Winter Walk 2007

Ashby Croquet Club’s Winter Walk: Moira to Oakthorpe 21.01.07

This new winter social event – a six-mile circular walk starting at Moira – attracted a good crowd of 20 people: “You must be the local rambling club”, one passer-by commented. Mick and Sheena were accompanied by some friends, to help work off a large meal from the previous day; Tim brought the whole family along for the walk, and we even had a rare appearance from Evelyn. We set off from Moira Miners Welfare, and strolled along the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail which took us through the Donisthorpe Woodland Park (the site of the old Donisthorpe Colliery) and as far as Oakthorpe, where Margaret kindly offered a lift back for anyone who was struggling – although in the end it was only Evelyn who felt the need to take up this offer, and everyone else boldly decided to press on. We then took a detour along Pastures Lane and through the Oakthorpe Colliery picnic site on the edge of Willesley Wood, and returned to Moira along the whole length of the restored Ashby Canal from Donisthorpe, past the Moira Furnace (unfortunately the tea rooms there were just closing by the time we arrived), and finally on to the canal basin at Conkers. Judging from some of the responses received after the event (“Super walk, thoroughly enjoyed myself”, “We found the walk very enjoyable”, “The pace suited me very well; I hope it can become an annual event”) it seems to have been a resounding success and worth repeating next year – maybe in a different area for a change, and perhaps even a tea stop next time! Thanks to Dave B and Richard for providing the photos, and Tim and Ayako for the nice Japanese biscuits.