Stroll in Calke Park

A pleasant sunny afternoon after a grey morning. I decided to explore some areas of Calke I haven't been to often. The photograph above shows the restored Deer Shelter, almost unrecognisable from the mass of scaffolding here two years ago. If you walk WNW (towards Poker's Leys) from this spot you can find some areas of Calke Park that few people get into as many stick to the paths or even the main road.

Recent work on the Melbourne Hall Estate

Lots of activity between Blackwell Lane and Chestnut Park, Melbourne (Melbourne FP13). The Estate has planted a considerable number of trees in this area and has built some new stiles and fences.

I took this photo late in the afternoon so black and white works quite well.

Not as it seems

I have been playing with a new piece of online software called “Where’s the path”. It consists of two views of the same patch of land. One side can be a modern OS map (1:50000 is the most detailed at the moment) the other side can be Google maps or Google Earth or even 1930s OS maps. The beauty of this free (so far) software is that you can follow paths on one side and plot them on the other. This will make a lot more sense once you get your hands on it.

In the example above (click on the image) the yellow/green line is the route as plotted from the OS map; the red line is the actual route on the ground. This is Melbourne FP25 from the Ashby Road (opposite Sir Henry’s Lane) to Park Drive, Breedon. I had always thought that the line was wrong especially in the middle stretch now I can prove it.

I guess this is fairly typical of footpaths elsewhere and not much can be done about it whilst more urgent problems have still to be addressed.

“Where’s the path” can be found here.

Winter wonderland

 

Snowy bridleway sign at the top of Robinson Hill

 

Brussels in the snow at Windmill Hill



I think we get the message! – Ticknall Green

 

Ticknall Parish Church's handsome spire from Calke Park



Scots Brook, Broadstone Lane

Not keen on walkers here?

Spotted this yesterday on Repton FP27 just beyond Common Farm, Milton (SK319265). It looks like someone has tried to obliterate the footpath markers here with green paint. This has been done both sides of the stile so is no accident. The stile is on the edge of some fairly new barn conversions. Presumably someone does not like walkers around here?

Sir Henry's Lane Melbourne to Breedon and Back

A lovely crisp day to walk from Sir Henry's Lane (above) to Breedon and onto Staunton Harold and back. The lane (named after one of the Harpur Crewes) is now blocked by two large tree trunks and is only accessible for 300 metres but before the reservoir was built it crossed the valley to Derby Hills and became Broadstone Lane. Even this short stretch is still evocative of an old coach road.

Opposite Sir Henry’s Lane is Melbourne Footpath 25 which leads to the Park Drive near Breedon. The path is not clear to begin with but follow the poles and it should become clearer. You pass by a curious concrete stile on your left which is not now connected to any Right of Way. Eventually it meets the Weir to Burney Rough path (FP24), also known as the Motts Path. According to the OS map the path should go straight over but the reality is different. Turn right and by a footpath sign turn left down a well marked path towards a little wood known as Paddock Pool.

Curious concrete stile – Melbourne Common

The route through Paddock Pool is obvious and involves a little climb.

At the top you cross a track and an open stretch of land. Follow the hedge uphill keeping it on your left. The next stile is slightly to your right. The next wooded area is very small and you leave it with a nice view of Breedon Church ahead. Walk towards the church across a large field. The path is usually well trod here. At the other side of this field you meet a track running left to right coming up from Green Lane Wilson. Turn right then at the next junction follow the path to the left of the hedge. You are walking along the edge of a green belonging to Breedon Priory Golf Club. Watch out for a path on your left that drops down into a ditch. If you reach forest planting you have gone too far.

The route now is very clear into Breedon where you can stop for a drink (two pubs). However if you want to press on, about 100 metres before reaching the main Breedon Road there is a stile on your right. Take this and watch out for posts all the way to Staunton Harold. It is Leicestershire path M1 and is well named as it is pretty straightforward throughout. You basically head straight on (south west if you have a compass) following those lovely Leicestershire yellow topped posts from point to point avoiding any paths to the left or right.

Sheep at Staunton Harold – viewed from the Permissive Path

When you arrive at the entrance to Staunton Harold turn right. I suppose you could go down the drive and ignore the no entry traffic signs and pick up the path on your right. However if you walk along the main road for about 80 metres you will see a gate on the left. Squeeze around the side of it (it looks like this has been done many times before) and follow the track to meet a stile on the Permissive Path. Follow the path along the wall for about a kilometre. Don't be tempted to head downhill at any stage. Stay on the ridge. The path eventually crosses the Calke to Burney Lane road into Spring Wood.

The markers in the wood are easy to follow (thanks to John Blunt of Staunton Harold Hall) and eventually you emerge on the B587. Turn left and return to wherever you parked your car.