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REPORTS |
Clearing the sleep from our eyes as it was after all 10am on New Years day we made the short journey from Peterborough to Exton in Rutland.
Finding ample parking just up the road from the pub the six of us set off around the eight mile walk.
Having felt that it was quite warm in Peterborough it seemed a bit colder in Exton. In fact the temperature could not have been above 1–3 degrees the whole day.
The route took us loosely around the area called Exton Park on the Map.
The first part of the walk took us across farmland which was quite open and gently rolling. When we were just in sight of the village of Greetham a jogger approached us asking for directions. (Surely she couldn’t have been lost could she?). Anyway about 10 minutes later she came past us going the other way, so I guess she was just reversing her run.
Beyond Greetham we could appreciate that the ground was frozen. If it had been warmer it would have been a slog through the mud.
We next had to negotiate the path through Greetham Valley Golf Course. The marking of the path was good right up to the club house where it petered out. This drew you into walking right past the club house building. At this point in time there seemed to be a bit of a rush of golfers up to the club house; so perhaps it was lunch time? I think we could have quite easily slipped inside for a warming drink at this point.
A few minutes further on we came upon a group of children walking their dogs next to nicely set pond. The path marker was placed right in the middle of a V of two paths. We took the left as the map suggested bringing us along the valley. The children said nothing to us.
Further on it began to seem that we might have gone the wrong way. There was what looked like a more recently created fishing pond with a new alpine style hut which was probably for renting out to fishermen. The more inquisitive amongst the group decided to have a good look through the window. They must have got too close as they set off the burglar alarm! Strangely we didn’t hang around too long..... Further up the track it was becoming more apparent that we had gone the wrong way as now we were following the course of a 4x4 off road handling circuit Fortunately towards the back of the property we could exit the field onto the current route of the footpath. Examining the map it was felt that it had probably been rerouted at some point, just not very clearly!
We now walked along North Brook towards Fort Henry. ‘Fort Henry is a magical mock–gothic fishing folly built in 1788 by William Legg for Henry, Earl of Gainsborough. This wonderfully romantic building sits on the edge of a lake, covered in the summer with water lilies and at times host to hundreds of swans.’ Click for reference.
It was apparent that the lake was a popular place to come for a walk from Exton by the large number of people we saw around this area. There was a very healthy population of moles living alongside the brook as the pathway was more like a minefield than a grassy path.
We stopped in view of Fort Henry for lunch and watched the birds squabbling noisily on the lake. Each end of the lake was iced over. As we left the lake another sign of the cold were the icicles around the discharge culvert.
Later on we met a lady walking her dogs. A large shaggy haired breed with black hair. [Ed – yes, I think she came from Transylvania!] One dog was grown up and the other a pup (sister and brother). Initially the pup stayed away from us then later when it decided we were ok was rapidly jumping all over Alan. Eventually the owner persuaded it to carry on with its walk.
Crossing some tall, awkward stiles there was a strong assertion by some of the ladies that these items were built by men with long legs. [Well I suppose they definitely were not build by men with short legs!!] We dropped down a bank further up the path which was a bit slippery underfoot. Jackie took it upon herself to not risk falling down by opting to slide down on her backside. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to this approach – make your own choice.
We ended the walk back in Exton. Much of the centre is still in an original building style. There is a central open green space surrounded by trees.
The Fox and Hounds provided us with a nice location for a quick drink before returning home. After we had sat down we could believe that the pub had the entertainment system on. Actually it was the personal stereo of the young child sitting behind us (playing McFly). The headphones looked like they were by Sony. The sound reproduction at high volume is to be recommended. As for the child’s hearing in later life the prognosis must be more doubtful. Fortunately we did not find the music to be a nuisance.
Report – Simon
Pictures – Alan
Walk rating – Average
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