Recent Walks and reporting Right of Way issues (below)
11th February: Shorter Walk - Billesdon
Eighteen of us set out from The Queen’s Head at Billesdon, having agreed with the landlord that we wouldn’t return till 1.00 pm, giving them time to serve another walking group first. Happily for us, the showers forecast didn’t materialise, so we didn’t have to dawdle in the rain to ensure our ETA.
Some early signs of spring on a mild if cloudy day; a shepherd and his two dogs moving sheep; snowdrops abounding in the woods, banks and road edges, and birdsong noticeable. The one stretch of footpath was wettish, but not muddy, and the remainder of the walk was on roads and tracks. Our 5.5 mile walk passed through pretty, undulating countryside, and we paused at Rolleston Lake to take in the view.
All of us stayed for lunch, and received a warm welcome as always, and good food.
11th February: Longer Walk - Kibworth circular
Eleven ramblers turned up to face whatever the weather threw at us but as George Formby said “It’s turned out nice again” contrary to the forecast and we even had sun towards the end of the walk. It was planned to be a 9 mile circular walk from Kibworth using a mix of tracks, canal paths and some roads but the Canal and River Trust had clearly not looked at our calendar and a stretch of the canal was blocked. As this cut a good mile off the planned route a change was made to extend the walk to its original length by going over some fields of mud! We had to paddle through one rather large puddle. There was an unexpected bonus of lunch outside The Bell in Burton Overy before the short hop back to Kibworth. A lovely walk, dry overhead if not underfoot.
Reporting issues with Public Rights Of Way
Whether on a KRG led walk or under your own steam you may come across deficiencies in public rights of way. These my include dilapidated stiles, overgrown footpaths, blockages (intentional or otherwise) and a number of other impediments to the enjoyment of the countryside. Members are encouraged to report these to the relevant authorities.
If in Leicestershire you can use their website to report issues with public rights of way
Click here to go to Leicestershire "Report it" page.
If in North or West Northamptonshire issues with public rights of ways can be reported via their "Street Doctor - Fix my Street" service using the 'Rights of Way' report option. Click here to go to the Fix my Street website. To ensure that the reporting system works properly, when you select the category of the problem make sure that you choose 'Rights of Way' rather than 'Footway/Footpath'.
Please help to keep the countryside open to all.