Fotheringhay, Elton and the Nene.

With Maureen.  This is a walk we found in Market Harborough Living magazine. Advertised as 5 miles, but my measuring apps put it nearer 6.

A very pleasant walk, almost entirely flat, with very few stiles. Fotheringhay is the birthplace of Richard III, and the site of Mary Queen of Scots execution.

We parked in Fotheringhay, and walked away from the church, past the pub to a footpath just before a red phone box. The path goes to the Willow Brook.

 At this bridge you turn left and follow the brook until you reach the Nene Way.

Turn right along the Nene Way, ignore the footpath to the left, and take a path to the right shortly afterwards, through some trees and across a field. Aim for the right hand edge of the coppice ahead.  There is a small pond, though it was dry when we walked the route. Head towards Park Lodge farm, across a smaller field, and go through the farm yard.

Go past an overgrown orchard, and over a stile into a field. The farm drive turns slightly to the right at this point.  At the other side of the field go over the stile and cross the road.
Follow the track on the other side of the road - this continues to the River Nene.
Cross the bridge with the locks.
At this point we had a break, on the steps by the river.

There were a few boats around, one waiting to go through the lock.

We went past the disused Elton Mill, and through a gate into the village. We turned right and then right down Chapel Lane, past the Methodist Chapel.

In Elton we saw a fair number of martins wheeling around. I guess their bags are packed and they're checking in for the flight south.

We ignored the first footpath on Chapel Lane, continuing along the bridleway, with Elton Park on the left.

After a mile or so, you approach the A605. We saw this little creature on the blackberries . . .

The path continues on this side, and goes past Warmington Gravel Pit, and on to Warmington Mill. 

Turn right just before the mill building, then left and rejoin the Nene Way. This takes you all the way back to Fotheringhay, over a footbridge and Warmington Lock.

Fotheringhay Church in the distance, with the Castle Mound to the left

After the lock aim for the gap in the hedge to the left of the church. On the way into the village you pass the Castle Mound.

We had lunch at Barnwell Country Park, near Oundle.

Hambleton Peninsula, Rutland Water clockwise

Monday 10 September 2018

With Maureen, Norma, and Marion. Just over 5 miles.

 A pleasant gentle stroll, followed by lunch at Wellies.

Pitsford Water from the cafe anti-clockwise.

With Maureen. About 7 miles. Decent weather,  though some rain arrived just after we'd had our lunch.

Rejuvenated after a short break . . .

Cycling the Tissington Trail

Bank Holiday Monday, August 27th 2018, with Harry, Dan, Isaac and Rose.

We started from Mapleton Lane Car Park, had a quick coffee and teacake, using a brief rain shower as our excuse, then did the short section through the tunnel, before heading north.

A lovely ride along a disused railway track from Ashbourne as far as Hartington signal box, for three of us, while Harry and Isaac did the extra four miles there and back to Parsley Hay.

The trail climbs gently,  a total of around 700 feet in all, over its 12 ish mile length. Not too hard, but we had to keep pedalling on the way out.

We had plenty of short breaks along the way, and considering the fact it was bank holiday, the route didn't feel overcrowded - though I'm not sure the occasional horse rider would agree.

By contrast the return was easy, and the wind was behind us most of the way too.

Cycling - Lyndhurst, Emery Down, Brockenhurst, Bolderwood circular - and in reverse another day.

About 18 miles each time.

Friday 17 August, and Monday 20 August. With Harry. About 500 feet of climbing, and some rough going on forest gravel tracks. Warm.

Setting off from the Boltons Bench car park, we walked through Lyndhurst with its busy one-way system - if ever a place needed a by pass, this is it!

We took the A337 for a few hundred yards before turning left for Pikes Hill, and continuing to Emery Down. A very narrow road with far too much traffic - I know, it is the height of the tourist season!

We then encountered a very large group of cyclists from Germany, doing a guided cycle tour. Too many in one group for my taste, but whatever floats your boat.

From Emery Down we turned left just after the pub, cycling past Millyford Bridge and the Portuguese Fireplace  climbing steadily towards the Bolderwood parking area, where we paused briefly before heading down Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, which wasn't too busy and then across the A35 and down Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. This was pretty busy, and at one point we were overtaken by at least 20 motorbikes in a herd! 

We reached Brockenhurst, cycled through the ford and headed for the Buttery cafe for coffee and teacake. No longer full of badger and bear toys - now we have a cock and hen!

After that it was over to Balmerlawn, and following the forest tracks to Lyndhurst.

On Monday we followed the route in reverse. 

Lots of donkey and pony foals in the Forest.

A good stretch of the legs.

New Forest bicycle meander

On forest tracks near Brockenhurst.  Monday 13 August. About 11 miles.

We parked at Brockenhurst and had coffee and teacakes before setting off.

Some of the tracks have fresh gravel which makes for a bumpy ride, but it's away from the constant traffic, and very pleasant.

We met a family from Germany, whose two children were fascinated by the ants.

Wed 08 August Islip to Aldwincle

Wed 08 August.  With Marta. Just under 5 miles. It's Monday's route in reverse, more or less. We started from Islip, and walked the Ridge Road first, past the holiday cottages and on into Aldwincle coming out near Pear Tree Farm, then picking up the Nene Way ad following it through Titchmarsh Nature Reserve. Lots of herons in evidence today. We picked a few blackberries as well.

 An unripe walnut.

Changing skies.

More Himalayan Balsam

Swans on the lake

 We didn't cross the footbridge this time, but stayed on the west side of the river, walking through a shady section of woodland, and over a large field with cows, following the Nene Way.

 At Islip Mill we crossed Mill Lane and followed signs fro the Nene Way through a couple of fields and the pub garden and back to the High Street.

We picked up a sandwich at the Cafe at 34 in Thrapston.