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

Burghley Park to Stamford

 Tuesday 10th December

I met Marta at Burghley Park - after diverting to Morcott for petrol I arrived as the car just behind her.

The Christmas market stuff was being dismantled, along with several large ‘toy soldiers’.

An icy wind was blowing in our faces to begin with, but after walking briskly we warmed up, and the rest of the walk was more sheltered.

Though it felt as though we arrived in the town in record time!

The river was brown, swirling and very full, and the reflections minimal.

We headed for Scandimania coffee shop -this one is less stuffy than the one in Uppingham. We indulged in coffee and a cake. Then along to Walkers’ bookshop, where I bought a couple of book presents. 

We carried on to the Meadows and walked back round.

The walk back through the park was pleasant - with the wind behind us. 

Just by a sign saying ‘disabled parking’ workers had laid soldiers all in a row.

Probably around 4 miles! 

Pitsford Water anti-clockwise

 Tuesday 3rd December, with Marta, almost 7 miles.

I drove to Geddington, picked up Marta and went to Pitsford. Walked round anti-clockwise.

It was muddy in places, and quite cold, but not windy. Not far from the Moulton Grange path there was a tree full of gulls. 

 At the causeway lots of lapwings,

.

plus grebes, coots, ducks Canada geese in a procession, 

lovely skies,

still some leaves in autumn finery,

catkins.

We stopped for coffee and a snack at the Causeway car park, then walked on to the cafe for another coffee.

Pickwell walk, in reverse.

 Tuesday 26th November, with Harry.

In the afternoon we went out to Pickwell again,

Still plenty of colour

Frost on the grass in shady places

and did the walk from November 13th in the other direction, wearing wellies thus time - just as well since the ground was pretty muddy, especially the bridleway at the end. Hard work plodding uphill through sticky mud.  

Fab sunset again. 

A very short walk round Eling

 Sunday 24th November 

The weekend of Storm Bert. We seized a window of dry weather.

After breakfast we walked through the churchyard and down to Goatee Beach,

across the bridge near the Tide Mill, and to the marina. 

The wind was blowing, the rain had stopped, the church bells were calling the faithful to the morning service, and the rigging on the sailing boats was playing its metallic music. 

Lots of people out with their dogs.