Branston, Eastwell and Eaton, 17th December 2017

Richard's undulating walk near the Leicestershire / Lincolnshire border ...

 ... explored the headwaters of the River Devon and the Belvoir Ridge from Branston to Eastwell and Eaton making use of sections of the Jubilee Way.  Ten miles, mud and 330m of climbing left all of us needing refreshment at the end.

The start - St Guthlac's Church, Branston

Just after the start - steps down to (or in some cases up from) an ironstone gullet - a long, deep and narrow trench or pit from which the ironstone was quarried.

Descent from the Harby Hills

Approaching Eaton

St Denys Parish Church, Eaton, one of the Leicestershire Ironstone Churches

What a difference a day (or two) makes - here is the same view taken on the recce by Roger.

And an even better view showing the much weathered ironstone.

 

At Eaton, the route rejoined the Jublilee Way before leaving it to head back to Branston.

Kinoulton and Hickling Christmas walk, 10th December 2017

 

Twelve brave souls managed to walk the walk from Kinoulton along the canal to Hickling and back instead of Roger's original route to Colston Bassett, abandoned due to the sudden snowfall.

 At Hickling we enjoyed the customary mulled wine and mince pies ...

... as did the camouflaged swans (the mince pie crumbs that is)...

... before heading back along the canal ...

... and joining the non-walking VBR members at the Nevile Arms ...

... for Christmas lunch, a quiz and a raffle.

This will be a short speech, very short

Thanks Roger, Sheila & Elaine (mulled wine), Brenda & Sue (lunch and raffle), Dave (quiz), John (The Boss) and the staff at the Nevile Arms who coped very well with the unexpected number of diners.  And sorry to those members who could not make it due to the weather.

Queniborough, Gaddesby, Barsby and South Croxton, 3rd December 2017

Another good VBR turnout (27) on Paul's Queniborough walk ...

 ... to Gaddesby, Barsby and South Croxton, originally planned for March this year but postponed due to very inclement weather and probable flooding near the Queniborough and Gaddesby Brooks next to the route.  No problems with rain this time but plenty of mud.

The start next to St Mary's Church, Queniborough

St Mary's Church

Queniborough Dovecote, built in 1705 but rebuilt when it threatened to fall down

And this is what it looks like inside

Coffee stop at the Cheney arms. This unusual and interesting name is of Old French origin, introduced into England by the Normans. The derivation is from the Old French "chesne, chesnai", oak tree, oak grove, from the medieval Latin "casnetum".

Barsby Farm - "straight ahead at the red building", but don't use these instruction next time

Lunch - St John the Baptist, South Croxton

South Croxton - celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubileee, 2002