track taking us up to the entrance gate. This track was very wet and very muddy. We stopped for a group photo and stopped again when we got to the gate as here was a sizeable display of snowdrops. These are not as impressive as Dimminsdale but easier to walk to. We then walked back along the road seeing small clumps of snowdrops on the way. We left the road when we reached the track across the lake from the house. as we left the road we watched a motorbike being filmed by a car following it. The car had a long pole attached to the roof and there were four people inside presumably the driver, camera man, sound recordist and the director. We never found out what it was for. We continued along the track which was relatively dry and mud free, to the private road from the Melbourne entrance and hence to the Ferrers centre where we had cake and drinks. Someone had a pink chocolate drink. After a rest we returned to the car park via the path when we noticed a large display of snowdrops in the hall grounds. The walk was about 2 and 1/3 miles.

Friday 19th January 2024. Meet at Hood Park gates.

A beautiful crisp cold day for three short walkers to walk around Ashby. We set off along the mews to Market street which we crossed and took the path by the lamb inn to North Street. Turned left and up to St Helen's church we spent some time looking at the graves before taking the path by the castle, Mount walk, and hence down prior park lane. we crossed into bath grounds. We followed the path around as far as the cricket pavilion and out onto Station road. We crossed the road to th old station approach and took the footpath through the bungalows to Pithiviers close and Wilfred Gardens. This leads to the Alottments. After the alottments we walked through the graveyard onto Kilwardby street. Back in town we chose to go to the Lounge restaurant for coffee and toasted teacake. The place was busy but we were served quickly in John's case it arrived before he got back from the bar where he placed the order.

Friday 15th December 2023. Oakthorpe picnic site for a walk to Hicks Lodge

An overcast day with ground water from previous rain but it was dry on the day. The 5 people set off back to the Donisthorpe road which we crossed and set off to Hicks Lodge a fairly uneventful walk via the most direct route to the cafe. After coffee we returned taking the longer route taking in the lake where there were swans, coots and I thought there were cresed grebes but as they spent most of the time we were there under water. We returned to the cars. The distance was 2.43 miles.

Friday 17th November 2023. Burton Washlands replacing October's washed out walk.

Again a lovely day and six people met at the car park near St Peter's Church Stapenhill. We set off as usual to cross the road into Burton using the bridge and thence down to the Ferry bridge for walkers and cyclists. As a change from the usual route we walked into Burton and crossed the front of the Further Education college and then across the front of the indoor market. We then went around the church and across what I assume was the cemetery and straight to the library and Bookachinos. The cafe was very busy and with only one person on duty but the coffees arrived. After the break we looked at the paintings displayed in the library and returned by the path nearest the river passing the statue in homage to Marmite. The return path was muddy but not excessively so. We returned via the ferry bridge to the Stapenhill flower display which was rather barren. We had to walk through the ducks and swans which expected to be fed and were quite intimidating. The distance was just over 2 miles.

Friday 15th September 2023. Swadlincote Woodlands woodland park.

Five members met on a lovely September day for a walk around the woodland park. As a change we climbed to the highest point in the park just above the viewpoint but very little of Swadlincote can be seen apart from the nearby trees. we continued on the path down to the road which you have to cross to get to the wetlands. We were intrigued by the regular metal displays like a giant horseshoe stuck in the ground with pictures by local schools. There was little bird life noticeable. We returned back to the carpark by the shortedt route with a slight diversion by the climbing rock in the childrens play area. Total distance 1.6 miles.

Friday 18th August 2023. Snibston Colliery country park

Six stalwart walkers met at the Snibston country park car park. There was a very light drizzle so we set off on the yellow route which effectively goes around the edge of the country park we took the clockwise route and the first item of interest was the Coalville town football ground which gives you a birds eye view of the match . There was no activity on this Friday morning. The drizzle stopped. The path was good with little sign of mud. We come to a road which goes to the fishing lakes. We turned left off the road onto a path by the lake and took the path just before the gate taking you out of the country park. This takes you down to the other road which goes to the golf centre, Just beyond this we enter the country park and climb up for a while before we level out and end up on the road to the fishing lake.and after a short distance we come to the path leading back to the car park and hence to the cafe which took the rest of the morning. As we left we met someone from the century theatre who offered to show us around but some of us had to go home for lunch but he did point out there was no charge for the car park. Distance just under 1.5 miles

Friday 21st July 2023. Beacon Hill, led by John D

Despite an unpromising forecast, five stalwarts decided to brave the conditions and met at the lower car park at the foot of the hill.

After a short briefing on what to expect for those who had not been there before, we set off up the southern side of the park. The path is good and firm, but parts were cut down into by heavy rain, negotiated without problems. We were more at risk from a cyclist hell bent on breaking records as he narrowly missed us. We took in the various exquisite wood carvings on the way and found the climb easy enough, even for the less agile among us. We rested at the picnic area at the top carpark and refreshed ourselves with water. Then, ignoring the cries of “Are we there yet?” and responding to “How much further?” with “Just keep going up until you run out of up” our heartless leader drove the team on to the summit. There we stopped for a photo or two, with one of us all taken by a kind gent with a big thumb… the photo has been cropped to ‘lose’ the thumb!

We took in the wonderful views all round, resisting the temptation to hop gazelle-like up to the trig point, admired the huge ‘face’ in profile in the rocks of the summit, and started down the northern track, which is considerably better. There were more carvings to see, some more like gargoyles than not, including the ‘Old Man of the Beacon’ cut from a 165-year-old giant redwood tree.

Meeting many more people on the path, dogs were patted and talked to. We watched the efforts of a large group of volunteers clearing bracken from the verges and the hinterland, and finally stopped to watch the chainsaw artists at the ‘carvery’ noisily creating their wonderful works of art. Then we arrived at the coffee shop for the obligatory coffee and cakes. On departing we found that the carparking machine would be unable to accept our cards: only coins!

We had encountered virtually no rain, and a very mild climate, so the walk was very comfortable. However, as we drove home the heavens opened. Were we glad we were in the cars! A very pleasant two and a quarter mile amble in very good company.

Friday 16th June 2023. From the Moira Furnace car park by the childrens playground for a walk to Donisthorpe and back

Four intrepid walkers arrived at the car park and set off to the Furnace looking at the top of the lime kilns before walking by the canal to the woodland centre at Donisthorpe returning via the old railway back to the lime kilns now viewed from the bottom. Thence we went to the cafe where we sat in the shelter away from the sun

Friday 19th May 2023. From the car park near St Peters church, Stapenhill, for a walk around Burton Washlands.

Photos by John Dogherty and John Howlett

The weather was fine and not too hot as the three walkers set off from Stapenhill for Burton Library walking over the washlands. We walked over the bridge to cross the new bridge road and onto the ferry bridge and causeway. This time we walked to the far side of the causeway before dropping down onto the washlands following the path to the Library and Buccicinos cafe. After the break we headed towards the river and followed the path running parallel to the river and up to the causeway. Here we parted our ways I went to Tescos while the other two walked back to the cars.

Friday 21st April 2023. From the car park near St Peters church, Stapenhill, for a walk around Burton Washlands.

The day was wet with a forecast of more rain so I was not surprised that nobody came. While standing there a local guide stooped to talk to me. He leads history walks around Burton and he explained that the River Trent was the border with Danelaw to the north and the Saxon area to the South. In the absence of walkers I went shopping in Burton and went home.

Friday 17th March 2023. Ticknall car park for a walk via the tunnel to the lime kilns.

It was a beautiful day for walking and 10 people met at the car park and set off towards Calke park but when we reached the rail track we joined it and took the tunnel under the main entrance to Calke. This leads down a muddy track to the lime kilns presumably a major element in funding the estate at the time. We continued down the track for a short distance and took the path back to the main entrance road which we crossed and entered the main estate along a short path into the large field beyond the pay booth. We followed the path across the road and along the top of the bank overlooking the lake before turning off to the cafe. After a much needed break we set off following the road in until we joined the footpath to the new car park and children's play area. We took the path back to Ticknall, on the way we saw 2 Brimstone butterflies, The first this year. Total distance just over 4 miles.

Friday 17th February 2023. Meet at St Bernards Abbey for a walk around the Abbey

Photos by John Dogherty Frances Thompson and John Howlett

Five intrepid adventurers converged on Mt St Bernard's Abbey, after an epic bit of navigating round closed roads. A nice, if breezy, day beckoned as we set off in a south westerly direction and a long slow incline up the hill to the crest of the ridge, There we turned to the northwest, and followed a narrow path by the hedge, with glorious views of the Abbey in one direction and far reaching views to Breedon-on-the-Hill in the other, nearly 7 miles away. The path was a bit lumpy but was negotiated in fine style by the team, and soon descended into the woods, where it turned and twisted in a generally northern direction. The woods were quiet and peaceful. As we came down to the more level stretches, once more with views across to the Abbey, we found the remains of the old Abbey Grange Farm, buried in undergrowth, and mostly inaccessible behind protective fences next to the quarry. This does not show up on the maps except at the turn of the 19th/ 20th century, but was very substantially constructed of local stone, as were the boundary walls. Just to the west of this is the Spring Hill quarry which absorbed the Pedlar Tor prominence early in the last century. From here we continued beside what seems to be the remains of a tramway from the old farm (or possibly the Tor itself) to the path from the west which skirts the quarry on its northern side and turned east to Oaks Road. Finally the gallant band tackled the short, but steep and lumpy, climb up from the road back into the Abbey grounds, over the only stile on the route. The walk was about one and tree quarter miles, and we celebrated with coffee and cakes in St Joseph's Tea Rooms. Curiously, the entrance to the Tearooms is past a pleasant little cottage called 'Abbey Grange'.

Friday 20th January 2023. Around Ashby starting from the park gates.

The weather was good if somewhat cold. When all the problems of non working parking meters were solved, the 5 of us set off along the path through the park stopping only for a group photo. After leaving the path we took an alley way by the old Smisby Road Newsagents and crossed into the housing estate opposite. We turned left along Canterbury drive and Rouen Way. Where the road turned right we turned left onto the track behind Burton Road following it around to the right coming out on Burton Road opposite Hill Street. We took the road towards Burton as far as Churchill Close at the end of which is a path to the playing field. We turned left along this path to Highfield Close and hence onto the Moira Road. We crossed the Road and took the path leading to the allotments. We kept to the path through the allotments to Wilfred Place. We walked as far as the Ivanhoe Club and took the path opposite, Churchside walk, down to Kilwardby Street. We then looked for a cafe. The first two we tried were closed and we ended up in the Italian Dolce cafe next to the greengrocers. Total distance just over 2 miles.

Friday 16th December 2022. Oakthorpe colliery picnic site to Hicks Lodge and back

It was a crisp cold day when 5 people met at the Oakthorpe colliery picnic site. We set off through the woods and back onto the road, in and out, and left the site via the car entrance. Having crossed the road we entered the Hicks lodge site and started on the path to the circuit around the lake. We took the longer route to the lodge stopping to admire the frozen lake. It was a Sunny day so perfect for bird watching and photography, except for the cold. Arriving at the cafe we bought our drinks and nibbles and sat down for a natter. We were joined by Sandra and Brenda long members of the group although no longer walking with us. After the break it was back to the picnic site and home. The walk was about 2.5 miles long.

Friday 18th November 2022. Ticknall Car Park and into Calke Park and back

The weather the day before had put people off walking but it stayed dry if on the cold side. However 4 people did join me so we walked into Calke along the newly improved path to the new car park and childrens play area. One child entered the imitation badger sett but the entrance is too small for us. We carried on around to the elbow of the road which took us to the main building for drinks and cakes. We chatted for a while before walking back via the ponds and the main road in to the car park. 3 2/3 miles a bit longer than usual and we finished at 12.30 but we mostly enjoyed the walk. We also agreed that the next Calke walk in March will be via the tunnel and lime kilns.

Friday 21st October 2022. Walk in Willesey Woods

Six people met at Oakthorpe picnic area, unfortunately this did not include the leader who had forgotten he was leading a walk. This was soon remedied and the walk started about 5 minutes late. It was a fine autumn day with the trees in various colours of green, yellow, orange and red. We kept to the better paths and we were soon into Willesley woods. The path lead down to the lake where among the ducks and swans we saw a grey heron. Further along the path we found a large number of newly planted trees with a sign saying one tree for every soldier killed in Afghanistan. This was close to the rock war memorial so we diverted through the trees to the rock but we took the better path back to the main circuit. We kept to this path for a while but took a grassy track out to the edge of the wood to spot where Oakthorpe colliery used to be. Apart from the roads that were obviously inherited from the pit there are two small concrete pyramids marking the sites of the two shafts. We followed the road back to the picnic area car park. We discussed where to go for a hot drink and it was suggested the jungle madness cafe and the old miners welfare. As these are the same place, we stopped there for refreshments.

Friday 16th September 2022. Walk around Swadlincote Woodlands

On the second time of trying six people met at the car park to walk around the Woodlands. We set off just after 10 when the last walker arrived having had difficulty finding the entrance. It is easily missed if you are on your own. We walked the few yards to the climbing rock for the photograph. No one climbed the rock as it is there for the children. We then walked around onto the main track from the car park through a cool wooded area. once on the main track we continued as far as the wild gardens for want of a better name which included the site of a time capsule. This was from the date the area changed from an industrial waste land into a parkland. We returned to the main track and crossed the road and entered the wetlands. These were very dry underfoot but were obviously marshy outside a drought season. This path goes down to a circular route around some ponds. We turned left and headed in an anticlockwise direction. The first pond is mostly hidden but you get glimpses of it through the trees. The second pond is first seen together with it's viewing platform. We spent a little time looking at the wild life mostly ducks. We then walked around this pond and back to the road and the main woodland area. We took a different and slightly higher path and saw some squirrels. This led back to the car park. Total distance just under 2 miles. The cafe of choice was Morrisons.

Friday 19th August 2022. Walk around the Burton Washlands

Seven U3A members turned up at the carpark. At 10 after the traditional photograph we all set off walking towards the rowing club staying in the wooded part. We reached the path that doubles back by the river and found a carousel horse on which there was a painting of a 'secret waterfall'. Having studied this we continued back towards St Peter's Church and over the footbridge to the Stapenhill gardens. Here we found 2 more carousel horses. From here we went straight to footbridge over the river Trent once across the river we dropped down to the Washlands where there was another horse. We continued on the path near the river and crossed a bridge to the childrens play area where we found a black and white checkered horse. We stopped for coffee at cafe in the library for drinks. We returned to the path that replaced the ferry and crossed back to Stapen hill and walked to the swan flower gardens where we encountered 2 more painted horses. We then walked back to our cars. 3 miles 2 1/2 hours

Friday 15th July 2022. Walk around Swadlincote Woodland, part of the National Forest

The weather was excellent cloudy and warm perfect for a walk. Unfortunately nobody came so I walked on my own. I waited until 10 past 10 just in case someone had got lost but then I set off past the climbing boulder and through the woods heading up to the main path I stayed on the main path until I reached what appears to be a memorial garden where the time capsule is. I continued on the main path across the road and around to 'Mexican Joe Way' down to the wetlands where there are two ponds one has a viewing platform. I did see a heron here. I returned across the road and decided to climb to the viewpoint. This was quie difficult and disapointing when you get there. The walk was just under 2 miles and took just under 1 hour. I promptly returnd to the car park and drove to Morrisons for coffee and a bit of shopping.

Friday 17th June 2022. Walk around Beacon Hill.

The weather was fine very fine and we were promised a hot day, when 5 intrepid walkers set off on the 2 mile walk to the top of Beacon Hill and back. The walk started well in the shade of the trees but when we reached the open area in full sunlight we debated whether to continue or take the shady path across to the path we would be taking back to the carpark and cafe. The shorter route also avoided the steeper part of the walk. At first just 2 people wanted to take the short cut but we all finally decided to shorten the walk. The path across was quite short and soon we were walking downhill where we came to the tree sculptor's base unfortunately he was not there but we had admired his sculptures on the way round. The shortened route was about 1.2 miles and took just over 45 minutes. We then ent to the cafe for a well earned drink.

Friday 20th May 2022. Moira to Donisthorpe and back

7 people arrived at a very busy Moira Furnace getting ready for the weekends Canal celebration. We worked our way through the busy people and made our way to the canalside. We quickly branched onto the path over the top of the lime kilns and out onto the old railway. We turned left towards Donisthorpe. We kept to the main track until we reached the last turning in the wooded area towards thr woodland centre where we stopped for coffee and cakes. After the break we continued on the path back to the canal which we followed back to the Furnace and the car park.

Friday 18th March 2022. Ticknall to Calke and back

This was the planned walk for February but as there was a storm due and we were told not to travel unless essential and avoid woods, we cancelled the walk and this month we could not have had better weather blue skies next to no wind and 7 people wanting to walk. We set off into Calke and took the path to the new childrens area where we met up with 2 more U3A members. As the outdoor cafe was closed as expected we decided to extend the walk and walk to the main cafe as a group of 9. This was open so we stopped and had a leisurely drink before saying goodbye to the extra 2 and set off back to Ticknall arriving at 12.15. The walk was slightly longer than usual at 3.6 miles but worth it as the weather was so good

Friday 21st January 2022. Around Ashby

Photos by John Howlett and John Dogherty

The day broke dry but overcast and 13 members of the U3A set off from Hood Park gates into Hood Park along the main track before turning left into a footpath up to Smisby Road by the corner shop. We crossed the road into Rotherwood Drive and along the footpath into the Bovis estate, then followed Canterbury Drive to Marlborough Way and on to Oakham Grove taking the footpath across into the Davidson estate. Here we turned left down to the traffic lights on Burton Road where we turned right and crossed the road to take the footpath just beyond the lights into the Bellway estate. We continued down the road when the footpath finished until we reached the main footpath between Ashby and Blackfordby. We took the footpath back into town past the Westfields recreation ground and Highfields Close onto Kilwardby Street and down into the town centre. Total distance 2 1/4 miles.

Friday 17th December 2021. Donisthorpe Picnic area to Hicks Lodge and back

It was a lovely day for a walk and to prove this the car park at the picnic area was full. We all found places to park and were quickly on our way. There were 9 adults and Lilly. We walked back along the road into the picnic area and crossed the road onto the footpath to Hicks Lodge. It was a good track which took us to a T junction where we turned left towards the lake. there were the usual bird species on the lake that ignored Lilly and all the other dogs. The track sweeps around to the right and we soon come to the cafe. Here two of the party left us as they had to get back, the remaining walkers bought drinks and cakes and sat outside as we were still in the grip of the pandemic. After the break we walked back continuing on the loop around the pond as far as the T junction and back along the track. A 2.5 mile walk.

Friday 19th November 2021. Donisthorpe Picnic Area and Willesley Woods

It was a dry but overcast day when 8 walkers and Lily the dog went for a walk around Willesley Wooods starting from the Donisthorpe picnic area car park. The walk was about 1 3/4 miles around the outer rim but cutting back onto the gravel path. to avoid the muddier areas. We visited the memorial which still showed the wreaths from Remembrance Sunday. We admired the fence included into a tree and the metal tortoise. On completion of the walk we went to the newly opened Eden Cafe in Moira for drinks, all except Lily and her keeper Sandra.

Friday 15th October 2021. Snibston Country Park car park.

Photos by Margaret Howlett and John Dogherty

Again 10 walkers and Lily the dog met at the country park on a glorious sunny day to explore the newly landscaped coal tip and very attractive it is. The car park is both for the country park and the Century Theatre. We followed the blue trail which goes around the borders of the park. It started off with a climb to a point overlooking Coalville football ground before the path took a gentle slope down until it levelled out arriving eventually at the fishing ponds. We continued along the path to the golf centre entrance and from there we followed the road to the old railway track which is now a good path to the cafe. Sadly it remained resolutely closed so the party split up and went their separate ways. Total distance about 1 3/4 miles.

Thursday 16th September 2021. Burton Washlands

This month 10 walkers came and we did a slightly longer walk as we took in some more of the area on the Stapenhill side of the river. We took the bridge over the new Road into Burton and again walked along the 'Ferry' Bridge walk into Burton taking the path near the river up to the Bookuchino cafe in the Library and we sat outside. The weather at this stage brightened from the dull cloudy start to full sunshine. The return walk was long the path on the town side of the Washlands up to th walkway that replace the ferry. On the Stapenhill side we walked through the flower beds which were between seasons as they were empty.

Friday 20th August 2021. Beacon Hill

Unfortunately only three members turned up for this lovely, if slightly energetic walk. As those present were feeling adventurous we decided to do a slightly longer and steeper climb from the lower car park up to the summit where the clear skies gave an excellent view out to the horizon. We again took the long way down to the café for coffee and cake and were enjoying it so much that we nearly overran our time in the car park.

Friday 16th July 2021. Ticknall to Calke

The weather was fine even too hot, 8 people and a dog arrived, unlike last month, when nobody came. We took the path from Ticknall into the Calke estate which crosses the rail track and down a good path to the new play area where we stopped for coffee. The route started in the open but soon we were in amongst the trees which made the walk very pleasant. After a good long stop we made our way to the road into Calke across the meadow which used to be a popular parking area for those wanting to play ball games or fly kites. There are now posts discouraging drivers from leaving the road. We continued past a herd of cows sheltering uder a tree and between the sheep who mostly ignored the dog which was of course on a lead. At the entrance to Calke we crossed the road and took the path past the chapel back to the car park. Just over 2.5 miles and back before 12.

Friday 18th June 2021. Ticknall to Calke

No-one arrived at Ticknall Car park so as it was a miserable day I went home.

Friday 21st May 2021. From Moira Furnace to Donisthorpe Woodland Park and back

Two of us met at the meeting point car park. As it was raining we decided to have a coffee so walked to the Hub Cafe. On the way there we met 2 more walkers who hat parked elsewhere at the Furnace and we all went for coffee and discussed next months walk among other things. After coffee we found the weather had brightened and the little bit of rain had stopped so we walked to Donisthorpe at least the Woodland Park and back along the old railway to Moira Furnace. It took about an hour. As no-one had recorded the journey I have included a map of the trial walk which is almost the same. The distance is about 2 miles

Friday 16th April 2021. From Hood Park Gates around Ashby.

The first walk since the lockdown finished saw 3 people set off on a lovely day along the path through Hood Park as far as park road where we turned left up to Smisby road crossed that and walked through the housing estate to Rouen Way and take the track that goes behind the houses on Burton Road. This comes out on Burton Road opposite Hill Street. We took Hill Street and then crossed Moira Road into the Cemetery crossing to the path through the allotments and out to Wilford Gardens. Just before the Fire Station we turned right and took the path through the bungalows and out onto Station Approach. Then across Station Road into Bath Grounds. From there we walked to Rushton's Yard and had a nice cup of coffee at the little coffee shop. The walk took 1 hour and was just over 2 miles.

Friday 16th October 2020. From Moira Furnace to Donisthorpe and back.

This month five of us started from the Moira furnace car park by the children's play area. Despite some early drizzle we set off across the playing field, through some woods and into Park Road. Another trail took us back to the lime kilns before setting off along the canalside towards Donisthorpe. Back up the old railway track brought us to the other end of Park Road and the wooded path out to the canal again. This time we turned left along to the Moira Furnace café. Despite the drizzle starting again, most were able to sit outside for a coffee under what little shelter there is.

Friday 18th September 2020. Ticknall to Calke and back

Photos by Margaret Howlett & John Dogherty

The 12 hoped for and the 9 who were interested on Monday turned into just 5. The weather was fine and dry if not particularly warm when we set off just after 10. We crossed the A514 and along the foootpath to Calke Abbey we separated just before the main entrance the more adventurous continued down to the new adventure play area while the remaining 2 went straight to the cafe probably reducing the walk to about 3 miles which is the normal maximum. From the play area to the cafe was less well marked but we arrived second and all went to the Trust cafe for drinks and nibbles. We all went the short way back. The whole walk took just over 2 hours.

Friday 21st August 2020. To B&M and back starting from the Royal Hotel

We arranged for a limit of 12. The ramblers association have agreed a limit of 30. In the event 2 people could not make it so the band of 10 set off around the bath grounds and out across the field whose name I am not sure of to the castle and out onto South street. We then walked past St Helen's Church and down Range road to the School playing field and out down the footpath that comes out opposite B&M stores. We then crossed the Nottingham road and entered the Tesco industrial estate and took the footpath just before the entrance to United Biscuits warehouse entrance. We followed the footpath to North street and took the mews back to the high street and then to Kilwardby street to La Zouch where we were welcomed for coffee. The route is just under 3 miles.

Friday 17th July 2020. Around Ashby, starting ar the Hood Park Gates

A similar walk to the last one only that was 5 months ago. We are limited to 6 people because of the virus. We walked through Hood Park and took the footpath out to Smisby Road just beyond the biscuit factory estate. We crossed Smisby Road and walked up Rotherwood Drive into the Bovis estate where we turned left along Sherbourne Drive into Canterbury Drive and then Rouen Way. Part-way up the hill we took the path which goes down past the old flour mill except we turned right and followed the track out onto Burton Road opposite Hill Street. We turned right and followed the road till we reached Churchill Close and turned left. At the end of the cul-de-sac we took the path out to the playing field and turned left into Highfields Close. From there we crossed the Moira road and took the footpath to the allotments. Here we stopped for a chat with Estelle before going to Joan's garden for morning coffee/tea. The weather held up well.

Friday 21st February 2020. Around Ashby, starting ar the Hood Park Gates

12 Walkers set off from the Hood park gates towards the Plough and turned down Millbank and down the footpath to Smisby Road. We crossed Smisby road and along the Jitty oposite which goes past the Burton Road School.In what used to be called the Bovis estate we turned right up Canterbury Drive and into Sherbourne Drive and thence down the alley to Rotherwood drive. We crossed the Smisby Road again and walked down the alley by the corner shop and then right towards Hood park and the Leisure centre. At this point we had passed three housing estates which were once fatories namely the Soap Factory, the Flour Mill and the Biscuit Factory. We took the path on our left just before the Leisure centre which goes around the back of the Leisure centre and out on to North Street through the original park gates. We turned right to the Mews and took them to Market Street. We crossed Market Street at the lights at the upper end of Market Street and took the alley leading to the printers and out onto South Street. Here we turned left to St Helen's Church and up to Mount View. We took this to Prior Park Road which we took to Bath Grounds. We followed the new path round the park to South Street from where we went to Coxon's Mews and Suzy Q's where we had our coffee break.

Friday 17th January 2020. Sarah's Wood

11 walkers met at Sarah's Wood car park on a cool and overcast day. We walked down the right hand path that takes you to the canal Basin at Conkers Waterside Court. We went towards the rail bridge but turned left onto the track over the kiddies rail track and around to the old disused rail track and turned left towards Measham. We followed the track as far as the first level track on our left back to the canal. At the canal we turned left toeards Moira Furnace where we stopped at the hub for a refreshment and comfort break, After the break we continued along the canal back to the canal basin but crossed the bridge to Sarah's Wood. Having crossed the newly refurbihed bridge we turned right following the other side of the canal and around to the other entry to the car park. Total distance just under 3 miles.

Friday 13th December 2019. Staunton Harold

9 walkers met at the lower car park at Staunton Harold. The weather was fine but we anticipated the ground would be very wet. Sandra was prepared to lead the walk but not sure that a metalled only walk was possible so John led the way around the road back towards Ticknall but turned right past the main garden centre car park and down to the bridge over the lake. We took a slight detour to look at the church which was not open but was apparently the only High Anglican church built during the Commonwealth in defiance of the Puritan's beliefs in plainer buildings. We returned to the road over the bridge and the turn right leaving the lake and house on our right until we reach the road to Melbourne. From here we returned to the car park and the took the footpath back to the stable yard and a hot drink and cake. Total distance just over 1 1/2 miles.

Friday 15th November 2019. The new parts of Ashby

14 Intrepid walkers met at 16 Winchester Way despite the forecast. We set off up Clifton Drive and along Oakham Grove and took the footpath towards the new estate. The stile was broken but the path was good and we entered the new estate and walked to the cntre(?) of phase 2 where we found a attractive open area. Here we found a footpathe with a fance across it see the photograph. We wndered back to the edge of phase 1 and looked at the display board. It now stared to rain so we hurried to the Olive Branch for cofee and cake. As it rain had stopped we did a short walk around the council estate and back down Marlborough Way. Total distance 2 miles.

Friday 18th October 2019. Calke Abbey Explore

Photos by John Dogherty and a passing jogger

8 members met at Ticknall car park on a bright sunny, if not very warm, day. A good start considering the recent weather. Just for a change we set off through the other end of the CP straight into the school playground and then into the churchyard. Many of the group did not know this path existed. From the church we walked down to the main road and up Ashby Rd to a footpath on the left into the fields behind 'The Staff of Life' pub. Across three slightly muddy fields, but not too wet, (it had rained heavily the night before) and 3 small stiles led us to the usual track coming up from Ticknall. It was all gravel tracks from here on. Turning right, we headed for the gate which avoided the NT toll-booth and headed down to the new Calke Explore site. The area is nearly ready to open, but unfortunately the cafe was not due to open until the next day. However it looks like it will be an outdoor cafe as the building appears to have no indoor seating. But good news, the loos were open. After a stroll around the site, we headed along a duck-boarded path across a reeded pond and out onto the main driveway. Keeping to the verges to aviod the cars we made it up the hill to the toll-booth and back onto the gravel track down to Ticknall and the Scoff and Shop cafe. Although various Fitbits disagreed on the mileage, the satnav and Ordnance Survey said it was 2.6 miles

Friday 20th September 2019. From St. Bernards Abbey.

6 walkers met at Mount St Bernard's Abbey. A friendly lady offered to take a photograph of us all before the Abbey. The weather was fine but not hot and we set off taking a footpath on our left as we left the car park. Down the hill to Oaks Road which passes the Abbey, we turned away from the Abbey and picked up the public footpath on our left across 3 ploughed fields. As the footpath was well defined and not too rough we continued to a farm track. Here we turned left and climbed to a higher track alongside Whitlock Quarry which is now full of water.

The path continued by the quarry and down to a farm track which led back to the Abbey. From here we went to St Joseph's tea room for a drink, cakes and a chat leaving at 12.15.

Of interest we photgraphed some hare bell flowers in bloom in mid September.

Information about the Abbey:- it was founded in 1835 as a Trappist monastery.

Friday 16th August 2019. Meet at car park near St Peter's Church, Stapenhill for a walk around the washlands.

5 people met at the Stapenhill car park, the weather was poor with a slight drizzle. Because of the weather we decided to walk to the Costa coffee shop in Tesco's. We crossed the footbridge over the new bridge road and stopped for a toilet break in Stapenhill gardens. We then crossed on the Ferry bridge and headed to the Pumping station (no longer in use). There were a lot of puddles around but we managed to find a way through without getting too wet. We spent some time looking at the pump house and the various printed boards. The road to the car park passes close to the Tesco store where we stopped for a break and a chat. On leaving the shop we followed the footpath on the left as soon as we entered the washlands which was puddle free and passed under both the road bridge and the raised foot path. We then walked up to the raised foot path back the Ferry footbridge. We retuned to the car park along the riverside path which meant we had a good view of Stapenhill gardens. The walk was just over two miles and I have include both walk tracks as they both have us wading through the river.

Friday 19th July 2019. Meet at Conkers main car park for a walk to Albert Village lake,

7 stalwart short walkers met in the car park and 6 were photographed by the leader. We met despite the warnings of heavy rain. We set off towards Albert village as we got to the path down to the lake it started to rain. The forecast was correct. The rain was heavy and as we left the lake and headed to the footpath to Spring Cottage it was unrelenting. At Spring Cottage we took the old railway track now a metalled path. We came to the crossroad where we went our different ways, three went back to their cars, one walked home and four stopped at the YHA cafe before returning to their cars. Hence two maps 3 miles for the early returners and 3.5 miles for the refreshment route.

Friday 21st June 2019. Walk around Sence Valley

10 met at Sence Valley top car park. It was the Summer Solstice so we took the group photo in front of the Tree stump that should shine a shaft of sunlight through a slit at the true local noon time on the day of the Solstice. As this was taken at about 10am BST, probably 3 hours before noon, we missed the light show. As one of our number is recovering from ankle surgery, only nine set off towards the West side of the site and took the path down to Goss Water. Here we spotted a cormorant drying its wings, there was also swan and two ducks swimming together. We continued to the west of the lake and found the footpath just outside the northern boundary. We turned East along this as far as the first sizeable entry back into the site and followed the path to a very quiet Usborne pool where we stopped and admired the view. We continued along the path back to the northern side of the Horseshoe lake and turned East and around the lake to the stream where a swan was standing on one leg. A little later a photograph of the common spotted orchid was taken. We all climbed the road to the car park and arranged to meet at Cattows farm cafe. Here the tenth member of the party re-joined us. Total distance 1.8 miles.

Friday 17th May 2019. Walk to Donisthorpe

Seven met at the conkers Waterside Court. The weather was wet so we stayed in our cars mostly. At 10 o'clock we decided to move to Moira fuurnace and have some drinks while we discussed what to do. At about 10.40 the rain stopped so we decided to walk to Donisthorpe and back. The weather stayed fine if overcast. We walked by the canal to the Woodland Centre at Donisthorpe, it was interesting and we may start a walk from there later in the year. We returned to the car park via the old railway and left before we were fenced in by the preperations for the Canal Festival starting the next day.

Friday 19th April 2019. Visit the new adventure playground and if its Cafe is open

A glorious Easter has been promised and Good Friday certainly lived up to that description. Ten of us met at Ticknall village hall, which was busy organising the Ashby Art Club Easter Exhibition. We took the normal path towards Calke but stayed outside the main park until we reached the new entrance. The path and carpark was complete but not yet in use. We met a group probably of volunteers building what they called a human scale Badger set to allow children to see what a badger set looks like from the inside. We took the path towards the main house and cafes passing a large group of mainly families doing the \easter egg hunt. We thought with the number of people present the cafe would be crowded but it was not so we had our drinks and planned the next three walks and then returned to the cars and home. The walk was about 3 1/2 miles longer than usual but we all agreed that on such a lovely day we could walk a bit further.

Friday 15th March 2019. A walk in Willesley woods

It was a day predicted to be wet and windy, despite this 7 people met at the Oakthorpe colliery picnic site. The weather turned out to be fine if a little windy. The grassy areas were wet from heavy rain on the days before we met. We walked in Willesley woods, including the Royal British Legion memorial stone, the site of the Oakthorpe shafts. We lingered at the display board telling us about the Ashby Canal. When we returned to the cars we travelled in convoy to Moira Furnace cafe for a drink and eats.

Friday 15th February 2019. Meet at Staunton Harold Garden Centre lower car park for either visit the snow drops or just go for a walk.

10 walkers met at Staunton Harold for the February short walk. The weather was glorious and so we set off along the road to Lount taking the track when the road turned left. The track was muddy frozen to start with but soon turned to real mud and puddles. T the Lount gates there was a lot of snowdrops not on the scale of Dimminsdale but more than enough to satisfy the walkers. We returned to the house via the road again going straight on at the gate where the road turned left. We crossed the field to main gate where we stopped for a quick photo in the sunshine before going to the cafe in stable yard.

Friday 18th January 2019. Walk around Ashby and back to Winchester Way for teas and cakes

6 met at Winchester Way and set off down the Jitty across the Smisby Road and into the new estate where the Soap Factory once was. Over the stream into Hood Park. We took the photo on the skateboard rink and walked away from town out along the footpath around the old dairy site and into the new estate. This is very attractive with its playground, ponds and footpaths. Back on the Smisby road we walked as far as the corner shop and back into the housing estate and back to Winchester way for a drink and cake. Just under 2.5 miles.

Friday 14th December 2018. Walk around the lake at Hicks Lodge

6 intrepid walkers met at Hicks lodge for a walk around the lake. It was a gloriously sunny if cold. The walk is just under 1 and 1/3 miles which we completed in less than an hour. We admired the new information board, more a work of art, several of which are appearing all over the National Forest. After the walk we had tea and cake at the Hicks Lodge Cafe.

Friday 16th November 2018. Conkers to near Donisthorpe

8 walkers met at Conkers, Waterside Centre, on an overcast but mild day. We set off towards Conkers main entrance but turned left across the Conkers railway and up to the Ashby Wolds Way where we found a new display board describing the old railway. We set off towards Measham after entering Donisthorpe Woods we crossed the stream and shortly after turned left to the canal. Again we turned left and followed the canal to Moira Furnace where we stopped for cake and drinks. After the break we continued by the canal to the Waterside Centre. The walk was just over 3 miles.

Friday 19th October 2018. Burton Washlands

5 ladies arrived for our October walk around the Washlands at Burton on Trent. It was a lovely autumn day with the sun shining and the trees of all different colours of autumn were a lovely sight. We paused at times to study the wild life, then stopped at the library for our usual coffee and tea break. We then carried on to complete the other half of our walk going over the beautiful painted bridge back to our starting point.

Friday 21st September 2018. Willesley Woods from Oakthorpe picnic area

Seven of us met at the Oakthorpe picnic area car park. We studied the tribute to Thurtit colliery (Actually Oakthorpe Colliery but always known locally as 'Who'd have thought it') We then set of towards Willesley Woods and met up with two of our regular walkers. We stuck to the good path as it had been raining recently and went as far as the Willesley Woodside entrance. We discussed places of interest and decided to visit the Royal Legion Memorial glade. We then continued on the well-made path and left the Woods near the Colliery shafts and walked around to the shaft marker stones and read the panel about the Ashby Canal which the colliery had used for supply and removal of coal. From there it was but a short walk back to the car park. The weather had stayed sunny with cloudy patches until the end when it started to rain so we repaired to The Hub Cafe at Moira Furnace for refreshments.

Friday 17th August 2018. Conkers to Spring Cottage, then YHA and Moira Furnace

Six ladies and one lady dog met at Conkers for our walk to spring cottage. the weather sunny with slight breeze ideal for walking. We walked through the tunnel and had to wait for a train to pass then we crossed over and made our way to railway bank where we turned right and made our way to Spring Cottage. After a while we arrived at the short road walk down to the entrance to youth hostel made our way up the winding lane and on arrival we enjoyed coffee and cake. Thoroughly refreshed we made our way back to railway bank and made our way back stopping at Moira furnace for a breather, then set off for Conkers seeing lots of wild life busy with their young eventually arriving at our cars nicely exhausted but having enjoyed plenty chatter and laughs and very pleasant company.

Friday 20th July 2018. Bradgate park walk to the central cafe and back

8 members met at the Newtown Linford car park. We set off along the road to Hall gates car park at the end of the road. On the way we saw deer either in the shade or in the grass by the stream as most of the park was parched because of the drought. There was also the occasional Buzzard and dragonfly. When we got to the Deer Barn cafe we decided to have a drink and cake and return. Clearly the heat was affecting us. The return journey was uneventful and by 12.00 we were back in the car park. The walk was 2.4 miles.

Friday 15th June 2018. From Staunton Harold around Lount Wood

With Cynthia, our walk leader, having an unexpected early appointment was not able make the start in order to lead the walk, and with her deputy and the group leader both being away, Mike was rapidly promoted to 3rd substitute walk leader. Nine gathered at Staunton Harold with the promise that our original leader would arrive later and walk the wrong way round the route to meet up part way round, so there was pressure on our substitute leader to take the correct route or we may not have met up at all!

With a mix of sun and cloud and a light breeze, it was a perfect day for a walk so we set off back down the approach road to the first corner, going straight on into a green lane. Some 600 yds further on we turned sharp right and a little later, right again through a gateway into Jaguar Car's walnut plantation, part of Lount Wood. We noted how rapidly the trees have grown since first planted such a seemingly short time ago. The path then meandered through various plantations of oak and ash until we met our leader with about half an hour to go. Mike happily relinquished the lead as we all headed back to the car park and on to the important part - the coffee shop. A lovely morning's walk but unfortunately, in the rush to organise a leader, no-one remembered to bring a camera, so there are no photos to record it.

Friday 18th May 2018. Walk from Ticknall to Calke cafe and back

12 members assembled in the Ticknall village hall car park for a walk into Calke. The proposed walk was 3.7 miles, a bit outside the maximum distance but as everyone was up for it we set off. We took the new path that follows the edge of the wood just outside the main park area. We stopped at the sign describing the new hub they are bulding. We continued past the building site and took the main path into Calke. This brought us into the park where the road takes a sharp left. We followed the road, mainly walking on the grass, to the cafe. Here we stopped for a drink and comfort break. After the short pause we crossed the car park, took the path towards Ticknall and when we reached the entry road we followed this to the main entrance, crossed the road and took the back way to the car park. The weather was fantastic throughout and the distance 3 3/4 miles was completed in 2 1/2 hours.

Friday 20th April 2018. Walk around Burton-upon-Trent Washlands.

9 members met at the Stapenhill car park between the two road bridges over the Trent, near St Peters Church. It was a glorious day and we set off by the banks of the Trent towards the ferry bridge built in the 1890s to replace the original ferry. having crossed the river we followed the bank across the river from Stapenhill, in the direction of the meadowbank centre. The bridge we were intending to cross the small stream was closed so we went to the bridge near the library and straight to the bookichino cafe in the library. We consumed our drinks and cakes while we chatted in the sun. We then returned on the path away from the main river and joined the foot bridge nearer Burton and took the causeway and bridge back to Stapenhill. We crossed over the road to the new bridge by the pedestrian high bridge admiring the flowers, trees and the bird life.

Friday 16th March 2018. Sence Valley Ibstock

5 ladies and 2 Gentlemen plus Dandar the dog arrived at Sence Valley suitably garbed for deep puddles and muddy tracks, The weather was fine after early morning rain and as predicted part of the walk was very muddy with frequent puddles. We walked for about an hour and did 1 3/4 miles. We saw a heron, some swans building a nest and some cormorants sunning themselves. Much to our surprise the sun even shone. After the walk 4, without the dog, adjourned to the cafe at Cattows farm for a hot drink and cake.

Friday 16th February 2018. Moira Furnace, Conkers & Donisthorpe

6 ladies and 1 gentleman arrived at Moira Furnace at 9.45 to start walking at 10. By 10.15 our leader hadn't turned up, so the 7 decided to start off anyway with Cynthia leading and Sandra bringing up the rear. The sun was shining so we set off towards Donisthorpe down the canal-side, arriving at the start of the canal where we took the RH path towards Ashby Woulds. After a little while we found the path back towards the canal and eventually arrived back at Moira Furnace where a welcome tea, coffee and cake was enjoyed by all.

Friday 19th January 2018. Around Ashby

8 walkers met on the Green on a perfect day for walking except the ground was icy and we had one faller but that came later. Two of the party were new to the group as we set off through the park as far as the new bridge where we crossed into the estate where the soap factory had been. We then crossed the Smisby road into the French homes estate and climbed up to the path to the flour mill but instead turned right to come to the Burton road opposite Hill street. We turned right along Burton road and thence into Churchill Close. We took the path from Churchill Close to Highfields and then up the Moira road to the footpath leading through the allotments and onto Wilfred Gardens where the fall occured. We then took the new path around Bath grounds anto Prior park road, South Street to the cafe replacing the forties themed cafe.

Friday 15th December 2017. Hick's Lodge

This walk was cancelled due to the (un)seasonal weather. The footpaths around the lake would have been too icy, as were the roads to Hick's Lodge.

Friday 17th November 2017. Walk from Conkers to Spring Cottage and Moira Furnace

10 of us met under overcast skies at Conkers car park. We set off through the tunnel and across the tracks down into the meadow before and along the track to the path between Donisthorpe and Spring Cottage. We took the Spring Cottage route to the road, turned left along the pavement to the path to Youth Hostel. At this point the Sun came out as we followed the track now going to Donisthorpe but only as far as the path to Moira Furnace where we had coffee. After a long stop we returned following the canal to Conkers and back to our cars. The walk was 3 1/3 miles.

Friday 15th September 2017. Short walk around Bradgate Park. 3 miles

10 of us met on a damp day for Cynthia and Sandra's walk around Bradgate Park. As we were a relatively fit bunch we decided to take the trail up to Old John. When we got there they were preparing some sort of reception but unfortunately not for us. We then walked down to the cafe in the park where we had tea and cake. Cleverly Cynthia had arranged for the drizzle to stop before we set off and the heavy downpoor came while we had tea. We then walked along the road back to the car park. It turned out to be a bit further than 3 miles but everyone coped well.

Friday 18th August 2017. Walk around Willesley Woods. 1.5 miles.

Six of us met at the Oakthorpe picnic site. This was Oakthorpe colliery until 1991, now a car park for Willesley woods. We set off on the track nearest the Willesley lane and followed the gravel track and onto the grassy track right up to the North Western edge of the woods where we found workmen laying a new path. We followed the new path down to the lake where we struggled over a net the workmen had placed to block the path. We then went around the lake and down to the site of the old Oakthorpe pit. Just as we got back to the car park it started to rain so we adjourned to Moira furnace for coffee only to find it was Moira Furnace Folk Festival setting up. We still managed to park the cars and have our coffee.

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