Illston on the hill, Kings Norton, Gaulby

With Maureen.  Walked on Thursday 30 March 2017.
The same route as this walk from 2013.  Just over 6 miles, with around 300 feet of climbing.

From Illston on the Hill, through the village, downhill past the Fox and Goose pub. At the bottom, go through gate, and up to second gate. Turn right. in a while the path divides. Take the right hand fork which follows the hedge downhill, through gates and over a field (or round the edge if no path visible).
Keep Illston Grange on the left, and follow path through gates by a horse training area, then bear left across the field, heading for the opposite corner. The path comes out at a junction. Just opposite take the rough track labelled Gartree Road, Gated Road.

This takes you downhill to a footbridge over a stream. Shortly afterwards take the path to the right. At this time of year the waymarkers are easily visible. Follow them to Kings Norton, where the church is very prominent from this side.

Kings Norton Church.

Turn left and go past the church, then turn immediately right along the minor road to Gaulby.  The church clock here is one of several in the area with a single hand. There are several benches - handy for a comfortable coffee and snack!

The inside is very similar in style to Kings Norton, though smaller.
Turn right after the church and walk downhill on the Illston Road, turning left to take the footpath at a right hand bend. 
The footpath hugs the field edges, then enters the edge of woodland going uphill along a path which can be muddy.  The route is then through a couple of fields and behind the splendid Ashlands, with views toward Billesdon Coplow.

Through a gate, and turn right on to the quiet road past Ashlands and farmland, into Illston.

Horse chestnuts are close to flowering.