Walk 07/2007 – Jurassic Way – Part 5

Sunday 25th March 2007

We walked part 5 of the Jurassic Way in the reverse direction, i.e. starting in the village of Winwick with the finish in the village of Sibbertoft. The purpose of this was to conclude the walk with delicious home made cakes and a decent pot of tea served at the village hall (see walk ‘archives ref. no 19 in 2006’)

As instructed we parked the cars in the most picturesque grounds of the red bricked Elizabethan manor house, ‘Winwick manor’ built adjacent to a delightful 13th C church. We later realised that it was only to be the many guests invited to a private Christening ceremony that were expected to park in this location!

Our walk was of approximately 10 – 12 miles (are you still doubting it was only 10 miles? – Ed) taking us across the undulating lush countryside of Leicestershire. The weather was changeable, starting with a cold and misty grey sky but then clearing to bright blue skies and sunshine in the afternoon. We experienced a range of countryside views, crossing a number of crop fields using well-maintained footpaths and stiles where we witnessed the elegant flight of a buzzard. We then crossed large open fields where we saw several cute lambs enjoying their spring afternoon. We had damp grass on which to perch for our much–needed coffee break before descending down a gorse hill. It was a pity that the A 14 intruded on our peace at this point, but we were soon able to move away from the noise and join a very pleasant path parallel to the charming canal. Later we passed by the Welford Reservoir and at this tranquil spot we received a brief and technical lesson from the group’s “Dam Expert”, the topic was management of water around the canals and reservoirs, you never know what nugget of information is around the corner when on these walks!

Lunch was in a bluebell wood, the leaves had started to sprout but with no bloom at this time of the year, it must be a real picture when the flowers do open into their blue carpet. Post lunch Noelyne introduced us to the importance of giving a tree a hug for it to be able to continue to flourish happily. Some corny suggestions were then offered; does the tree remind Noelyne of ex boyfriends – a bit wooden and rough at the edges? The day was most enjoyable with plenty of different experiences in preparation for Eastertide. Throughout the day we witnessed so many beautiful springtime sights, from the little wren making her nest in preparation for her babies to the most delightful host of golden daffodils scattered around Weldon church built in local and distinctive sandstone.

Alas the biggest disappointment was the village hall was closed with no offer of those scrumptious cakes and tea. What a great pity, but we drowned our sorrows with a well–earned pint in the local Red Lion – which was a bit of a strange place.

Cathy

Walk rating – Good

The church in Winwick where we parked after signs in the village told us not to park there.	The street in Winwick along which we must not park.
Nigel climbs up one of these strange gate posts. Is he really going round the twist or has he just lost his balls?	Nigel again co–stars in the picture. Nigel is on the right.
The plaque on the stone.	The path drops down between some gorse bushes causing the walk leader to walk straight past. Fortunately Trevor was awake.
Part of the walk goes along the Grand Union Canal.	This buidling had an interesting dove cote.
A Spring picture of the church in Welford.	Someone wanted the “Ahhhhh!” factor.
Welford reservoir.	For the technically minded, an interesting dam device – a cranked–spindle scour pipe valve operating drive!