Over the nearly sixteen years since this group was founded, we have roamed far and wide, but until our most recent walk, we have only ventured into Staffordshire once I think.
So, we set off this time from Branston Water Park (Branston of pickle fame), and having all successfully negotiated the quite difficult access off the A38, we followed a very pleasant stretch of the Trent and Mersey Canal. The Water Park originates from gravel workings, which are still operative. A surprisingly steep climb, although we had been warned, brought us to our coffee stop at Battlestead Hill, with views south towards the West Midlands.
We were too late for the bluebells in the woods this year, and crossing a footbridge over the A38, we came to our lunch stop, once again at the canal side, where a number of narrow boats were moored. We returned to the water park along the towpath, with both the Burton breweries in sight, after an interesting walk. The forecast for the day suggested that we might get wet, but the only rain we met was a downpour on the M1 returning to Hucknall.
Thanks to Steve and Anne Lawrence for organising this interesting walk, and for the detailed directions off the A38!
Our June walk will be to Car Colston.
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John Tedstone