Recent Walks and reporting Right of Way issues (below)
15th July: Shorter Walk - Fleckney
Nineteen people gathered at The Old Crown for the start of this lovely 5 mile walk. Through housing estates and into the park where we came across very sociable people; a baby who decided to offer up a smile to one of our members and a man who took an interest in where we were heading off to as he was going fishing at Saddington. We stopped for our coffee break at Saddington church however no sight of the longer walkers who had by this time, long left the village.
After our break someone stopped their car to ask which walking group we are as he is looking to join one; the recruitment drive is well underway!
Passing through fields and horses in the gateway, we came to the canal. Our walk took us along the canal (where we saw sheep taking a dip/drink) back to Millenium Woods. It was a bit disconcerting that we hadn't seen any birds so back in Fleckney, great to be welcomed by a 'scream of swifts'. A group stayed for a well prepared lunch at The Old Crown who looked after us very well; a great end to a very convivial walk with good company.
15th July: Longer Walk - Cotes
A group of nine walkers met in the hamlet of Cotes, in a very rural setting, yet a mere stones’ throw from Loughborough.
We walked northwest to join the Cross Britain Way, traversing the tops of fields of ripe cereal crops, ready and waiting for harvesting. Our coffee stop, toward the end of this section, overlooked Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Centre, the Services/NHS facility helping injured military personnel.
Turning off the long distance path, we passed through the village of Hoton, and on to a cool, shaded spot by Prestwold church, for an early lunch. Our route then took us through a field of cattle, all of which conserved their energy, remaining gently resting under the summer sun. (If only all cattle always behaved like that).
We doubled back across the front of Prestwold Hall, used these days as a wedding and conference venue, through the woods, and on to Burton on the Wolds. It was then an easy route back, via the fields, to Cotes.
We enjoyed a pleasant day, mainly not too hot, with a delightful group, ambling across charming, very English, countryside.
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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.