Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge

Monday 17th March

A very chilly morning again.  I walked with Kate and Maureen along tracks which are drying out now.

Then it was along a minor road to Spanhoe Lodge - which is not officially open as a cafe until the weather improves, but they are happy to serve us, if we let them know the day before if possible.

Excellent friendly service as always.

7.2 miles  

Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge - 21st Oct 2024

 Monday 21st October, with Norma and Kate.

A flat walk along the ridge above the Welland valley. Around 7 miles.

We walked from Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge in spite of mud on the farm track at the start.

If we dodged the puddles the brambles got us!

Decent views over the valley from further along.  There are some fence structures on the fields, which look like enclosures for trees, though we saw no trees.  

Spanhoe Lodge was open and welcoming, and preparing for Christmas!

We had coffee and bara brith. One of the owners is Welsh and bakes it.  

After a longish break, we walked the 3 miles or so back to Gretton. On the way back, through the small wooded area, Norma spotted an unknown tree, which looks quite exotic.

May 6th 2024 Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge

Walked Monday 6th May

With Norma, Kate, Maureen and Harry - we walked to Spanhoe Lodge, after arranging to have coffee and teacakes there.

We heard a cuckoo on the way over. There were also bluebells, cowslips, dandelion clocks. 

 Returned via path through Spanhoe Wood, and Harringworth Lodge and lake,  Saw a herd of deer, and heard the cuckoo again. 7.25 miles.

Warm and dry, though slightly muggy. 

Dec 18th 2023 - Spanhoe Lodge

 From Gretton - around 7 miles.

Met Norma at the Village Hall, and we walked along farm tracks, which were quite muddy, as far as Deene Road, turned left and joined the road to Spanhoe Lodge - the place was closed, though all decorated for Christmas.  We used their seats and table for a break.

Grey, not cold or too windy, a bit of drizzle, then brightness.

Wakerley Woods to Laxton and back.

 Monday 31st July with Norma, Maureen and Kate.

From Wakerley Wood we took the main path, then followed the Jurassic Way until it crossed the path heading north east to Fineshade and south west to Laxton. We took the right-hand (south west) turn towards Laxton Hall which we could see clearly ahead of us.

Chicory

Laxton Hall

This path is pretty clear, though a little more signage near the hall would help. It was easy enough with the OS app on my phone.

From there our path continued in more or less the same direction into the woods (Town Wood on the map).

As we emerged from the wood out route turned slightly south east, and we went on by a series of dog leg bends.

Great sign when you find it…not much use from across the field.

 The signage was either not clear, or overgrown, so we had to correct our route slightly, before going through a short wooded section. After this we kept a hedge to our right and arrived at the eastern end of Laxton, through an overgrown section between houses.

overgrown?

We turned right along the road and walked another three quarters of a mile to Spanhoe Lodge, where we indulged in welcome coffee and teacakes. 

Our route back was slightly different and shorter. We walked back to Laxton village to the western end, where we took the footpath just inside the gate to Laxton Park.

This heads north into Town Wood and joins the main path. We turned right, and followed the clear track, east then roughly north east and back to the car park.

unknown fungi

hemp agrimony

A lot of meadow brown butterflies around, but nothing much else. Lots of flowers including chicory, hemp agrimony and evening primrose. 

A very satisfying walk - around 7 miles in all, and no rain until we got back to the car.

Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge and back.

 Monday 14th November

Maureen, Norma and I set off from Gretton village hall at 9.15 to walk to Spanhoe Lodge. 3.5 miles each way, all along tracks and road. Lots of large fungi, and a woman on a horse appeared on the track out of the misty woodland. A little muddy on occasions, but mostly fine, though my feet and socks were wet by the end.

Another gloomy misty morning, and chilly for standing around, so we went inside Spanhoe Lodge which is already christmasified for Santa events. Old fashioned village scenes, large reindeer, and lots of figures outside on the lawn. Good coffee and a slice of toast!  

Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge

 Monday 17th October

After the overnight rain, the weather grew brighter throughout the morning.  Norma and I walked from Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge. following local tracks and the minor road. 

Coffee and a tea cake at the café set us up for the return leg, via a slightly different route.  It was warm enough to sit outside.

The trees are changing, but not in full colour.

Past Harringworth Lodge and the lake…

and back into Gretton, with a short detour into the Pocket Park to see the roman tree planted in memory of Mel.

Just over 7 miles. 

Wakerley Woods to Spanhoe Lodge

 Monday 25th July

Collected Norma and Maureen and went to Wakerley Woods. Lots of fritillaries, and a few other butterflies - no reptiles, and hardly any people today. We walked over to Laxton and then along the road to Spanhoe Lodge for coffee and teacakes and a look at their outdoor pool - a bit wee. Chat re wasps and stuff. Saw and heard green woodpecker on the way back.

Back via slightly different route. A few drops of meagre rain.