A mini walk at Rutland Water.

 A rather chilly, damp day, with a wind. A very short stroll from Normanton Car Park down to the church, mainly to see hiw the snowdrops and aconites are progressing this year. Verdict, they are a bit slow!

A wander from Wing

 Wednesday 15th January

Another short wander - the weather was surprisingly mild.

 About 2 miles.

And on the way back a view of the viaduct in the misty valley

East Carlton Park

 Tuesday 14th January 2025.

Marta and I agreed to meet at 10 am, and took a short fairly brisk wander round the park before coffee.

Only 2 miles, but it was pleasant. A bit of brightness and a glimpse of blue sky.

Burghley House to Stamford

 Monday 13th January

A shortish walk, 4 miles with Norma, Kate and Maureen. It was a grey morning, and although last week’s magical frost had gone and it was clearly milder, there was still enough wind to make it feel cold. We went to Burghley Park, where we left the car, admired the mistletoe high in the trees,

the splendid house

and the herd of deer,

lying down near the main path. 

We walked fairly briskly down to Stamford,

via the Meadows, where the river Welland was not looking inviting today. 

 It was not a day for hanging around idly for long.  We stopped for coffee and toast in Café Black, before making our way back, admiring the deer once more.

Whitsbury, Outwick, Breamore

 Thursday 26th December

The mist was hanging around the treetops, and the sun refused to show its face. After a leisurely morning, a few Christmas carols,  and coffee with toast and lemon curd, we decided to walk.

In all it was around 5 miles via woodland paths

and minor roads to Breamore, 

Obligatory ‘arty’ red post box photo

Staddle stones

We visited the church

with its saxon arch.

There are carved faces, which look possibly a tad disapproving of the frivolity of the knitted snowpeople

We returned via Outwick, and a path across the marshland, complete with a mini Swan Lake.

Then we had to cross a mighty flood (not very deep, and not flowing).

The final challenge was the path through the woods, which was clear on the map, but difficult to follow on the ground - churned up earth and some fallen trees. We got back for a snack-style lunch.

Welland Park, Market Harborough

 Tuesday 17th December

Met Marta in Harborough at around 10 am. 

We had coffee and a tea cake in the Theatre Lounge.

 Talked about Christmas traditions, including Santons de Provence, and the fact in Argentina, as in many places, they traditionally give presents on Jan 6th, when the wise men arrive.

The church (St Dionysius) was open so we had a look inside.

After a stroll along the main street, and admiring this Aladdin’s cave of a shop

we walked a couple of miles round Welland Park, Then through indoor market and over to the Eco-village, where we ate lunch.

Burghley to Stamford

 Monday 16th December

I walked with Harry and Kate from Burghley park into Stamford. Wandered round Arts Centre. Went into Cafe Black, then walked across the Meadows and back to Burghley Park. About 4 miles…

Sunny and bright, but the wind was still quite strong