So what did day three bring? It started off with some road walking, which is never overly pleasant. Up the hill from Allexton and through Belton In Rutland, then a bridlepath up to the summit near Launde Park Wood. Then, from there, a gravel track down to the bottom of the valley. After a wee bit of walking through trees and over streams, I came across my first real problem with crops. Yes, I know I said I had problems with crops yesterday, but at least there was a path through them. What I’m really saying is that I had my first problem with farmers not having cleared the path through their crops. This is actually something to be celebrated – over the last few years I’ve walked most of the Leicestershire Round, and this is the first time I’ve come across this problem. So anyway, I just walked round the edge of the field…
Then on to Launde Abbey. I mention it only because it was where I was glad to have listened to my own advice on navigation. I’d convinced myself that the path led along a road, but, the way I’d orientated the map, the road wasn’t on it. A quick compass bearing solved the problem and I found the path. It just goes to show how easy it is to make a mistake, even on well marked paths.
Then there was Owston Woods. A delightful change from walking through crops and past curious but gutless sheep I thought. But no. What I found was a mud bath. After the first few yards, attempting to skirt around the edge of the path, I gave up all attempts at keeping my boots dry and just waded through it. At least it was the type of mud that just runs straight off one’s boots, rather than forming an extra sole.
Owston is another of those pleasant enough, small villages, and one thoughtful enough to have a bench on their green for a walker to rest his aching legs and to eat his lunch.
Again, the return journey was a case of putting my head down and walking. I think my legs are getting used to it, but it’s still a real push to get back every day. I am also slackening the pace though – I have to remember, it’s not a race.
P.S. Spot the cat in this photo –
