Walk 6 – Frisby on the Wreake to Mountsorrel

We did this section of the walk on Saturday 17^th September, so some weeks after the last walk.  A previously planned walk in August had been called off because the weather was too hot for long distance walking. 

 

Today it was considerably cooler than it had been over the previous week and the temperature had dropped by 15 or so degrees.  This was a very flat walk, in the Wreake and Soar river valleys with only a couple of small hills.  We crossed the Leicester to Melton Railway line 3 times, as well as the main London to Sheffield line.  We also had 3 crossings of the River Wreake and one over the River Soar so a day of railways and rivers!

 

This area is prone to severe flooding during long periods of rain so we wanted to get it completed before any possible future spells of rain which may stop us reaching our target of finishing the round during 2016.

As we arrived at the start, a fine drizzle set in and we had this for the first 2 hours of the walk.  This eventually cleared and although cloudy and dull for most of the time we had good walking conditions.

 

Frisby on the Wreake to Hoby

We left Frisby by the Old Cross Stump firstly through a recently ploughed field, then through fields of cows, sheep and horses. 

Recently ploughed field near Frisby

 

Just before reaching Rotherby, the path turned sharp right and took us over the Leicester to Melton railway line for the first time and then after a short distance crossed the River Wreake across a long narrow bridge. 

Train, with old style carriages, passing at the crossing

River Wreake near Hoby

Footbridge over the Wreake

 

We followed the river for a short distance before climbing a short steep hill into Hoby. 

Hoby is a small village that sits high above the Wreake.  We entered the village near All Saints Church which dates from the 13^th century.  The book said we should go past both the church and the Bluebell Inn – the pretty thatched village pub, but that turned out to be the wrong direction so we did go out of our way a bit before finding the path out of the village. 

All Saints Church, Hoby

 

Hoby to Rearsby

The walk took us over grassland where we could see the course of the Wreake and the railway line below us until the path turned left towards the river.  We passed Thrussington Mill House, which seems to be in the process of renovation and then crossed the Wreake for the second time. 

Thrussington Mill House

 

River Wreake near Rearsby

 

We made a short stop here for a drink and snack.  It had stopped drizzling and we were able to remove our waterproof outer layers.  We walked alongside the river for a short distance before turning towards the railway line from where we could see Thrussington church and village on our right.  

Thrussington Church and village

 

We crossed for the second time and into the village of Rearsby.  From the tracks we could see the former Rearsby Station house and the level crossing on the Thrussington to Rearsby road.  Rearsby used to lie on main A607 road between Leicester and Melton until a bypass was built in 2004. 

Rearsby Level Crossing and former station
from our crossing point

 

We passed through a well kept grassed area with the grounds of St Josephs convent to our right, and made our way towards St Michael and all Angels church.  The walk took us along the side of the church down to a ford over the Rearsby’s Brook, a tributary of the Wreake.  We crossed over the brook by the old medieval seven arch packhorse bridge. 

St Michael and All Angels Church, Rearsby

Packhorse Bridge and Ford, Rearsby

 

Rearsby to Cossington

After leaving Rearsby, we crossed the railway for the 3^rd and final time and then reach the River Wreake for the 3^rd time at Rearsby Mill.  We passed through the mill grounds with the beautiful Mill House and Mill House cottage on our right.  Rearsby Mill is nearer to Ratcliffe on the Wreake than it is to Rearsby. 

Rearsby Mill House

Rearsby Mill Pond

 

We walked down the drive towards Ratcliffe Road.  Before leaving the driveway to the mill the round takes a short cut across the field to the main road which cuts the corner off but we couldn’t get the gate open so walked the extra distance to the end of the drive instead.  The route then took us along a pretty tree lined track where we turned off just before Spinney Farm.

Driveway to Spinney Farm

 

We then crossed a field of sheep then uphill around muddy fields of newly sown crops to the A46.  At this point we had some great views to the east towards Burrough Hill, which we climbed on Walk 5.

Easterly view with Burough Hill to the right

 

Crossing the A46, a very busy dual carriageway, took a long time.  There was no real break in the traffic and we eventually had to make a dash for it when crossing each carriageway. 

Once across we went through a small spinney of young trees into the grounds of Ratcliffe College.  We left the college grounds and continued along tracks, sometimes muddy, until we reached the Cossington to Ratcliffe Road where we crossed the main railway line between London and Sheffield (over a road bridge this time) and into Cossington village where we had a very nice lunch at the Royal Oak pub,

Royal Oak, Cossington

 

Cossington is a small village with a population of 598 according to the 2011 census.  Every alternate Easter some of the villagers open their gardens to the public for “'Secret Gardens of Cossington'” event.  The village church is All Saints dates from 13^th century.  Opposite the pub is a large white house where Lady Isobel Barnett, TV personality and presenter from the 50s and 60s (panellist on "Whats my Line") used to live until she took her life, in this house, in 1980 after being found guilty of shoplifting.

Former home of Lady Isobel Barnett

Cossington to Mountsorrel

The last 2 miles from Cossington to Mountsorrel was delightful as it passed through Cossington Meadows, a reserve owned by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Association.  The lakes in Cossington Meadows are formed from the old gravel works and we saw quite a few fishermen and bird watchers in the area.  It is certainly somewhere to go back to in the future. 

Heron and ducks on gravel pit lake

 

The walk took us out of the reserve and alongside the River Soar which we followed for some distance until we reached Sileby Marina and locks where tpart of the river has been “canalised”.

Sileby Marina

Sileby Locks

Paul taking a rest near Sileby Marina

 

After this the route became a little unclear and we ended up at an underpass.  There was a sign for the Round which would have run alongside the A6 but it looked very overgrown and virtually impassable.  The book tells us that there is a crossing point over the A6 further up but the underpass is an alternative.  After our experiences with the A46 we decided to take the underpass into Mountsorrel.

Mountsorrel village is situated on the River Soar.  It is home to one of the largest granite quarries in Europe and there is an overground conveyor that moves the stone from the quarry to Barrow upon Soar where it is sorted.  The centre of the village is marked by the Buttercross, site of the village market.

Mountsorrel Green

Distance

We clocked up 11.98 miles on this walk but some of this was due to us taking the wrong route in Hoby.  I remembered my pedometer this time and that registered 33,000 steps.

Next Walk

The next walk will be from Mountsorrel to Markfield, hopefully in 2 weeks time.

Walk 5 – Somerby to Frisby on the Wreake

We managed to get this walk in on Saturday 30th July just one week after Walk 4.  Another early start although the forecasted temperatures were far more comfortable than the previous walk.  This was a far more enjoyable than the previous one and signposting was far better although some waymarkers were hidden by hedgerows and trees.

 

Somerby to Thorpe Satchville



Horse and Foal near Somerby

Todays route took us out of Somerby in a northerly direction through fields of horses, sheep  and arable farmland.  Being very high up, we had some beautiful views of the area.

 



Countryside view near Somerby

Sheep in the kissing gate.  Paul said they were "baa'ing the way"

 

We arrived at the Ernest Cook Trust Permissive Path, which to our relief was marked as “Open”.  This path, when open, allows the Leicestershire Round to pass through the Little Dalby Estate, which is owned by the Trust and leads directly to the top of Burrough Hill.

The Ernest Cook Trust is an outdoor learning charity devoted to the conservation and management of the countryside and has estates in various parts of the UK.  It actively encourages children and young people to learn from the land through hands-on outdoor learning experiences on its estates and by offering grants.



Part of the permissive path went through woodland where we encountered similar extremely wet and muddy conditions as we did in Owston Woods on the previous walk but fortunately this time it was possible to walk away from the path on firmer drier land although this did not stop us from getting very muddy shoes and trousers. 

Sodden woodland track through the woods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burrough Hill Country Park

View from Burrough Hill over Leicestershire.
 

After leaving the woods we crossed grassland and made our way to the toposcope at the top of Burrough Hill where we had some great views of the surrounding countryside.



Burrough Hill is an Iron Age fort situated on a hill near to the village of Burrough on the Hill.  It is 200m above sea level.  Many archaeological investigations have taken place there in recent years. The toposcope indicates places within view from this high point. 



Toposcope markings on Burrough Hill

 

 

Toposcope on the ridge of the ancient fort

 

 

From the toposcope we could see the onward route but either had a very steep scramble down a grassy bank or a more gentle stroll around the fort near to the Trig marker where we joined the undulating path to Thorpe Satchville.

We chose the latter.  As we got further away we had some really good views of Burrough Hill.  We left the farmland about a mile from the Thorpe Satchville and walked along a quiet lane past a couple of farms until we reached the village.



Looking back towards Burrough Hill

 

Thorpe Satchville is a small hilltop village and part of the civil parish of Twyford and Thorpe which had a population of  628 at the 2011 census.  The village church, St Michael and All Angels (Church of England) is Grade II listed and was built in the late 15^th century. 

We didn’t see much of this village as the path took us straight out again through the grounds of the church.  We did made a short stop for a drink and snack on leaving the churchyard.

St Michael and All Angels Church, Thorpe Satchville

 

Thorpe Satchville to Ashby Folville

The route took us down a hill and under the viaduct of the former Market Harborough to Melton railway.  Much of this section was through undulating fields of sheep and then cereal crops as we got nearer to Ashby Folville. 

Inquisitive s
heep near to Ashby Folville

Gatekeeper butterfly



Lunch Stop at Cardington Arms, Ashby Folville

On arriving, we made a short detour to the Cardington Arms, sat in their well kept gardens and had a very welcome cider and a light lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashby Folville dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was known as Ascebi which is Danish for the Place of the Ash Tree.  It is listed as having 24 villagers, 2 slaves, 3 smallholders, and one priest.  It was owned by Countess Judith who was related to William the Conqueror.  Folville was added to the name in around 1200 ad when the Folville family were Lords of the Manor.  The village church of St. Mary dates from 1220.

Ashby Folville Cricket Ground

Just opposite the pub is the village cricket pitch which is reputed to be one of the best in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashby Folville to Gaddesby

The route then followed the path of the Gaddesby Brook for most of the way to Gaddesby, passing quite close to it in places. 

Gaddesby Brook

Ploughed field leading towards Gaddesby Church
 

 

 

 

Just before reaching the village we found the waymarker pointing over a recently ploughed field which was extremely hard to walk over and it was uphill as well making it even more difficult.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaddesby also dates back to the Domesday Book and was known as Gadesbi – a pastoral village with a mill.  St Luke’s Church was originally a Norman chapel and dates from the 10^th century but was added to over the next few centuries.  The village holds an annual 5.25 mile cross country run, known as the Gaddesby Gallop on the Saturday morning before Christmas.

The Round did not go into the village but did pass the backs of some very nice houses with enormous gardens.

Gaddesby to Frisby on the Wreake

Oilseed Rape fields awaiting harvesting

The final stretch of todays walk took us through arable fields, including some oilseed rape fields which had grown over the footpath and made it very narrow.  Harvesting of oilseed rape was ongoing a couple of fields away and we were very glad that they were not working in this field today otherwise it would have been extremely dusty. 

 

 

 

We crossed the busy A607 – Leicester to Melton Road and walked downhill across one of the few fields of cows that we encountered today, to Frisby on the Wreake.

Frisby on the Wreake, is a small village in the Upper Wreake Valley with a population of around 600.  Parts of the village date back to mediaeval times.  The name “Frisby” is of Danish origin and means “settlement of the Frisians”. 

 

The “on the Wreake” part was added to distinguish it from another Frisby in Leicestershire.  The village cross used to be situated in the village centre but was moved to a safer site to avoid being further damaged by traffic.  A Time Capsule has been placed beneath it for the benefit of future generations.

The Village Cross



Row of cottages in Frisby on the Wreake

 

Distance

We covered about 11.9 miles today and have now completed approximately half of the Leicestershire Round.
 

Next Walk

The next walk will be from Frisby on the Wreake to Mountsorrel which we hope to do sometime in August.

Walk 4 – Belton in Rutland to Somerby

After another long gap since the last walk due to work patterns and other commitments, we did this section of the route on Saturday 23^rd July during a very warm period of weather  We had both cars in place by 8.30 am and started off shortly after.  It was not the best of walks but more of that later.

 

Belton in Rutland to Launde Abbey

Belton in Rutland is a small village just off the A47 with a very run down looking pub – The Sun Inn.  It looks as if it closed down years ago and has been left in a state of disrepair but apparently it is still open and functioning.

The first part of the walk took us along a country lane out of Belton in Rutland passing a couple of farms before the path turned off and headed uphill towards Ridlington Ridge. We had superb views over the surrounding countryside. 

3 Horses came out of their stable as we walked
along the lane out of Belton in Rutland



The corn fields are getting quite high now.


 



 

Rutland countryside from Ridlington Ridge

View from Ridlington Ridge

The route took us over the ridge, down to the River Chater and up the hill on the other side for a short distance where we turned and followed the course of the river all the way to Launde Abbey. 

 

We were pestered by flies and some blood sucking insects for much of this section which made it very uncomfortable.  We kept feeling sharp pains in our hands or arms to find one of these creatures had punctured the skin and left a small blood trail.



Leicestershire farmland near Launde Abbey

One of the lakes near Launde Abbey



The gardens at Launde Abbey

Launde Abbey is an extensively modified Elizabethan manor house, originally built on the site of an Augustinian priory, Launde Priory. The original priory was founded before 1125 (in 1119 according to a modern inscription in the reception hall) by Richard Basset and his wife Matilda.  The chapel is thought to be all that remains of the original priory church. Some of its stained glass is mediaeval.  Today it is used as a conference centre and Church of England retreat

Launde Abbey and Entrance

Launde Abbey to Owston

After a short stop at the entrance to the Abbey, we eventually decided on the onward route, although the signs were not clear.   We continued uphill through a field of recently rolled hay bales where from the top, we had a really good view of the Abbey. 

 

View from top of hill towards Launde Abbey

 

The path was very rough in places and had us scrambling down a very short steep bank and up another equally steep bank before getting back to a normal footpath.  We reached the grounds of Withcote Hall where there were a few derelict buildings and a farm at which we were greeted by some very noisy but harmless little dogs. 

Ragwort was a common sight on this walk
bringing a lot of colour to the hedgerows.

 

After leaving Withcote,we crossed the road linking Tilton-on-the-Hill to Braunston-in-Rutland road and up towards Owston Woods.  It was very hot by now and we took a break under a big tree to have a very early lunch and dry off a bit as we were both in a sweat by now.  We were also looking forward to a bit of cooler air in the woods but were in for a nasty surprise.

As soon as we entered Owston Woods, the path became extremely muddy.  Keeping to the edge was not easy and to begin with there were no obvious other ways to get through.  We were wearing walking shoes rather than boots today because we didn’t expect to encounter any really wet conditions.  However for this stretch, we could really have done with boots and gaiters.  Eventually my left foot sunk about 6 inches into the mud and my shoe came off as I tried to lift my foot..  I lost my balance and my next step took me back into deep mud with just my sock on.  After retrieving my shoe and standing on one leg for ages while deciding what to do, I continued in just my sock until we found a bit of more solid ground.   I continue withjust one sock, which was a bit uncomfortable but there was no other option.  Next time I will pack some spare socks.

 

On leaving the woods we were again treated to some lovely views, this time over towards the village of Knossington to the north east.  We continued across farmland to the village of Owston.

Knossington Village and surrounding countryside

 

Owston is a small, pretty isolated hamlet with no shops and no pub.  The Parish Church of St Andrew, a Grade I listed building, was originally an Abbey and substantial buildings stood around the site of the current church.  Owston Abbey was never prosperous and eventually demolished with the exception of a part of a part of the Abbey Church which was retained by the existing church, resulting in an unusually proportioned building.

Our route took us right through the village where we passed some really lovely cottages and other larger houses and also past the old village well and a water pump with an inscription from 1907 to the memory of Frederick and Mary Palmer. 

Owston Cottages

The Well at Owston

Water Pump in Owston

 

Owston to Somerby

We left the village of Owston, following the Newbold Road for a while before the path again turned off over farmland towards Somerby. The final part of the walk was across undulating farmland.  At one point we walked through oilseed rape fields, which 2 months ago would have been bright yellow but were now a brown colour as they await harvesting.  About midway between Owston and Somerby we came across the only seat on this part of the route and rested for a few minutes before tackling the final climb up to Somerby.

Paul walking ahead of me alongside
a field of Oilseed Rape

Somerby is a small country village with a population of around 500. The surrounding area is referred to as 'High Leicestershire' as it is mostly several hundred feet above sea level.  During WWII, the village was used as a base station and testing ground for Operation Market Garden, the airborne attack on Arnhem.

 

We would have liked to make a short stop at the Stilton Cheese pub, but were too muddy and dirty from the episode in Owston woods so we will revisit another time.

 

Somerby Village with Stilton Cheese pub
on left hand side

Distance

We clocked up 8.9 miles on this section, but didn't get lost or go out of our way at all.  This time we used a compass when we were unsure of the onward path and this certainly paid off as the signposts are not always good.

Next Walk

The next walk will be from Somerby to Frisby on the Wreake, described as a strenuous stretch of about 11 or 12 miles.