PLOD OFF THE PUDDING 2003
The day after Boxing Day 2002, saw the return of the Plod
off the Pudding walk which was so popular with villagers in
the early 1990’s.
After participating on so many of the footpath walks last
summer I was approached by the Parish Council and asked to
consider leading a walk during the period of the Christmas
holidays. Having always enjoyed these winter walks on previous
occasions I really had no hesitation in accepting and had
a couple of ideas about possible destinations.
My original plan was to head for Swithland reservoir as in
dry weather there is a good route with some spectacular waterside
views, short steep climbs and a glimpse of the steam train
as well.
However, since the pattern of flooding across the Soar valley
can be such a problem nowadays, after heavy rain the water
level rises and fields remain waterlogged for weeks rather
than days, I had doubts about whether my planned route to
Swithland would be too “soggy”. Also, the round trip is approximately
7 miles, quite a long way for young children, so was prepared
to make changes, even at the last minute if necessary.
I arrived at the Old Station car park on a surprisingly sunny
morning to find quite a crowd of people, of all ages, ready
to start. There were two families with fairly young children
which swayed my decision not to head for Swithland. Instead
we travelled to Quorn via The Slabs.
At Quorn we took a right turn into Mansfield Street and
via a series of ìjitties” and a footpath through the Farley
Way estate, reached the A6 at the end of Woodhouse Road. From
here we followed a way-marked path, across the fields to Woodthorpe.
We managed to get a sight of the steam train here and also
checked on the progress of the construction of the Epinal
Way extension.
After a brief refreshment stop on the railway bridge, in
the hope of seeing another train, we carried on to the A6
at the Bull in the Hollow. After a very tricky crossing of
the main road we took another way-marked footpath, heading
towards the canal. We had another short stop, this time for
the birdwatchers, to see if they could spot anything unusual
at the gravel lake. There was also a short debate to decide
whether to go across the fields to Flesh Hovel Lane or to
continue heading for the canal. We decided that conditions
underfoot would be better along the canal.
A short, sharp shower of rain caught us on this stretch but
did not cause any major problems and our group of 25 walkers
all arrived safely back at Barrow at 12.15 p.m. still smiling
and no sore feet.
Thank you to everyone who attended and particularly to Joyce
and Terry Noon for their knowledge and advice about suitable
routes. I hope that everyone enjoyed the event and I am looking
forward to next years POTP already.
Finally, to the person who wrote to me last September about
the demise of the footpath at the end of Mill Lane. I have
passed your comments to the Parish Council who I am sure will
raise your concerns with the County Council who have responsibility
for this right of way.
BARROW UPON SOAR NEEDLECRAFT GROUP
We started as six and now number nine,
We meet once a fortnight and get along fine,
We sew, knit and natter and all agree,
When it is time for a good cup of tea,
We encourage each other, enjoy all our meetings,
And to all folk in Barrow we send New Year Greetings.
PROGRAM OF FOOTPATH WALKS 2003 - 25th YEAR
BARROW UPON SOAR PARISH COUNCIL RIGHTS OF WAY
The following programme of Parish Walks and other interesting walks has been
arranged for the coming months. Members of the public are welcome to join and
enjoy these pleasant country walks and should arrive at the starting point. All walks
start at 7.00pm sharp unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 8 May 2003 - BEATING THE BOUNDS (Perimeter of Barrow) - 4 MILES
Meet at Humphrey Perkins School. Out via l.13 and l.5, 1.20, l.25 returning via l.19 or
the towpath and l.18 with a refreshment stop at the Navigation Inn.
Tuesday 20 May 2003 - WALTON - 41/2 MILES
Meet at Humphrey Perkins School. Out via l.13 to Strancliffe Lane, l.5, l.12, l.14a and l.4
to Walton. Refreshment stop at the Anchor, Walton returning via l.4 to Cream Lodge, l.32
and Brook Lane.
Monday 9 June 2003 - SILEBY MILL - 5 MILES
Meet at Breachfield Road/Melton Road Bridge. Out via l.28 to Mountsorrel, l.26, l.63 to
Sileby Mill. Return via Mountsorrel Lane, Slash Lane l.31 to Barrow.
Wednesday 25 June 2003 - GYPSUM AND OLD KENNELS - 4 1/2-5
MILES
Meet at Breachfield Road/Melton Road Bridge. Out via l.24 and Sileby Road, l.4 around
Gypsum site. Returning via l.32 to Brook Lane.
Thursday 3 July 2003 - WALTON AND PRESTWOLD - 5 MILES
Drivers please note cars may be needed to take walkers to the start point at Walton Village
Hall. Meet at the Three Crowns car park where all cars will leave at 6.45 for Walton
Village Hall. Out via H.98 to Prestwold Old School and H.99a. Refreshment stop at the
Anchor Inn, Walton.
Later walks will appear in the Summer EditionLEADERS REQUIRED PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK: LESLEY BELL 01509 416016
Please note:
- Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead at all times
- Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn
- Routes can be changed at the leader’s discretion; Mileage figures are
approximate
- A refreshment stop will be arranged when & where convenient, depending
upon the route, time & weather.
- Neither the Parish Council nor its Officers accept any responsibility for or on
behalf of participants
DID YOU KNOW?
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