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It's god to be back on the Jubilee Way in rural Leicestershire. It has taken over 7 years to return. My walking Buddy was here last walk and lost his dog in the area. Thankfully after 4 days awol 'Little Archie' turned up none the worse for his adventure. Therefore today was about taking down the 'missing' posters and saying thank you to those involved in the safe return. Our starting point is the village of Stathern.
Stathern is part of the picturesque 'Vale of Belvoir'. About 10 miles north of Melton Mowbray. It has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book. There is a steep climb out of the village to the Bridleway via Tofts Lane through the woodlands. Over to our left are stunning views of' 'The Vale'. Much of the land is owned by the Duke of Rutland. It is a lovely Beech Wood, although Oak; Birch, Cherry, Pine, Spruce and Deciduous Larch are present. Rhododendron and Laurel are also common shrubs. The tree branches above us are blowing well in the aftermath of 'Storm Amy'. It is quite a cloudy day but at least the forecast is for a dry day.
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| Beacon Hill Memorial |
We pass the Beacon Hill memorial. In 1588 a chain of beacons was created across the land. An early warning system should the Spanish Armada be sighted. Belvoir (pronounced Beaver) being the highest point in Leicestershire was one of the sites involved. We continue on our way towards 'Belvoir Castle'. A Sweet Chestnut has spilled lots of its fruit on the path. I was more than happy to forage some of Mother Natures harvest. The word 'Belvoir' comes from the 'Norman French' for 'Beautiful View'. It expands into three counties, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The area is very famous for the production of Pork Pies and Stilton Cheese. You can keep the cheese but I am more than partial to a nice Pork Pie. Melton Mowbray is the traditional home of the pie though. produced by traditional methods using uncured Pork and hand formed pastry and served cold. Both Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pies are covered by European Protected Designation of Origin orders.
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| Memorial Bench |
As we reach the end of the outbound leg we come across a lovely memorial bench to a local resident 'Charlotte Louise Stevens'. The view of the 'Monkey Puzzle' tree opposite was her favourite spot. Charlotte sadly passed in February 2024 and was clearly dearly missed by her friends and family in Stathern. We then arrive at the car park for 'Belvoir Castle'. There is a review on my blog of a previous trip posted below.
http://peterja-storytellersnight.blogspot.com/2017/09/belvoir-castle-leicestershire.html
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After a quick visit to the Retail Village we make our way back towards Stathern. Away from the sheltered footpath previously, it is like walking into a wind tunnel! Looking back, the shape of the castle emerges above the treetops. The large field on the left is known as the 'West Wong'. Not to be confused with the 'West Wing'. I believe a relic of the Norse settlement originating from the Norse word 'vangr' meaning a garden or field. It is with some relief that our route takes us back into the shelter of the woods. The trees in this part are largely 'Pine'. There is a golden Autumnal carpet of leaves on the ground.
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| Golden Scalycap |
It's that time of year when mushrooms or Funghi can be found. Autumn, between September to November is prime mushroom season. This is due to the right balance between warmth and moisture. The first one pictured is 'Dryads Saddle' or 'Pheasants Back'. A large, common fungus found on dead or dying trees. The 'Golden Scalycap' also thrives on dead wood.
We drop down back towards our starting point in Stathern. A very pleasant walk of 9.3 miles.
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