Whatton and four Smite villages, 23rd August 2020

A magnificent turnout of 22 for Elaine's 7.4 mile walk starting at the Village Hall in Whatton, passing through Aslockton, Thoroton, Hawksworth and Orston before returning along the Smite and over Blackberry Hill.
No chance of a group photo these days but will this do as a register of participants?

Church of St John of Beverley, Whatton


Setting off on the Smite Valley flatlands

Coffee stop at the church of St Mary and All Saints, Hawksworth

Thoroton's 14th century dovecote.  Approximately 600 nest boxes were built into the walls and the young pigeons, called squabs, were eaten before they fledged at about six weeks old 

River Smite, not always this low as the last attempt at this walk was halted by its flooding

St Mary's Church, Orston for lunch
Originally created for Orston's entry in the 2015 Best Kept Village competition - not the same flowers of course



The mighty Blackberry Hill just before Whatton - only a 5m climb but excellent views from the summit