Blore Pastures

Wednesday 30 March 2022

7 ½ miles Leader: Howard A.

Weather 5°C. cold breeze.

No. on walk 8

I think the lack of numbers on today’s walk was probably influenced by the weather report of rain followed by snow showers, neither of which happened, although a chill breeze throughout, it didn’t affect us much, as we had come prepared for much worse. We had a splendid walk, starting from the car park, picnic site, making our way across the field opposite, rounding the base of Hazelton Clump to pass by The Waterings Farm, to the north and on over open grassy fields to Calton Green, where we stopped, roadside, for our morning break. From there we made our way to Slade House, to go north east then north to Throwley Hall, viewing both the new and the old. From here we followed the long, trafficless, road down to Rushley, where we stopped on the bridge over the near waterless River Hamp for our lunch. We continued along the road and then followed the river and the Manifold Way into Ilam Park. Here three went for coffee, intending to finish the walk after refreshment, the remainder walked back over St. Bertram’s bridge, taking the uphill path, south back to the car park. Four then drove into Ilam for coffee, whilst I returned home. We didn’t see rain nor snow, but we were treated to the sight of a flock of Red Wings taking off as we approached them. Otherwise, we saw very few folks around and very little traffic to hinder us, so it was one thirty when I arrived back at the car park and home before two.