2024/07/15 Great Cransley, Thorpe Malsor, Loddington,

 Monday 15th July

With Norma and Maureen. 

We parked at Great Cransley, walked to the reservoir,

and then to Thorpe Malsor Church for a break. 

Along the road to Loddington,

then after the road turning to Cransley , at the end of a row of houses and a hedge, we turned left and followed a footpath, which crossed a field, and dipped down to cross a stream.

We continued in the same direction (southeast) over a bridge crossing another stream, past Mill Farm, eventually reaching a field of wheat, where the path hadn’t been made good, so we strayed slightly, following tractor tracks, then had to follow the edge of the field to find the path in the southeastern corner.

Another field where we followed the line of the fence to our left, through a flock of sheep and a hopeful horse. Then we went through a gate and along a narrow path, back into Great Cransley.

Just over 5 miles in all

2024/07/09 Geddington to Fox and Peony

 Tuesday 09 July

A damp muggy morning, so much so that we almost caved and headed for a cafe. 

I drove to Geddington and we decided to walk a slightly longer route than usual to the Fox and Peony, where we sat outside in the courtyard for a coffee and tea cake. 

Lots of flowers and some insects too, and we stayed dry. 

We walked almost seven miles.

2024/07/08 Illston, Carlton Curlieu, Burton Overy

 Monday 08 July

With Norma, Kate and Maureen. The w eather this morning was excellent for walking - but it got a bit hot later.  

We started from Illston on the Hill - and walked to Carlton Curlieu

where we found a welcome bench.

From there we continued to Burton Overy

and back to Illston.

The total route was 5.5 miles.

Norma saw a green woodpecker (I heard its yaffle but didn’t see it)

2024/07/06 Goldenacre Park, Leeds

  Saturday 06 July

Out to Goldenacre Park 

- one circuit then a coffee and another circuit afterwards plus a visit to Paul’s Pond,

where there was a family of swans and a coot. Almost 4 miles in all. 

2024/07/04 Brodsworth Hall - a stop on the way to Leeds

 Lunch stop and wander round Brodsworth Hall gardens, admiring the flowers

and the croquet players.

2024/07/01 Illston, Kings Norton, Gaulby

 Monday 1st July

The year is halfway through…

Kate drove Maureen and me out to Illston. We walked 5 miles, past Illston Grange, along the route of the Roman Road (Gartree Road).

This bridleway is very rutted by heavy farm traffic, and the mud has dried hard.  It was made more difficult by overgrown bushes and brambles this year. The track takes us downhill through a wooded section to the ford, crossed by a bridge.

Soon after this we take the signposted footpath

slightly uphill across the fields to Kings Norton,

where the church is being repaired,

and we had a snack break.

Along the road to Gaulby, into the church,

which was open, then down Front Street and the road back to Illston. 

We decided not to take the field and woodland track past Ashlands and continued along the quiet road back to Illston.

2024/06/28 Another short walk to Plas yn Rhiw

Friday 28th June

We walked along the road past the church, which is now a holiday let, and then down to Plas yn Rhiw tea room for coffee and a slice of bara brith.

Back up via Treheli, Ty’n yr Parc and Ffynon Sant. The very steep path which we didn’t find the first time -in 2020. 

Saw a thrush with a snail, heard a black cap and lots of chiff-chaffs.

Still windy, but actually very warm in the sun.

Back after 2.5 miles. and around 300 feet of climbing.Steep hillsides here.

2024/06/27 Llanengan, Pen y Cilan

  Thursday 27th June

Weather - very windy. some rain overnight.

Walked from Llanengan round Pen y Cilan - getting on for nine miles, and 1000 feet of ascent/descent. Brilliant views again.

Space, sea, sun and wind.

Back to base, rapid change and out to Thai Deli in Botwnnog .

Very good meal - yellow curry +tiramisu and ice cream, and excellent service.