Hambleton peninsula - Rutland Water

We drove out to Hambleton and parked by the road out of the village - ok on a quiet rainy Thursday in April - probably impossible on a sunny Sunday in July or August!  Just over six and a half miles, with Maureen, Barry and Gordon.  Fine, with one brief shower.

As well as the scenery we were treated to some great birdsong - I think the most tuneful was a great tit, but the chaffinch was a close second.

A fine specimen - stone cockerel - in welly boots?

We walked back through the village and turned right along a muddy footpath downhill between fences, and then across a field (wet on this occasion) joining the main cycle track at a corner.

Waterside woodland carvings

Then we followed the path through some woodland until we met the road. We decided to go down to the spot where it disappears under water, and there is now a convenient bench.
After this we returned to the main route, which took us through more bluebell woods, not yet quite at their peak and round to the road to Hambledon Old Hall.

Not a bad spot to live?

At this point the first real rain of the morning started, so we donned waterproofs, and continued on the track across the road.  The wind was strong enough to blow the shower away rapidly.

Be prepared!

A stone figure in need of some waterproofs?

When we reached the main road we decided against a walk to Egleton - too much walking at the side of the road.  So back to the car, following the cycle track until we met the path we'd come down earlier.

Back to the car . . . and a slice of birthday cake - thank you, Maureen, and I agree, birthdays should be extended over at least three weeks. Happy Birthday to Maureen as well!

The rain held off,  and the drive home was dry and clear.

Now, as I write this I can hear the rain hammering on nearby conservatory roofs.


map and details

For more fanciful accounts see this post and the preceding one on my alithoughts blog.