Monday, July 05, 2010
Bit Slack Posting!!
I seem to have forgot about posting lately... although the good news is I haven't forgotten all about training- I've still been doing some!!
Last Tuesday I decided to go to the Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont and do a double circuit of the Regatta Lake- approximately 3 miles all the way round. It is quite a demoralising run, as you can see the end of the lake (which is basically a huge rectangle) seemingly miles away, and it never seems to get any closer. Finally, you round the top and start the long stretch down the other side- into the wind. Add to this several groups of geese to negotiate and lots of geese sh*t- I had had enough by the time I got to the top of the lake a second time but stuck with it and ended up doing 8.25 miles by the time I got home.
I have also introduced my body back to the gym, and taken a few local walks/ runs in the evenings. Here are a few pics;
Baby swans!!
I must must MUST do a long walk very soon... I have had a busy couple of weekends so am actively planning one for Saturday. At the moment I am flirting with John Merrill's Little John Challenge walk- it's fairly local, I haven't done it yet and it's 28 relatively easy miles...
Last Tuesday I decided to go to the Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont and do a double circuit of the Regatta Lake- approximately 3 miles all the way round. It is quite a demoralising run, as you can see the end of the lake (which is basically a huge rectangle) seemingly miles away, and it never seems to get any closer. Finally, you round the top and start the long stretch down the other side- into the wind. Add to this several groups of geese to negotiate and lots of geese sh*t- I had had enough by the time I got to the top of the lake a second time but stuck with it and ended up doing 8.25 miles by the time I got home.
I have also introduced my body back to the gym, and taken a few local walks/ runs in the evenings. Here are a few pics;
Labels: John Merrill
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Another Slog...
This training is becoming a bit of a slog now, to be honest. I am entering into the last two months of 'hard' training before I have to start thinking of tapering, and it can be a real effort to force myself out of the door for another few hours slog through wet, muddy fields. Which might have cows in.
Last week was a bit dodgy, being Christmas and all, but I managed a 7 mile run Tuesday, including my hill route. It was quite encouraging actually, as I hadn't done this for a while but it felt easier than before, and I felt quite strong after.
Wednesday and Thursday I did bugger all apart from eat and walk the dogs with mum Christmas afternoon. Hope everyone got good presents- Santa brought me a Marmot convertible mesh sun hat for the desert- it's already sand coloured which is a bonus! Plus loads of chocolate... but my excuse is that I will burn it off... I already had money to buy my Tikka headtorch from Likeys at the Brecons Ultra.
Friday I redeemed myself slightly by putting on the rucksack, loaded to around 6 kg, and marching round Colwick Park for 8 miles.
Yesterday I decided on one of the walks in the John Merrill guides. I ended up putting three short walks together to make one long one of around 15 miles. It was bloody freezing, and with that oppressive grey sky that just saps the spirit. I loaded the rucksack to 6 kg again, and left Hoveringham to jog along the River Trent. I'd done this stretch before, and soon reached the Hazelford Nursing Home. The next stretch, up to Fiskerton, was the first part of the second walk, and virgin territory for me- this second walk basically follows the Trent from Fiskerton down to the Nursing Home, and back, with a slight deviation across fields to cut out a bit of the river.
I got to the locks but couldn't find the footpath, so gave up and followed the river along a slippery track. I reached Fiskerton and followed a well maintained path to a car park and start of the third walk; there was a great long line of seagulls along railings here, but they all flew off one by one as I approached.
The next part became a bit monotonous, as it involved following the river- again- passing kilometre markers. The path was quite good here though and I jogged a lot of it. If it was sunny it would probably have been quite scenic, although at least it was dry...
... until I turned away from the river along a bridleway track back to Fiskerton, which was rather muddy. It was difficult to jog so I took advantage of this and ate a Snickers. Reaching the car park back at Fiskerton (and ending the third walk), I found a sign detailing rights of way. I managed to work out the field path I had failed to find, and managed to follow this back to the lock, which cut out the muddiest river section, and retraced my steps back to the Nursing Home to complete the second walk.
I was feeling a little too smug at managing to find the field path, but this was short lived! The route description instructed me to follow the road round a left hand bend, and take a footpath where the road starts to bend right; I found a path, and followed it as instructed- it was extremely wet and muddy, and seemed to take far longer to reach Gibsmere than it should. But there were foosteps in the mud, so I pressed on.
And reached a dead end. So was forced to retrace my steps back through the mud and the wet... I had nearly reached the road again when I noticed another footpath a little further on from the one I had taken...
Yep- this was the one I should have taken, and it was just a short walk into the village. The last part of the walk involved following a bridleway along tracks and fields back to Hoveringham- very well signed, but very wet and muddy. I was glad to get back to the village and walk back to the car, the walk seemed to take ages!
I forgot my spare shoes so was forced to walk around Morrisons in my filthy walking shoes- can they throw you out for improper foot wear?
Back to the gym tomorrow... me and the gym have been strangers this past week...
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Last week was a bit dodgy, being Christmas and all, but I managed a 7 mile run Tuesday, including my hill route. It was quite encouraging actually, as I hadn't done this for a while but it felt easier than before, and I felt quite strong after.
Wednesday and Thursday I did bugger all apart from eat and walk the dogs with mum Christmas afternoon. Hope everyone got good presents- Santa brought me a Marmot convertible mesh sun hat for the desert- it's already sand coloured which is a bonus! Plus loads of chocolate... but my excuse is that I will burn it off... I already had money to buy my Tikka headtorch from Likeys at the Brecons Ultra.
Friday I redeemed myself slightly by putting on the rucksack, loaded to around 6 kg, and marching round Colwick Park for 8 miles.
Yesterday I decided on one of the walks in the John Merrill guides. I ended up putting three short walks together to make one long one of around 15 miles. It was bloody freezing, and with that oppressive grey sky that just saps the spirit. I loaded the rucksack to 6 kg again, and left Hoveringham to jog along the River Trent. I'd done this stretch before, and soon reached the Hazelford Nursing Home. The next stretch, up to Fiskerton, was the first part of the second walk, and virgin territory for me- this second walk basically follows the Trent from Fiskerton down to the Nursing Home, and back, with a slight deviation across fields to cut out a bit of the river.
I got to the locks but couldn't find the footpath, so gave up and followed the river along a slippery track. I reached Fiskerton and followed a well maintained path to a car park and start of the third walk; there was a great long line of seagulls along railings here, but they all flew off one by one as I approached.
The next part became a bit monotonous, as it involved following the river- again- passing kilometre markers. The path was quite good here though and I jogged a lot of it. If it was sunny it would probably have been quite scenic, although at least it was dry...
... until I turned away from the river along a bridleway track back to Fiskerton, which was rather muddy. It was difficult to jog so I took advantage of this and ate a Snickers. Reaching the car park back at Fiskerton (and ending the third walk), I found a sign detailing rights of way. I managed to work out the field path I had failed to find, and managed to follow this back to the lock, which cut out the muddiest river section, and retraced my steps back to the Nursing Home to complete the second walk.
I was feeling a little too smug at managing to find the field path, but this was short lived! The route description instructed me to follow the road round a left hand bend, and take a footpath where the road starts to bend right; I found a path, and followed it as instructed- it was extremely wet and muddy, and seemed to take far longer to reach Gibsmere than it should. But there were foosteps in the mud, so I pressed on.
And reached a dead end. So was forced to retrace my steps back through the mud and the wet... I had nearly reached the road again when I noticed another footpath a little further on from the one I had taken...
Yep- this was the one I should have taken, and it was just a short walk into the village. The last part of the walk involved following a bridleway along tracks and fields back to Hoveringham- very well signed, but very wet and muddy. I was glad to get back to the village and walk back to the car, the walk seemed to take ages!
I forgot my spare shoes so was forced to walk around Morrisons in my filthy walking shoes- can they throw you out for improper foot wear?
Back to the gym tomorrow... me and the gym have been strangers this past week...
Labels: Hoveringham, John Merrill, Snickers
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Seventeen (And A Bit!) Miler...
Had quite a good week training wise... Tuesday I went along to the fitness evening, which turned out to be a promotional event for the personal trainers. I opted for the Cardio fitness test, which involved stepping up and down for three minutes and then having my pulse taken... then he announced that I have 'average' cardio fitness! Average!?!?!?! I was gutted!! Ok, he did say that the test wasn't really accurate, but he seemed to expect me to be pleased with that! Average- bloody hell!! The one good point is that my upper body strength (measured in press ups) is 'good'.
I pushed myself on the treadmill, covering 5 miles in all- a combination of fast running, walking on incline and then 15 minutes jogging on incline. I went back to the gym Friday and pushed myself again, running fast for 35 minutes. I also tried out the stepper for 20 minutes and went on the ellipticals for 20, making sure I increased the resistance every few minutes. Huh... average...
The fixed weights seem to get quite busy; I love the bingo wing blaster!! Have been making sure I concentrate on the weights as well as the cardio. I feel I am at a bit of a crossroads with my training... general consensus is that it does little good to keep churning out long, slow runs along the pavement; it is better to do less mileage over more 'quality' sessions. I have also done a 6 mile fast walk this week, and the hilly run again, which was 5 miles, plus of course the 'speed' (and I use that term very loosely!) sessions on the treadmill.
As I hadn't done a long walk/ run for some time, and the Ultra I have entered in the Brecon Beacons is now only 3 weeks away, I decided to do a 17 miler today, starting in the next village- Burton Joyce. This was one out of my John Merrill 'Long Walks in Nottinghamshire' book. I didn't want to run it all, but was a bit concerned about running out of daylight, so thought I'd better get a bit of a shift on. Fortunately it was a lovely day, and I regretted not taking my camera- I still haven't got round to getting a new battery for the little camera though- how disorganised is that!
I loaded my pack to about 5 kg, parked up by the recreation ground and headed down to the river Trent. The first 7 miles are along the Trent, and it is quite scenic. It was a combination of easy grassy tracks and thin muddy paths until Gunthorpe Locks, where it became wide grassy banks. I ran most of the river path, well, more of a slowish jog if I'm being honest! At one point I had to pass close by some bulls; I was rather concerned, as they were huge beasties with wide raking horns, rings through their nose, the works!! Luckily they were totally disinterested and just kept a beady bovine eye on me as I shuffled past.
The instructions advised me to leave the river, finally, at the Hazelford Ferry Hotel, which is now an old folk's home. A bit of road walking brought me to the village of Bleasby, where I bought a fruit drink, and then I followed a footpath through fields and over a railway line to the village of Thurgarton. I got a little confused here as the book told me to turn left at the junction and turn right to the church and priory 20 yards later. I saw a road signed to the church opposite, so took it, but couldn't find the bridleway I was supposed to be looking for. I started to retrace my steps, and passed a lady who informed me it was a little further down the road.
The bridleway went uphill quite steeply, and was rather muddy. I nearly went wrong again, but saw people walking down the field and realised I should have taken a left turn. I followed a muddy track along the ridge to a wood, and stopped for my cheese and pickle sandwiches. I had been mainly walking along the bridleway as it was so muddy under foot. That didn't change! It was just after this that I got a bit confused again... I found the correct track to and then round a small coppice, and then reached a minor road, where the instructions told me to turn left to the village of Epperstone. It seemed to take ages to reach the village, and when I read the instructions again, they mentioned passing a farm and turning right. The farm had been across the road when I reached it- so, I retraced my steps, back to the bridleway, and went the other way- to discover that the road eventually reached a dead end in a farmyard! Cursing, I retraced my steps, and asked a rather nervous horse rider (must be the rucksack that scared her!) if I was on the road to Epperstone.
She assured me I was, so I retraced my steps- again- and jogged right down to the village. I was getting a bit concerned now that I may not be back before dark! I had a bit of to-ing and fro-ing in the first field out of Epperstone- there was a sign to say that this was a 'turf' field, and strips of turf had been sliced away, but the exit wasn't obvious. I finally managed to locate the stile and footbridge, and crossed the road to another footpath to Woodborough.
I was now on another muddy bridleway, which wound uphill quite steeply, past some old propellor planes standing in front of a small hangar, and into the village of Lambley. I followed a funny little path behind the houses, being forced disconcertingly close to an electric fence, before walking down a field, passing a mysterious mound right in the middle of it.
The last bit of the walk was along a bridleway from Lambley to Burton Joyce- there was another steep climb- I made myself run part of it, then the path gave way to a tarmac track, then road, running right down into Burton Joyce. I did it in 5 1/2 hours, was easily back before dark, and probably ended up doing more like 18 miles! The terrain wasn't particularly challenging, although there were a few steep climbs, but at least it's a long walk in the bank. I even managed to clean my filthy running shoes and clean up the resulting mess in the sink before my mate got home (it was a close call though!)
I am really going to have to sit down this week and revise/ devise a training plan for the rest of the time I have left until the MdS! Oh, and find some money so I can actually afford some equipment!!
I pushed myself on the treadmill, covering 5 miles in all- a combination of fast running, walking on incline and then 15 minutes jogging on incline. I went back to the gym Friday and pushed myself again, running fast for 35 minutes. I also tried out the stepper for 20 minutes and went on the ellipticals for 20, making sure I increased the resistance every few minutes. Huh... average...
The fixed weights seem to get quite busy; I love the bingo wing blaster!! Have been making sure I concentrate on the weights as well as the cardio. I feel I am at a bit of a crossroads with my training... general consensus is that it does little good to keep churning out long, slow runs along the pavement; it is better to do less mileage over more 'quality' sessions. I have also done a 6 mile fast walk this week, and the hilly run again, which was 5 miles, plus of course the 'speed' (and I use that term very loosely!) sessions on the treadmill.
As I hadn't done a long walk/ run for some time, and the Ultra I have entered in the Brecon Beacons is now only 3 weeks away, I decided to do a 17 miler today, starting in the next village- Burton Joyce. This was one out of my John Merrill 'Long Walks in Nottinghamshire' book. I didn't want to run it all, but was a bit concerned about running out of daylight, so thought I'd better get a bit of a shift on. Fortunately it was a lovely day, and I regretted not taking my camera- I still haven't got round to getting a new battery for the little camera though- how disorganised is that!
I loaded my pack to about 5 kg, parked up by the recreation ground and headed down to the river Trent. The first 7 miles are along the Trent, and it is quite scenic. It was a combination of easy grassy tracks and thin muddy paths until Gunthorpe Locks, where it became wide grassy banks. I ran most of the river path, well, more of a slowish jog if I'm being honest! At one point I had to pass close by some bulls; I was rather concerned, as they were huge beasties with wide raking horns, rings through their nose, the works!! Luckily they were totally disinterested and just kept a beady bovine eye on me as I shuffled past.
The instructions advised me to leave the river, finally, at the Hazelford Ferry Hotel, which is now an old folk's home. A bit of road walking brought me to the village of Bleasby, where I bought a fruit drink, and then I followed a footpath through fields and over a railway line to the village of Thurgarton. I got a little confused here as the book told me to turn left at the junction and turn right to the church and priory 20 yards later. I saw a road signed to the church opposite, so took it, but couldn't find the bridleway I was supposed to be looking for. I started to retrace my steps, and passed a lady who informed me it was a little further down the road.
The bridleway went uphill quite steeply, and was rather muddy. I nearly went wrong again, but saw people walking down the field and realised I should have taken a left turn. I followed a muddy track along the ridge to a wood, and stopped for my cheese and pickle sandwiches. I had been mainly walking along the bridleway as it was so muddy under foot. That didn't change! It was just after this that I got a bit confused again... I found the correct track to and then round a small coppice, and then reached a minor road, where the instructions told me to turn left to the village of Epperstone. It seemed to take ages to reach the village, and when I read the instructions again, they mentioned passing a farm and turning right. The farm had been across the road when I reached it- so, I retraced my steps, back to the bridleway, and went the other way- to discover that the road eventually reached a dead end in a farmyard! Cursing, I retraced my steps, and asked a rather nervous horse rider (must be the rucksack that scared her!) if I was on the road to Epperstone.
She assured me I was, so I retraced my steps- again- and jogged right down to the village. I was getting a bit concerned now that I may not be back before dark! I had a bit of to-ing and fro-ing in the first field out of Epperstone- there was a sign to say that this was a 'turf' field, and strips of turf had been sliced away, but the exit wasn't obvious. I finally managed to locate the stile and footbridge, and crossed the road to another footpath to Woodborough.
I was now on another muddy bridleway, which wound uphill quite steeply, past some old propellor planes standing in front of a small hangar, and into the village of Lambley. I followed a funny little path behind the houses, being forced disconcertingly close to an electric fence, before walking down a field, passing a mysterious mound right in the middle of it.
The last bit of the walk was along a bridleway from Lambley to Burton Joyce- there was another steep climb- I made myself run part of it, then the path gave way to a tarmac track, then road, running right down into Burton Joyce. I did it in 5 1/2 hours, was easily back before dark, and probably ended up doing more like 18 miles! The terrain wasn't particularly challenging, although there were a few steep climbs, but at least it's a long walk in the bank. I even managed to clean my filthy running shoes and clean up the resulting mess in the sink before my mate got home (it was a close call though!)
I am really going to have to sit down this week and revise/ devise a training plan for the rest of the time I have left until the MdS! Oh, and find some money so I can actually afford some equipment!!
Labels: gym, John Merrill, walk
Monday, September 01, 2008
A Busy Weekend!!
Last week was a quite good week, training wise- a 41 mile week!! I got the 10 miler in on Wednesday night- shock, horror, the new Brookes got a little dirty!! I only went quite slowly and had a loo break but was quite pleased with the result!
Thursday was more gym- 30 minutes running on the treadmill, I felt quite tired but pushed through, popping a 5 minute inclination walk in the middle. Then back to 20 minutes on Brian and the elliptical (hmm sounds like a bad pop group...'introducing Brian and The Ellipticals...' Then the usual strength training- but how come whichever weight machine I leave til last suddenly attracts loads of attention just when I am ready to use it...
Friday was rest and pizza day, but had intended a 16 miler Saturday... however it is that time of the month... when all I want to do is slob around and eat chocolate and do the sloth thing, so was completely lacking in motivation. Stricken with guilt over eating so much rubbish, I did strap on a 4 kgish pack and haul myself up to Swithland Woods to walk through them into Bradgate Park (economics- it costs £2.50 to park in Bradgate and £1 to park in the woods!)
It is about 1 1/2 miles through the woods to Bradgate if you don't get lost and end up wandering aimlessly- suffice to say it was about 3 for me!! It was lovely and sunny, and I did a good circuit of the park, finding the steepest climbs I could to try to prepare my legs for next weekend's Bullock Smithy. I didn't take my Garmin as intended to stick to walking but estimate I did 8 to 8 1/2 miles.
Sunday, the weather forecast gave sunny spells with heavy showers moving in towards the evening- perfect conditions for the 16 miler! This was another route in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill, and one I had planned to do for a while. The walk starts in the hamlet of Zouch, just outside Loughborough, and I walked through fields to neighbouring Normanton-on-Soar (friendly cows in the field who just ignored me).
The route soon joined the River Soar, marking the boundary between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, and, although the day had started misty, the sun was just starting to break through the clouds- I was naively anticipating a scorcher... I ran through the fields when the terrain wasn't too bad, and my pack was around 5 kg.
The River Soar
Shortly after crossing a railway line, the route again followed the river before turning a sharp left up to Stanford-on-Soar. Unfortunately it wasn't well signed, and I turned left too late, so had to scramble over a fence and bank to the road.
Impressive Railway Bridge
The next stage was along the Hoton Hills, a stretch I did on my 'Barrow Bash' in June; a bridleway that traverses a grassy ridge, with sweeping views over Stanford Hall. As I joined the path, I passed a chap walking his two dogs, who told me to keep a look out for the cherry trees at the top. I managed to run (slowly!!) up onto the ridge, and kept an eye out for the cherry trees. I found them and picked small, sweet black cherries and blackberries to snack on.
I ran the rest of the ridge, dropping down into Hoton and then picking up the road to Prestwold. The route followed a path which snaked through woods before doubling back through a field before heading back towards Prestwold Hall. I think the route had changed since John Merrill last walked it, as I got slightly lost for a few minutes!
As I passed the front of Prestwold Hall, it started to rain- the promised showers had arrived about 5 hours early!
Prestwold Hall And Church
I made my way through the woods and along the road to a footpath running through fields to the Cotes Road- the rain had eased off slightly but returned in earnest as soon as I reached the road, I was alternating running and walking. The final stages of the route followed the canal through Loughborough back to Zouch- you can see the rain in the picture below!
Loughborough Canal
Thursday was more gym- 30 minutes running on the treadmill, I felt quite tired but pushed through, popping a 5 minute inclination walk in the middle. Then back to 20 minutes on Brian and the elliptical (hmm sounds like a bad pop group...'introducing Brian and The Ellipticals...' Then the usual strength training- but how come whichever weight machine I leave til last suddenly attracts loads of attention just when I am ready to use it...
Friday was rest and pizza day, but had intended a 16 miler Saturday... however it is that time of the month... when all I want to do is slob around and eat chocolate and do the sloth thing, so was completely lacking in motivation. Stricken with guilt over eating so much rubbish, I did strap on a 4 kgish pack and haul myself up to Swithland Woods to walk through them into Bradgate Park (economics- it costs £2.50 to park in Bradgate and £1 to park in the woods!)
It is about 1 1/2 miles through the woods to Bradgate if you don't get lost and end up wandering aimlessly- suffice to say it was about 3 for me!! It was lovely and sunny, and I did a good circuit of the park, finding the steepest climbs I could to try to prepare my legs for next weekend's Bullock Smithy. I didn't take my Garmin as intended to stick to walking but estimate I did 8 to 8 1/2 miles.
Sunday, the weather forecast gave sunny spells with heavy showers moving in towards the evening- perfect conditions for the 16 miler! This was another route in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill, and one I had planned to do for a while. The walk starts in the hamlet of Zouch, just outside Loughborough, and I walked through fields to neighbouring Normanton-on-Soar (friendly cows in the field who just ignored me).
The route soon joined the River Soar, marking the boundary between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, and, although the day had started misty, the sun was just starting to break through the clouds- I was naively anticipating a scorcher... I ran through the fields when the terrain wasn't too bad, and my pack was around 5 kg.
The River SoarShortly after crossing a railway line, the route again followed the river before turning a sharp left up to Stanford-on-Soar. Unfortunately it wasn't well signed, and I turned left too late, so had to scramble over a fence and bank to the road.
Impressive Railway BridgeThe next stage was along the Hoton Hills, a stretch I did on my 'Barrow Bash' in June; a bridleway that traverses a grassy ridge, with sweeping views over Stanford Hall. As I joined the path, I passed a chap walking his two dogs, who told me to keep a look out for the cherry trees at the top. I managed to run (slowly!!) up onto the ridge, and kept an eye out for the cherry trees. I found them and picked small, sweet black cherries and blackberries to snack on.
I ran the rest of the ridge, dropping down into Hoton and then picking up the road to Prestwold. The route followed a path which snaked through woods before doubling back through a field before heading back towards Prestwold Hall. I think the route had changed since John Merrill last walked it, as I got slightly lost for a few minutes!
As I passed the front of Prestwold Hall, it started to rain- the promised showers had arrived about 5 hours early!
Prestwold Hall And ChurchI made my way through the woods and along the road to a footpath running through fields to the Cotes Road- the rain had eased off slightly but returned in earnest as soon as I reached the road, I was alternating running and walking. The final stages of the route followed the canal through Loughborough back to Zouch- you can see the rain in the picture below!
Loughborough CanalJust after I passed under the bridge in the picture, two narrowboats came towards me, full of folks who seemed to be dressed up as either pirates or convicts. One boat was moving steadily through the water, but the other one seemed to be weaving from side to side... there was a pirate and convict hanging off the side, whooping. As they passed me, I realised that they were headed towards a large clump of overhanging trees- the two 'hangers on' had to scramble along the sides of the boat and dive into the back before they were swept overboard! They were stuck in the trees for a few minutes before managing to reverse and pull out, hitting the second narrowboat in the process. Looked like fun!!
Loughborough Locks
Loughborough LocksIt was raining heavily now, and I ran along most of the canal. When I reach Normanton-on-Soar I slowed to a walk, as I felt quite tired, and realised I was just about to walk into a field full of cows (luckily they all ignored me too!)
The last stretch seemed endless, and I somehow missed the bridge up to the road at Zouch and came out at the other end of the village. I must say, it was a nice route, and would have been even better had it been sunny! My new shoes were absolutely soaked and appear to have turned a funny shade of yellow, and I have a lovely sore patch on my back where the rucksack rubbed...
I am going to have an easy week this week, and taper for the Bullock Smithy; it is absolutely pouring outside, I am really hoping it clears up before the weekend!!
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, John Merrill, Zouch
Sunday, July 13, 2008
John Merrill Walks
As I hadn't done any longer walks for quite a while, I dug out my walking books and noticed that in the 'Short Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' by John Merrill were two walks that were quite close together- one 5 1/2 miles and one 5 miles. I thought it would be interesting to link them both together, so set of with a not too heavy rucksack- probably around 2.5 kg- and headed for Copt Oak. There's a handy lay by for parking at the start of the first walk, at Warren Hills, and I optimistically set off at a jog down the (busy!) road, past the Bull's Head Inn, the highest in Leicestershire (though that's not saying much!) at 787 feet, towards the first footpath.
The Bull's Head Inn
Things fell apart amazingly quickly. I found the farm the guide book told me to pass to get to the footpath, and carried blithely along the road, expecting to see the footpath sign on my right. It wasn't there. So I got out the map, and realised it was literally just past the farm, and I had gone too far. So back I went, to the farm, where there was a footpath sign... going the wrong way! It should go straight ahead, along a track, but this one veered to the left, parallel to the road.
I thought maybe I should retrace my steps a little, so jogged back up the road- nothing. I got the map out- again- and realised that there was only one footpath along the entire road- so the one veering to the left must be the right one. I walked back towards it, and crossed the road to check that there was a bridleway opposite, as there should be according to the map. There was- so it was obviously the right path but I was feeling pretty p*ssed off by now as I had wasted around half an hour with aimless to-ing and fro-ing, not to mention setting a new personal best by getting lost within the first half mile.
The path was pretty enough, but had me concerned as it was going the total opposite way of where I wanted to go, which was up Bardon Hill. I was hoping it had been rerouted, and would veer round to the right and then join up with the path I needed. I passed a few cows- behind a wire fence, yay- and passed this small pretty pool, jogging where I could without the risk of a broken ankle.
Pool Near Footpath
To my releif, the path was well signed and did join the proper track I needed, turning right and ascending to Beacon Hill- I made myself run uphill before joining a really steep slippery track. I had a nice suprise here though- I suddenly came across several raspberry bushes with loads of plump, ripe fruit, so stopped for elevenses!
There's only really one way to the summit of Bardon Hill, Leicestershire's highest point at a lofty 278 feet (again, not saying much! It hardly matches up to the Alps!!) I have probably mentioned this before, but the hill been totally ruined- just past the trig point the earth just drops away and the whole site is one huge quarry.
View Over The Quarry
Apparently there used to be the rest of the hill here, complete with paths and tracks; it's now a huge blank space on the map!
The Trig Point And Summit Of Bardon Hill 
Looking Towards Mount St Bernards Abbey
The Bull's Head InnThings fell apart amazingly quickly. I found the farm the guide book told me to pass to get to the footpath, and carried blithely along the road, expecting to see the footpath sign on my right. It wasn't there. So I got out the map, and realised it was literally just past the farm, and I had gone too far. So back I went, to the farm, where there was a footpath sign... going the wrong way! It should go straight ahead, along a track, but this one veered to the left, parallel to the road.
I thought maybe I should retrace my steps a little, so jogged back up the road- nothing. I got the map out- again- and realised that there was only one footpath along the entire road- so the one veering to the left must be the right one. I walked back towards it, and crossed the road to check that there was a bridleway opposite, as there should be according to the map. There was- so it was obviously the right path but I was feeling pretty p*ssed off by now as I had wasted around half an hour with aimless to-ing and fro-ing, not to mention setting a new personal best by getting lost within the first half mile.
The path was pretty enough, but had me concerned as it was going the total opposite way of where I wanted to go, which was up Bardon Hill. I was hoping it had been rerouted, and would veer round to the right and then join up with the path I needed. I passed a few cows- behind a wire fence, yay- and passed this small pretty pool, jogging where I could without the risk of a broken ankle.
Pool Near FootpathTo my releif, the path was well signed and did join the proper track I needed, turning right and ascending to Beacon Hill- I made myself run uphill before joining a really steep slippery track. I had a nice suprise here though- I suddenly came across several raspberry bushes with loads of plump, ripe fruit, so stopped for elevenses!
There's only really one way to the summit of Bardon Hill, Leicestershire's highest point at a lofty 278 feet (again, not saying much! It hardly matches up to the Alps!!) I have probably mentioned this before, but the hill been totally ruined- just past the trig point the earth just drops away and the whole site is one huge quarry.
View Over The QuarryApparently there used to be the rest of the hill here, complete with paths and tracks; it's now a huge blank space on the map!
The Trig Point And Summit Of Bardon HillAfter a quick drink, I had to descend by the same track (passing the raspberry bushes again!) and followed a gentle track round the side of the hill through the woods before descending to Greenhill (part of Whitwick). This was near to the end of walk one, and I picked up walk two by jogging along a track connecting Greenhill with Whitwick proper and finding the footpath round another quarry and through fields to Mount St Bernard Abbey. I had walked this bit on the Charnwood Round last September and was mightily relieved to see crops in the fields, not cows! I was expecting it to rain, but apart from a couple of drops, it stayed dry and sunny!
There are a lot of quarries round here, mining granite from the extinct volcanoes- funny to think that Bardon Hill used to be one of a chain of volcanoes rising out of an ancient sea! (I only know that cos I passed an information board at Warren Hills near the end...)
Looking Towards Mount St Bernards AbbeyThe route dropped down through fields and woodland to cross the southern tip of Blackbrook Reservoir; I was feeling the heat now but had a slow run when I could, and when the terrain allowed.
Blackbrook Reservoir
Blackbrook ReservoirThere was a bit of road walking afterwards, past Fenney Windmill, to a busy cross roads, which luckily I didn't have to cross. The sun had really come out in force by this time and it was gorgeous!
Fenny Windmill
Fenny WindmillI turned off onto a track, which led through a huge field of wheat (I think!) to Swannymote Road. There was a large wood on the right, and the guide book suggested going through it to pass the base of a huge rocky outcrop (High Cademan) before turning left and dropping down into Whitwick. I was in two minds, as I was practically bound to miss the left turning and end up wandering aimlessly through the woods for ever, but then thought I ought to have a sense of adventure and decided to go for it! I found the huge rocks making up High Cademan, and took what looked to be the right path. It wasn't- I ended up going through the woods for ages, coming out much higher up than I should have done, and had quite a long road walk back to the route! Should have known...
It was straightforward after that though- back to Whitwick, back along the track to Greenhills, and then over the Warren Hills back to the car. After all the to-ing and fro-ing, aimless wandering and unplanned detours, I reckon I must have done around 14- 15 miles, so not bad! Quite a lot of that was running, too- my left calf feels slightly sore but apart from that, all's ok.
I did the usual gym work out Thursday, and have been walking most evenings, so this week's total is 27 miles so far, but I may walk again tonight. Getting back up there!!
I am flying to Spain on Wednesday, Dad informs me that it was 37 degrees yesterday and they had to sit in the pool to cool off, so should get some idea of how my body copes (or doesn't!) with running/ walking in the heat!
Labels: Bardon Hill, John Merrill, Spain, Whitwick
Sunday, May 04, 2008
The Belvoir Witches Walk
There wasn't a LDWA walk available this weekend so thought I'd pick a long route and do it myself. I have quite a lot of John Merrill's books, and had done this one before; a circular 25 mile route round the Vale of Belvoir (looking at my diary I did it nearly 12 years ago!!! Where does the time go??)
The walk starts and finishes in the village of Bottesford; it is usually a quite little place, but not today! As I drove nearer I found myself in a massive queue as they had decided to have a car boot sale just outside the village! I parked up- eventually- in a free car park in the village and set off (immediately going wrong!!)
I ran in a few places but decided to mainly stick to walking as I have got the 40 mile Ridgeway Walk next Saturday and didn't want to make myself too tired for that! A bit of road walking brought me to the Nottingham to Grantham canal, which I was to follow for the next 5 miles. I was lucky with the weather- it had forecast heavy showers but all I had was a few spots every so often. I plugged my music in and plodded onwards along the easy path next to the canal. It occured to me that when I wrote about storing headphones in my cooking tin during the MdS, I might actually want to have them in easy reach whilst I'm walking, derr!!
I tried something else new; skittles and Tutti Fruttis in a resealable bag, and must say they went down very well!
After the canal, the walk doubles back on itself on the other side of the canal before heading off to Denton Reservoir and the village of Denton. I had to walk through a field of horses, but luckily they were the friendly type!
Preparations were underway in Denton for their street party tomorrow, it was really hot and I was sweating like mad. It didn't help that the next bit was uphill. A footpath kept to the edge of the field to avoid using the road; one of the fields had obviously just been sowed with crops, and consisted of a red soil that was just like sand in consistency- so I ran through it for a bit of practice!
The next bit was down a really muddy track, complete with motorcyclists churning it up even worse. I had decided to have lunch at Woolsthorpe as it was roughly half way, it started spitting a bit so I utilised a nearby tree for shelter and stopped for a cheese sarnie.
After 'lunch' there was quite a long climb up to Belvoir Castle, which commands a stunning viewpoint. Judging by the amount of cars in the car park, it was a popular choice for a Bank Holiday trip out, too! There was a bit of road walking here, which wasn't so good as it was quite busy.
The route picks up the Jubilee Way through woods. I had a bit of a panic when I emerged onto the road as it didn't tally with the book, but guessed the way and got it right! The route then plunges steeply off the main track down a bank; there was an amazing carpet of bluebells amongst the trees, I took a photo with my phone but can't email it to my computer, will really have to get a battery for my camera...
Then it was down another muddy, rutted track and through fields of crops (not cows- phew!) before an uphill road walk to Plungar. I had my water with me but was fantasising about ice cold drinks which will most definately not be an option in the desert. I could feel a couple of hot spots on my feet, and the legs were starting to ache a bit but was otherwise ok. When I reach Plungar, I found myself right next to a pub and was faced with the decision as to whether I should make do with my luke warm water and head onwards or stop for a few minutes and grab a cold drink... no contest really! The lime and lemonade went down very well and was only 90p!
The next 4 miles were back along the canal, a rather quieter stretch, I plugged my music in again and let Robbie, Bon Jovi, Abba, Elton John etc help me back towards Bottesford (I have very varied tastes in music!) My calves were aching and I could feel a blister on one of my left toes, and this last stretch seemed a bit endless. I had a flapjack to keep my strength up, and kept plodding on... eventually I reached the road back to Bottesford and the life and death crossing of the A52. The co-op was still open so I grabbed more cold drinks.
I did the 25 miles in 6 hours 45 minutes, which I'm sure was a lot faster than when I last did it, and am quite pleased with that. My pack weighed around 5 kg at the start, but I found I didn't notice the weight after a bit. I do have a blister and my legs are aching slightly, but apart from that, I'm good.
Tomorrow will be really physically tough... me and a mate are driving out to a little village for a lazy lunch...
The walk starts and finishes in the village of Bottesford; it is usually a quite little place, but not today! As I drove nearer I found myself in a massive queue as they had decided to have a car boot sale just outside the village! I parked up- eventually- in a free car park in the village and set off (immediately going wrong!!)
I ran in a few places but decided to mainly stick to walking as I have got the 40 mile Ridgeway Walk next Saturday and didn't want to make myself too tired for that! A bit of road walking brought me to the Nottingham to Grantham canal, which I was to follow for the next 5 miles. I was lucky with the weather- it had forecast heavy showers but all I had was a few spots every so often. I plugged my music in and plodded onwards along the easy path next to the canal. It occured to me that when I wrote about storing headphones in my cooking tin during the MdS, I might actually want to have them in easy reach whilst I'm walking, derr!!
I tried something else new; skittles and Tutti Fruttis in a resealable bag, and must say they went down very well!
After the canal, the walk doubles back on itself on the other side of the canal before heading off to Denton Reservoir and the village of Denton. I had to walk through a field of horses, but luckily they were the friendly type!
Preparations were underway in Denton for their street party tomorrow, it was really hot and I was sweating like mad. It didn't help that the next bit was uphill. A footpath kept to the edge of the field to avoid using the road; one of the fields had obviously just been sowed with crops, and consisted of a red soil that was just like sand in consistency- so I ran through it for a bit of practice!
The next bit was down a really muddy track, complete with motorcyclists churning it up even worse. I had decided to have lunch at Woolsthorpe as it was roughly half way, it started spitting a bit so I utilised a nearby tree for shelter and stopped for a cheese sarnie.
After 'lunch' there was quite a long climb up to Belvoir Castle, which commands a stunning viewpoint. Judging by the amount of cars in the car park, it was a popular choice for a Bank Holiday trip out, too! There was a bit of road walking here, which wasn't so good as it was quite busy.
The route picks up the Jubilee Way through woods. I had a bit of a panic when I emerged onto the road as it didn't tally with the book, but guessed the way and got it right! The route then plunges steeply off the main track down a bank; there was an amazing carpet of bluebells amongst the trees, I took a photo with my phone but can't email it to my computer, will really have to get a battery for my camera...
Then it was down another muddy, rutted track and through fields of crops (not cows- phew!) before an uphill road walk to Plungar. I had my water with me but was fantasising about ice cold drinks which will most definately not be an option in the desert. I could feel a couple of hot spots on my feet, and the legs were starting to ache a bit but was otherwise ok. When I reach Plungar, I found myself right next to a pub and was faced with the decision as to whether I should make do with my luke warm water and head onwards or stop for a few minutes and grab a cold drink... no contest really! The lime and lemonade went down very well and was only 90p!
The next 4 miles were back along the canal, a rather quieter stretch, I plugged my music in again and let Robbie, Bon Jovi, Abba, Elton John etc help me back towards Bottesford (I have very varied tastes in music!) My calves were aching and I could feel a blister on one of my left toes, and this last stretch seemed a bit endless. I had a flapjack to keep my strength up, and kept plodding on... eventually I reached the road back to Bottesford and the life and death crossing of the A52. The co-op was still open so I grabbed more cold drinks.
I did the 25 miles in 6 hours 45 minutes, which I'm sure was a lot faster than when I last did it, and am quite pleased with that. My pack weighed around 5 kg at the start, but I found I didn't notice the weight after a bit. I do have a blister and my legs are aching slightly, but apart from that, I'm good.
Tomorrow will be really physically tough... me and a mate are driving out to a little village for a lazy lunch...
Labels: Belvoir Witches Walk, John Merrill
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Week Off... (Work That Is, Not Training!!)
I have the week off work and so have made the usual to- do list which as usual isn't having much effect! One of my chores was to update the blog, so at least I can cross this off!
Had quite a busy week training wise... Tuesday I had planned a run, but Katie came round and wanted to go out with me. She tends to exercise sporadically at best, so we managed a 3 mile walk/ run. She was impressed with the Garmin, but asked if it had a light (no she doesn't smoke- it was dark!!) I told her it hadn't, then pressed a button on it the other day and the screen lit up, so guess it has...
Due to working later I didn't go to Body Toning class Wednesday but ran a steady 10 miles round my village and the next. It's quite a good circuit, quite a few runners use it. Thursday was the usual gym session, with elliptical work and treadmill; 3 miles faster running and 1 mile jogging on increasing incline. Plus the weights.
Friday was a rest (and pizza!) Saturday I did a cross country route I'd done before, and guesstimated to be 7 miles. Well, as I had the Garmin with me, I can confirm that it was... 7.02 miles!
I decided on a walk Sunday with a heavier pack. Realistically I am going to end up walking much (if not most) of the MdS so want to keep up my walking muscles as well as the running ones... I also haven't done a challenge walk lately so thought a 16 miler would just ease me in nicely. I even wore my walking boots to make sure it was a walk!
The route I chose was one in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill. The only drawback is that he appears to have written his guides some time ago and things tend to change...
I set of from the small village of Radcliffe-on-Soar, a non descript but pretty village famous for the hulking great power station looming over it.
Power Station
The first part of the route was lovely- following the River Soar and passing through several marinas and locks. The weather was perfect- crisp, clear and sunny.
Redhill Marina
There's something quite peaceful about walking near water.
Near Kegworth Shallow Lock
Had quite a busy week training wise... Tuesday I had planned a run, but Katie came round and wanted to go out with me. She tends to exercise sporadically at best, so we managed a 3 mile walk/ run. She was impressed with the Garmin, but asked if it had a light (no she doesn't smoke- it was dark!!) I told her it hadn't, then pressed a button on it the other day and the screen lit up, so guess it has...
Due to working later I didn't go to Body Toning class Wednesday but ran a steady 10 miles round my village and the next. It's quite a good circuit, quite a few runners use it. Thursday was the usual gym session, with elliptical work and treadmill; 3 miles faster running and 1 mile jogging on increasing incline. Plus the weights.
Friday was a rest (and pizza!) Saturday I did a cross country route I'd done before, and guesstimated to be 7 miles. Well, as I had the Garmin with me, I can confirm that it was... 7.02 miles!
I decided on a walk Sunday with a heavier pack. Realistically I am going to end up walking much (if not most) of the MdS so want to keep up my walking muscles as well as the running ones... I also haven't done a challenge walk lately so thought a 16 miler would just ease me in nicely. I even wore my walking boots to make sure it was a walk!
The route I chose was one in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill. The only drawback is that he appears to have written his guides some time ago and things tend to change...
I set of from the small village of Radcliffe-on-Soar, a non descript but pretty village famous for the hulking great power station looming over it.
Power StationThe first part of the route was lovely- following the River Soar and passing through several marinas and locks. The weather was perfect- crisp, clear and sunny.
Redhill MarinaThere's something quite peaceful about walking near water.
Near Kegworth Shallow LockI even managed to overtake a narrow boat after I took this photo!
Zouch Locks
Zouch LocksThis was Zouch Cut, branching off the main river. I turned away from the water at Zouch and crossed soggy, flooded field to Sutton Bonington before headeing uphill to West Leake. I was quite warm by this point! After West Leake, the route climbed quite steeply uphill, following a bridleway. I walked along the escarpment with really clear views over East Leake, the area is very close to East Midlands airport so the planes pass over quite low.
The last part of the route was where it got quite interesting... the last footpath went through the grounds of the power station and just disappeared at the gates. I thought if I walk right through, I should at least find a road back to Radcliffe Village as I knew I couldn't be that far away. I found myself right near the base of one of the great cooling towers, and so Einstein here decides it would make a great photo. gets her camera out and snaps away... never considering the amount of surveillance hardware surrounding the area...
I kept on walking through the seemingly endless power station complex, and finally was a young guy driving towards me in a jeep marked 'security'. I flagged him down and told him where I was heading for. He said he knew the general direction of the village but would radio through for directions. He then said "You haven't got a camera, have you?"
Before I had chance to think, my mouth had said, in the most innocent terms possible, "Camera? No!"
"Oh", he said, "Only we've had reports of somebody taking photographs". "Ah no" I gabbled, pointing at my now battered and grubby guide book and assuming a innocent-lost-rambler expression, "I'm just trying to follow this walk and got a bit lost".
Just then his colleague radio'd through the directions, and he offered me a lift back to where I came in- where, if I'd just taken the road to the left, I'd have been back at the car in 5 minutes! It was very nice of him, especially as I was rather muddy, but I was on tenterhooks in case he was radio'd through a description of the rogue photographer!!
Anyway, total walking, running and narrowly avoiding being arrested as a suspected terrorist has brought my weekly total to 40- a new high!!
I will perhaps aim for a slightly more modest total this week, I'm going out for the day Saturday anyway so will lose that day. Right, I'm off for a quick 7 or 8 miler before Shameless!!
Ps. I daren't post the offending photo although it did come out rather well!
Labels: John Merrill, walking
Saturday, January 12, 2008
First 30 Mile Week!!
Well, this week is my first 30 mile week! I have decided to include walking, when part of the training, as I want to build up that walking as well as the running.
As well as the steady 10 miles on Monday, I walked/ ran 4 1/2 miles Tuesday; Wednesday was back to Body Toning class, and she had made it harder- I actually felt it on my legs! Still, this is no bad thing! I ran there and back, plus round the village 4 miles approx, with a pack containing a pair of shoes, keys/ purse/ phone, and two 1 litre water bottles filled with water- it is amazing how much water actually weighs you down!
Thursday I intended going to the gym, but developed a headache which just got worse during the day. I had visions of it developing into the sickness thingy currently doing the rounds, so just walked the 3 miles to have my eyebrows waxed and tinted (ouch- extreme torture!!) I ended up going to bed at 8:30pm and woke up at 2:30pm with a really banging head. My befuddled brain suggested I might be dehydrated, so I drank loads of water and popped a couple of paracetamol, and luckily it had gone by 6am. I was annoyed at missing the gym, but I guess I have to listen to my body sometimes when it's demanding rest, as it's so easy to get obsessed! (Most of my mates think I already am...)
Friday was a rest (and cimema and eat out) day, but still felt tired this morning, so decided on a 12 mile run/ walk with the same pack as Wednesday but with fleece, gloves and camera as well as the shoes and water. It was a route from John Merril's book 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest', and started at the top car park at Beacon Hill. It was a lovely sunny day but cold, conditions under foot were quite boggy and slippery at times but I tried to persuade myself it was similar to running through fine sand.
The start was all easy downhill to the bottom car park and road, then some climbing to Woodhouse Eaves. The route twisted through a large golf course, before a long, steep and squelchy climb up to Bradgate Park. The suggested route took the path right round the edge of the park to Newtown Linford, but I added another steep climb up to the memorial before dropping down. Hadn't suffered enough obviously!
There are some lovely thatched cottages in Newtown Linford, but I dread to think how much they would cost! The next part of the route I'd done before, on the 33 mile Charnwood Challenge. The photo below was taken here, you can see how much the stream is swollen. Note the mud!
Near Newtown Linford
A bit of road walking took me to Ulverscroft Priory, skirting round a farm before another long and wet ascent.
I got a bit lost after here; I crossed a road and found the footpath markings, but the book advised me to keep to the left of the fields after this and I just couldn't find any way through into the next field. I followed a farm track all the way to a dead end at the farm, then turned and went downhill the other way, but nothing. So finally, cursing to myself, I went back to the last known marker and noticed a stile to the top of the field to my right- obviously the route kept to the right of the field not the left!! I reckon I must have added 1/2 mile on! I had started to have a couple of twinges from my right knee too, which wasn't good news.
There was a bit more climbing to the view point below;
Beacon Hill
I set off down a muddy track, and veered right, back towards Beacon Hill, dropping down through a large squelchy field. After this the footpath passed through a field with two large horses in, and things got a bit fraught! One horse just watched me go past, but the other was very excitable, and repeatedly charged at me at full gallop, before wheeling away at the last minute, bucking and kicking its heels in the general direction of my head. Now I am not scared of horses, but this was quite intimidating, as I really didn't fancy a kick in the head and strange horses aren't predictable. Plus it was big!! I kept to the edge of the field, and walked slowly, but as I ventured across to the stile it followed me very closely, ears flat back, which was a sign that he was definately not au fait with my prescence!
I leapt over the stile, half expecting to be knocked sprawling to the mud at any second, landed in the next field, heaved a great sigh of relief, only to see there was another exciteable horse charging towards me! Luckily it wasn't quite so lairy as the first one, but I just climbed out over the fence at the corner of the field as it was stood right in front of the stile and I felt disinclined to ask it to move. I am not quite sure of the best thing to do in this situation but it was quite scary! Be interesting to know if anyone else has had problems on that path!
It was all uphill to the car, and I walked the last bit of the last ascent. Took me around 3 hours 20 minutes, however my knee is a bit sore I am hoping I have just twisted it... hoping to get to the gym tomorrow although the knee will have to dictate what I do when I'm there.
As well as the steady 10 miles on Monday, I walked/ ran 4 1/2 miles Tuesday; Wednesday was back to Body Toning class, and she had made it harder- I actually felt it on my legs! Still, this is no bad thing! I ran there and back, plus round the village 4 miles approx, with a pack containing a pair of shoes, keys/ purse/ phone, and two 1 litre water bottles filled with water- it is amazing how much water actually weighs you down!
Thursday I intended going to the gym, but developed a headache which just got worse during the day. I had visions of it developing into the sickness thingy currently doing the rounds, so just walked the 3 miles to have my eyebrows waxed and tinted (ouch- extreme torture!!) I ended up going to bed at 8:30pm and woke up at 2:30pm with a really banging head. My befuddled brain suggested I might be dehydrated, so I drank loads of water and popped a couple of paracetamol, and luckily it had gone by 6am. I was annoyed at missing the gym, but I guess I have to listen to my body sometimes when it's demanding rest, as it's so easy to get obsessed! (Most of my mates think I already am...)
Friday was a rest (and cimema and eat out) day, but still felt tired this morning, so decided on a 12 mile run/ walk with the same pack as Wednesday but with fleece, gloves and camera as well as the shoes and water. It was a route from John Merril's book 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest', and started at the top car park at Beacon Hill. It was a lovely sunny day but cold, conditions under foot were quite boggy and slippery at times but I tried to persuade myself it was similar to running through fine sand.
The start was all easy downhill to the bottom car park and road, then some climbing to Woodhouse Eaves. The route twisted through a large golf course, before a long, steep and squelchy climb up to Bradgate Park. The suggested route took the path right round the edge of the park to Newtown Linford, but I added another steep climb up to the memorial before dropping down. Hadn't suffered enough obviously!
There are some lovely thatched cottages in Newtown Linford, but I dread to think how much they would cost! The next part of the route I'd done before, on the 33 mile Charnwood Challenge. The photo below was taken here, you can see how much the stream is swollen. Note the mud!
Near Newtown LinfordA bit of road walking took me to Ulverscroft Priory, skirting round a farm before another long and wet ascent.
I got a bit lost after here; I crossed a road and found the footpath markings, but the book advised me to keep to the left of the fields after this and I just couldn't find any way through into the next field. I followed a farm track all the way to a dead end at the farm, then turned and went downhill the other way, but nothing. So finally, cursing to myself, I went back to the last known marker and noticed a stile to the top of the field to my right- obviously the route kept to the right of the field not the left!! I reckon I must have added 1/2 mile on! I had started to have a couple of twinges from my right knee too, which wasn't good news.
There was a bit more climbing to the view point below;
Beacon HillI set off down a muddy track, and veered right, back towards Beacon Hill, dropping down through a large squelchy field. After this the footpath passed through a field with two large horses in, and things got a bit fraught! One horse just watched me go past, but the other was very excitable, and repeatedly charged at me at full gallop, before wheeling away at the last minute, bucking and kicking its heels in the general direction of my head. Now I am not scared of horses, but this was quite intimidating, as I really didn't fancy a kick in the head and strange horses aren't predictable. Plus it was big!! I kept to the edge of the field, and walked slowly, but as I ventured across to the stile it followed me very closely, ears flat back, which was a sign that he was definately not au fait with my prescence!
I leapt over the stile, half expecting to be knocked sprawling to the mud at any second, landed in the next field, heaved a great sigh of relief, only to see there was another exciteable horse charging towards me! Luckily it wasn't quite so lairy as the first one, but I just climbed out over the fence at the corner of the field as it was stood right in front of the stile and I felt disinclined to ask it to move. I am not quite sure of the best thing to do in this situation but it was quite scary! Be interesting to know if anyone else has had problems on that path!
It was all uphill to the car, and I walked the last bit of the last ascent. Took me around 3 hours 20 minutes, however my knee is a bit sore I am hoping I have just twisted it... hoping to get to the gym tomorrow although the knee will have to dictate what I do when I'm there.
Labels: John Merrill, walking
