and occasionally rides a bike.
A word of warning. The walk descriptions are not detailed enough to guide you - please take a map. The batteries never run out, and you always have a signal. Oh, And don't take left or right as gospel!

Thursday, November 28, 2019

East Carlton, Wilbarston and Desborough (Pipewell) airfield

Thursday 28 November, with Eddie and Maureen. Just over 8 miles. The weather forecast was for rain later in the day, but it didn't look promising. 

We decided on a change of plan, and took advantage of what dry weather there was by doing a much more local walk.

We left East Carlton Park and turned right downhill past the church. When we reached the Jurassic Way path we turned left between the houses and out past a horse paddock. 
The going proved to be very soft! 
Shoelace adjustment


We followed the path as far as Wilbarston Village Hall, then turned left and walked along the road to the A427, which we crossed. We walked along the minor road  towards Pipewell, turning right off this and on to the airfield access path at a corner. 
Look, there is light!


When we reached the airfield itself we turned left and followed the perimeter track for almost three miles, and having a somewhat damp break at the old weigh bridge.
Study in perspective 1

soon after this we turned left on to another muddy path which became a small road, leading to Wilbarston via a bridge below the A427.
Study in perspective 2


We continued to the Fox Inn, and turned right towards the village hall, then retraced our route back to East Carlton Park.



We were lucky - there was some drizzle, but not enough to soak us! 

Lunch at East Carlton cafe.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Tilton, Skeffington, Marefield

Monday 25 November 2019.  The same route as these walks.
Just over 10 miles, with Maureen and Kate. The weather was dull and misty, and in the last hour of the walk turned to rain.



We walked to Skeffington, first, and had an early break before continuing. 


Frilly fungi


Colborough Hill

The final mile or so was the hardest - a muddy farm track, with two fords. Luckily I had thought to bring a potting compost sack in lieu of a Sir Water Raleigh style cloak, so the feet were kept dry! 

After the second ford the track made its way steadily uphill, and there were several large puddles to negotiate.

We had lunch at Buttercups Tea Room.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Mon 18 Nov Pitsford Water again

Monday 18. with Maureen.





We don't often see the overflow channel full

Lots of lapwings today.

Thurs 21 Nov 1 Hambleton again

Thursday 21 November, with Maureen and Eddie. Just under 7 miles.

Wednesday 20 Nov - Thrapston to Stanwick Lakes

With Marta. 11 miles there and back. Very flat. 

We set off at about 9.30 from close to the Woolpack Inn. The first section was very soggy, either mud or wet grass.
We were quite shocked to see the number of trees that have been cut down close to the A14. 

Once we were beyond the road conditions improved, as we walked along the old railway track, where there were a few puddles but nothing serious.

Looking towards Woodford

Inside the roundhouse

View from the visitor centre's cafe.
We diverted a hundred yards or so to the Water Mill Cafe at Willy Watt marina.
One of my favourite views when the river is still.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Tilton, Skeffington, Marefield - walked twice, once in reverse.



Walked on Monday 28 October with Harry. About 9 miles. Mostly quiet roads, farm tracks and a disused railway line. Underfoot was good apart from the last section of the track - the last mile of the walk involved crossing a ford - very wet!

The old school, Tilton


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Whatborough Hill


Skeffington church


Disused railway line


Wednesday 30 October 
The same walk in reverse with Marta.





Feeding time for the sheep



A stile-ish break



fungi


artifical deer



Skeffington church


An unusual thatched figure in Skeffington


Tilton church


Tilton church






Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Three walks round Hambleton peninsula, Rutland Water

Another walk we often do when the fields are sodden and muddy.



With Eddie, on Thursday 03 October.




Thursday 17 October, with Eddie and Harry.  We avoided the road between Gretton and Lyddington, where the Welland has flooded. Instead we drove via Harringworth and the viaduct - splendid views of the flooded plain, though the road was passable.












There were plenty of fungi around, on this cold bright day. Underfoot was fine on the lakeside paths.

Monday 21 October, with Norma.