Today's Arthingworth walk marked a return to Northamptonshire and the Bull's Head.  We were fortunate that the weather was not as hot as in recent days and that there was plenty of shade along the route.   Alan and Marion put on a splendid walk which took in the tunnel on the Brampton Valley Way in 5.3 miles of glorious countryside.

Lunch was served at the Bull's Head in Arthingworth.

Pictures by Susan, Bruce and Chris.

Two walks from the Black Horse pub along the Great Central Way, returning by the canal towing path.  The longer walk went as far as Blaby and had a banana stop in Northfield Park.  

The shorter walk stopped for coffee at Isabella's before returning to the Black Horse for an excellent lunch.

Pictures by Susan, Stephen and Chris.

Two walks led by Chris and Sue and Roger and Sheila from the Pig in Muck at Claybrooke Magna.  The route tooke in part of the Fosse Way on the way to High Cross at the Ermine Street junction.  

Excellent food was served up at the Pig in Muck.

Pictures by Susan, Stephen and Chris.

Two walks led by Julie and Denise and Roger for the Short Walk.  The long walk took in Barkby Thorpe before heading east towards Beeby.  Crossing Scraptoft lane, a further road section led to the track heading north into Hungarton Lane where we turned left for Beeby.  The countryside around here is stunning, especially in the spring and it was good to see the crops doing so well, given how little rain we've had.  The route then took us back to Barkby by the track to the north, coming in past Barkby Brook.  

The short walkers took in the Barkby Brook before heading off to the garden centre for coffee.

Lunch was taken at the Malt Shovel which was packed in the late spring sunshine.

Pictures by Susan and Chris.

Three walks led by Mike, Shena, Janet and Julie from the Shoulder of Mutton in Foxton.  The long walk was a circular walk to Gumley, mainly on pastureland, rough in places due to animal hooves when it was wet, but with a short section of road.  There were some short but steep climbs and 6 stiles. 

The Short walkers all had a lovely walk to bridge 61 for a coffee/ice cream then Julie took over to lead those that wanted a slightly longer walk up and over the locks, whilst Jannet went back with Janice and Jan. 

All groups returned to the Shoulder of Mutton for an excellent lunch.

Pictures by Mike, Susan and Stephen.

Shirley and Susan led a splendid walk around the Launde Abbey area taking in Long Wood, Leigh Lodge and the River Chater.  Fine weather with a gentle breeze helped along some 13 walkers take in the splendid views over East Leicestershire and Rutland.  Lunch was taken at the Launde Abbey cafe where tasty food and friendly staff provided a fitting end to an excellent walk.

Four members did a short walk around the grounds and woodlands of the Abbey and were rewarded with 2 miles of gardens in the spring sunshine.

Pictures by Susan, Ian and Chris

We ran 2 walks in Market Harborough taking in various parts of the southern estates and Welland Park.  There was evidence of recent flooding and the river Welland was still fast flowing and mussy.  We caught site of a lot of building work and cable upgrading; the evr changing face of Market Harborough.  We tried the Roebuck Inn for food which, sadly, was much delayed.

Pictures by Barbara, Stephen and Chris.

The first proper walk of 2025 took us to Northamptonshire and the quiet paths around Pitsford Water.  25 of us set off on 2 walks from The Griffin Inn in Pitsford to walk to the Brixworth Park Bistro.  There were a couple of hills on the road before we got to Pitsford Water which proved to be a fair old workout.  Coffee was taken at the Park Bistro before returning to the Griffin In for lunch.  Paul and his team at the Griffin laid on a splendid lunch for us with an excellent pint of Tribute to wash it down.

25 members of the u3a Walking Group took part in 2 walks from The Shoulder of Mutton pub in Foxton.  Once again, we had excellent weather for walking but the fields were waterlogged after the recent heavy rains and some of the mud was very sticky necessitating some thorough boot cleaning after the walk.

The food at the Shoulder of Mutton was really good with large portions augmented by copious amounts of vegetables and roast potatoes.  Even the ciabattas filled a large plate.  Hot, tasty food served quickly.  Absolutely excellent.  We can thoroughly recommend this pub's lunches and a decent pint too.

Pictures by Susan G, Barbara P, Stephen P and Chris B.

22 members of the u3a Walking Group took part in 2 walks from The Queen's Head in Billesdon.  We had excellent walking weather and the fields were quite reasonable underfoot.  We were also thankful that the farmers had not yet taken to ploughing the fields so most of the footpaths were still well marked by the passage of walkers.

Lunch was served at The Queen's Head and was delightful as ever.  Really good pub grub. Highly recommended.

Photos by Stephen, Susan and Christopher.

27 members of the u3a Walking Group set off from the Black Horse pub in Aylestone for 2 walks along the canal and through the Aylestone Meadows Park.  The longer walk took members to Bede Park in Leicester on the banks of the canal and featured a banana break by the old Great Central Railway engine shed 4SV.  The return trip took in the Great Central Way which follows the track bed  of the old railway.  For anybody interested in the Great Central Way, there is a marvellous article with pictures at http://www.gcrleicester.info/html/aylestone.html.

Lunch at the Black Horse was a tour de force in how to make good pub food by Alan and Sarah.

Photos by Shirley, Stephen and Christopher