Lyddington to Uppingham

 Tuesday 12th November

With Marta, just over five and a half miles. Weather not so bright as yesterday, but pleasant enough, and warm once we were moving.

We simply followed the road out of the village, past the Waggon Wash, and up hill to the A6003.  I was avoiding the field paths as my boots were still sodden from yesterday.

We turned right along South View, past the cemetery,

and walked round the back streets, past the old grammar school

and the site of the railway station, which Beeching axed in 1964.

We looked into the Scandimania cafe, but it was very full and overheated, so we continued to the 5th element cafe on the main road. Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Coffee. Much quieter, and serving decent coffee and a scone.

A brief wander past the public school, with immaculately kept gardens, then back along the A6003 and down into Lyddington.

Wilbarston to East Carlton and back

 Monday 11th November, with Harry and Maureen

The brightest day we’ve had for a couple of weeks. 

Beautiful views across the Welland valley, blue sky and autumn colours. Fungi.

A sun dog - poorly photographed, fading fast,  on the left above the furthest left part of the building.

This is a short walk, but included around 300 feet of ascent, so we felt reasonably exercised.

The coffee stop at East Carlton, after a walk round the park itself, made a good break at around the three mile mark.

Wing circular

 Sunday 10th November 2024, with Harry.

The same route as this, but in reverse.  The first time for almost two weeks that we’ve seen anything above the clouds!

Burghley Park to Stamford and back.

 Saturday 8th November

With Harry. 3.5 miles (ish).

After lunch we went out to Burghley park, walked into Stamford, had coffee outside Scandi Mania,

and walked back separately as Harry went into the Arts Centre.

Autumn colours, tick;

fungi among the dead leaves,tick;

deer among the trees, tick.

Though still grey and not warm at all.

All back before the “dusk” when the car park is closed. On the way back we decided it was probably the time when the first wild rabbit emerges for its crepuscular forage.

Weekley Hall Wood from Geddington

 Tuesday 5th November

With Marta. 6 miles on a grey, dry day, where even the autumn colours looked muted. 

I tried to inject a bit of colour with my headband and earrings.

We took our usual route through the woodland, and had a long coffee break at the local Starbucks, where a few people were working on laptops. A pleasant big space.

On the way back we almost had a glimpse of the sun for about 30 seconds, and there was the faintest promise of blue sky, but then it was gone.

The brightest coloured leaves were on a plum tree in a garden!

Empingham to Normanton car park and back

Monday 4th November

With Kate. A 6 mile there and back walk, with a coffee break at the Harbour Cafe.     

Everywhere was calm and mild, no wind, but grey.

Pickwell, Leicestershire

 Friday 1st November 2024

With Harry, probably a little over a mile. 

Behind the church…

This was a very short stroll from outside All Saints church, along Main Street, 

Possibly the entrance to the old vicarage? A grand house anyway.

and then part way along the bridleway which leads towards Cold Overton.

Slightly muddy in places, but at the highest point there are wide views over the countryside, and a glimpse of Whissendine windmill among the trees.

Then another quick view of the big house’s drive way.

and Strawberry Court - a mews-like area.