December 5th 2025, Sence Valley Forest Park.

 Friday 5th December.

We visited Joe and Migsy near Market Bosworth.

This time we did a two mile walk round the Sence Valley Forest Park, near Ibstock.

**Discover Sence Valley’s history, take a walk or spot some wildlife

Located north-west of Leicester, discover Sence Valley’s history. Once part of a large coal mine that closed in 1996, Forestry England planted 98,000 trees in 1998, transforming the valley into a haven for wildlife and visitors. In 2018  a further 48 hectares (102 acres) of the original opencast was acquired which has now been planted with 100,000 trees which will develop into a mature woodland. A Cherry Tree avenue has also been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the forming of the Forestry Commission. 

Explore the mixed forest on our network of trails or test your navigation skills around the wood on our orienteering courses. A bird-spotter’s paradise, 150 bird species have been recorded in the area so make sure to stop by the bird hide and viewing screen to try and spot the rare diving birds or the grebes!

Gretton, River Welland

 Sunday 6th April

Today I took a walk on the path behind the church

and down by the river.  The walk is only just over 2 miles and really dry at the moment. 

Gretton - West Hill - bridleway

 Thursday 2nd April

After lunch I walked down West Hill, where there were a few sheep with quite large lambs.

I followed Jurassic Way path until the railway bridge and returned via the  bridleway - almost 2 miles.

Saw some small butterflies (?tortoiseshell?) also two male orange tips and a brimstone.

Blackthorn blossoms, celandines, dandelions, and also forsythia, daffodils, magnolias.

Short stroll from Ridgehead Farm

 

Tuesday 25th March

A misty start and rather windy out there. We decided to have a chilled out morning, after yesterday’s exertions. 

After lunch we walked round the pond where there was quite a lot of frogspawn,

and a view of the cottages

Then we continued along the track

as far as the road at Morridge Top.  We heard more curlews.

There was rather a fine sunset.

Priors Hall Gullet and Lake

 Tuesday 25th February.

Bright, sunny, with a cold wind.

Marta and I walked just a couple of miles - The first one done at a fair lick along the Southern Gullet path, which was wet in places, then round the estate, returning close to the Lake, where we saw one coot.

We met a friend, Rita,  in the cafe, so today was more a social occasion than serious exercise. 

Drawing and a stroll at Rutland Water

 Tuesday 18th February

With Harry, Esther, Joseph and Hazel.

First a coffee at Whitwell’s Harbour cafe, where we all sat and drew for a while - the cafe was busy but not crowded.

Then we walked round to Sykes Lane, into the cold wind, and back with the wind behind us. Not far, but enough for an airing.

Aconites near Edith Weston village shop.

A short stroll through Corby (Shire Lodge end)

 Monday 27th January. 

With Norma, Kate and Maureen. The weather was drier than forecast, so we had a fairly brief (2 mile) walk around before yielding to the temptations of coffee.

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.

2024/06/23 To the cafe!

 Sunday 22nd June 

We walked down to Treheli camp site cafe. Very steep path and not easy to find at first. Then we sat around for ages before deciding to knock on the door. The guy came out and we had a long chat about Welsh and other things!

Return up another path, past Plas yn Rhiw and a couple of houses, plus notices about bulls and dogs! Still it was a public footpath and no problem. A couple of noisy but friendly dogs with their man. 2 miles including a couple of off-piste sections. 250 feet of down then up, and quite strenuous. Steeper going down than coming up.