Chasing rainbows

The last attempt at walking to these masts was cut short and as the bank holiday was such a gorgeous day I decided to keep walking until I found them.

The day was so pleasant that it didn't seem like January at all.

I got as far as Fisherwick (by Lichfield) which is within spitting distance of the tall one. At this point I'd done 15miles (= 30 miles for the round trip) and was doubtful about the hooves carrying me all the way back. It was completely dark half way back but the sky was so clear and the moon so bright that I could see clearly and had a very strong shadow. I was also fascinated with two stars so bright that I guessed that they were planets and later identified them as Jupiter and Venus.

Chasing Rainbows, a set on Flickr.

Radio Mast Walk

This is probably the first time ever that I've set off without a route planned.

The concept was simple, to walk towards these radio masts until I reached them and found out where they are.

They're just about visible from my house (but only on a clear day or at night when they're lit up). My man says, "That'll be Tamworth or Lichfield". "There's no way they're that far away" I said, and to prove it I set off with the intention of reaching them in a couple of hours. This (above) is as close as I got in the time I had but I believe he's right with Lichfield and more importantly it was a fabulous walk with some wonderful views.

One to do another day with a few more sarnies and more time. One thing I was very pleased about - the compass bearing from my house is 240 degrees (south-west-ish) and by following public footpaths and roads in that direction (without being able to see them very often) I was able to stay very close to that course - after 6 miles the compass bearing was still exactly 240 degrees.

New circular route by Rutland Water

Distance: 5.4 miles
Terrain: gentle incline to about 40 metres above starting point
Location: Rutland / Leicestershire [location map]
Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 234

A very misty November day, perhaps not ideal conditions for looking for good views, but it did make for some nice pictures, and it was patchy and therefore clear in places.

This new circular route is a very pleasant walk, taking in a mediaeval village as well as some very pretty contemporary villages (Brooke and Gunthorpe). The off-road paths are well-waymarked and the inclines are gentle.

For more details about the route, please see its new page at uk-walks. Photos from the day are below.

Rutland Water Brooke circular walk, a set on Flickr.

30m Trent and Mersey walk, a set on Flickr.

A training walk for the Ivanhoe Way, I intended to walk 25m without a firm plan. On return i found I'd walked 30, so feel almost ready for the 36 of the Ivanhoe.