There is a buzz in the air (21-3-10)
As so often happens, the Walking Group enjoyed lovely weather again this morning.
There were 26 people as we set off towards Cropwell Butler on a route that would take us to the other side of Butler, then north to the Canal Bridge on the Fosse Way where we would head back to Cropwell Bishop via the canal towpath and Hoe Hill Woods.
We planned to pass the site of the buzzard’s nest in 2009, but long before we reached it, John called out, “Isn’t that a buzzard over there?” Soaring high above the field on our right was our friend Buzz.
They usually hang around in pairs and we could not see its partner: Ann held her little dog closer. The buzzard was too far away to photograph but around the corner were much bigger and closer animals covered in fur rather than feathers.
Sheep, a donkey and alpacas – all together in one field: and then Roger saw reindeers in the adjoining field. Was this Cropwell Bishop or someone’s hideout? No sign of little elves or Rudolph.
It took us just one and a half hours to complete our trek. Yesterday’s rain made it a bit sticky in places but the high quality of the stiles, gates, marked paths and rights of way on the farmland around Cropwell Butler greatly impressed us.
At one stile, the thick plastic tube that covered a wire that we had to straddle as we climbed over, seemed a little over the top – until we realised that the wire was part of a high voltage fence! Thank you Mr Farmer.
By the time we were back on Hoe View Road the sun was shining strongly and we were all feeling a bit warmer and wiser.
Why not join us on our next walk? Everyone is welcome. There are no membership fees or costs – just join us at the meeting point. Keep a look our for future walks on the Diary page or, better still, send me your email address and you will automatically be reminded of future dates.
Tony Jarrow
Our walkers must be in love - with mud! (14-2-10)
It is Valentines Day and no better time for Cropwell Bishop walkers to show their true love for – mud!
Over 20 people, ranging from 2 years old to, well lets say 60+, were joined by a handful of dogs on a trek to Colston Bassett once more: we also went on Boxing Day.
This time though, we used the canal towpath to get there and then crossed the River Smite over a narrow bridge on our way to the Old Church. This time there was another welcome difference: it wasn't icy.
It was a little overcast and fairly cool at first, but Cropwell Walkers are a tough lot: they needed to be as we headed back home. Tractor tracks and ploughed fields were sometimes ankle deep in mud and trudging along with a kilogram of mud on each foot can be hard work.
Two hours and 5 miles later we were back in the village. It was clear to us all that there is more than one way to warm the heart.
Tony Jarrow
