Dunchurch & Draycote Water Walk

Another week and another Reservoir, you can't have enough in my opinion. It has been a very interesting drive over too in the wake of 'Storm Bert'. Driving from Northampton to meet up with a friend at Cold Higham was quite an adventure. Several of the roads had standing water , at times coming up over the wheel arch.Really looking forward to this walk around Draycote Water. I've only been here once and that was fishing off a boat. That didn't end well either as I ended up crashing on the rocks. Our starting point after safely parking up is the village of Dunchurch. About 2.5 miles south of Rugby. It gained notoriety in 1605 as being the place where the Gunpowder Plotters met at the Red Lion to plan their deadly deed.

A very cute Alpaca

It is only a short stroll from Dunchurch to get on the path around the reservoir. This will be the only 'grassy' part of the walk. A good thing really as it is saturated under foot. There is a field of Alpacas , at least that's what I think they are? Too small for Llamas I suspect ? One in particular would register very high on the cuteness register. Once on the edge of the water it is like being in a wind tunnel! It is as though 'Storm Bert' is back again. My friend very reassuringly tells me that we are doing the windy exposed part first. Draycote Water is a 240-hectare reservoir and country park that draws its water from River Leam which then supplies drinking water to Rugby and Coventry.

On the rocks there are a number of Wagtails enjoying the winter sunshine. In the water there are numerous Coots, lots of Tufted Ducks too. Our mission though today is to try and spot the rare 'Ferruginious Duck'' that has been reported as present on the alerts. I'm not totally sure that I would know one if I saw one in all honesty. My companion does have a more comprehensive bird guide than mine and does show the bird in question. A bird that winters in Mediterranean basin and the Black Sea, is a little off course. Very similar in shape to a Tufted Duck but Chestnut and a White eye. We will keep our eyes open.  

Just above us a Kestrel hovers, battling against the wind to hold position. Something of a losing battle too by the look of things. We make our way towards the 'Club House' of the 5 mile circuit. A few hardy bikers are out too on the purpose made tarmac track. It is walkers and Birders though mainly. A poster on the window shows the reservoir as being 83.5% full. This was however dated the 21st October 2024. I would think after the weekend rain it must be well on the way to 100% full.

Boats moored up by the Club House

Turning the corner we have two bits of good news. Firstly the wind has miraculously stopped trying to blow us into tomorrow. It is actually very pleasant now. Secondly a couple of 'proper' Birdwatchers stop to tell us they have spotted the 'Ferruginous Duck. Not only that there is another one further round in 'Rainbow Corner'. The first one is just past the inlay pipes about 30 yards away. We continue with a spring in our step. The only problem being there are all sorts of other bird-life around the pipes. After a couple of minutes of searching the water we found our bird.

We did also see the other Ferruginous Duck they told us about at 'Rainbow Corner'. The picture above is the best we could. It hardly does the beautiful creature justice though. We had also been told that there was a female ' Scaup' located close to the Bell Tower. On our way in that direction, a graceful 'Goosander' comes floating past. Sure enough the aforementioned 'Scaup' hasn't moved from where it was originally spotted. Scaup are diving ducks with a resemblance to Tufted Ducks. Females are brown, with characteristic white patches around the base of the bill. In flight, they show white patches along the length of the back edge of the wing. Only a handful breed in the UK every year, making them our rarest breeding duck. 

It has been a superb walk  today , difficult in the wind for sure. But some interesting sightings as we have made our way around the circuit. 

The reservoir was created in the 1960s and was opened in 1970, with a new pipe and pump installed in 2012. It has a capacity of up to 5 billion gallons (23 million m³). and a maximum depth of 70 feet (21 m). Being an 'artificial reservoir' it has no natural inlets, its water being obtained by pumping from the nearby River Leam and Stanford Reservoir. .

Pitsford Reservoir Nature Reserve Walk (Seasons End)

I'm back at one of my favourite places in the Count Pitsford Reservoir Nature Reserve. Or the quiet side as I like to call it. Back in November 2021 I had the idea of capturing the walk around the perimeter in every season. ( Did manage to get a winter scene in January 2023). That particular Autumn day was cloudy and overcast and not very Autumn like at all. Today however, is more like Autumn as I would imagine it to be. Although we are close to Winter there is still good colour on the trees and bushes. We have had some snow too this week which has mostly all gone. Jack Frost has been busy overnight creating a beautiful contrast in conditions. Where the sun has broken through the trees it is soft underfoot and bright reflections.Hopefully the picture on the left will illustrate exactly what I mean? It is a fantastic light for walking and taking a few photos. Probably the best part of being on this side of the reservoir is the abundance of wildlife. Largely undisturbed there is a far greater chance of seeing and getting closer to all sorts of creatures.Already I have seen numerous Herons. Red Kite, Buzzards, A woodpecker and a few Muntjac Deer. On the water there is the cry of the Wigeon amongst the many Cormorants. I will let the photographs largely tell the story of the walk today. 

A place to sit and reflect

Cormorants drying their wings in the Autumn sun

It has been an anti-clockwise walk around the circuit today. I normally walk clockwise. I think I enjoyed it better this way. It has been a really peaceful and enjoyable walk. The only other people I saw were volunteers for the Wildlife Trust. One of my favourite times of the year , along with the end of Winter into Spring. I think that will have to be my next blog from these parts for sure!

Fairport Convention Cromer Pier

Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside, particularly the North Norfolk coast and Cromer. At the end of the Pier tonight It's all the fun of the 'Fairport Convention'. There has always been entertainment on the jetty even before the Pier was built. It was Herr Moritz Wurm and the Blue Viennese Band who kicked it all off in 1901. Seaside Special was held here in 1978. As well as a yearly 'Folk on the Pier' Festival. Fortified by a couple of pints and a curry we make our way onto the Pier.     

In the bar Dave 'Peggy' Pegg is helping out at the 'merch' stall, and acting as 'Chief Wine Taster'. He is in great form and we have a quick chat. 2024 is the 57th anniversary of the band.This Autumn Tour promises a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new. No drums tonight though , Dave Mattacks is on another continent. However we do have founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on Bass Guitar and vocals, Ric Sanders on Violin, Chris Leslie on, Mandolin, Banjo, Fiddle, Flutes and vocals.In what will be something of an acoustic show. I also managed to grab a few words with Mr Leslie as he tuned up on the stage. I asked him if 'Hiring Fair'(my wife's favourite) might get an airing tonight? He explained that even old favourites have to take a holiday every so often. He was, just as I had imagined a lovely chap, and was happy to let me take a photo. . 

 

Chris Leslie

We are sitting to the right of the stage, looking across to our left. Not a bad view at all really although the seat isn't the most comfortable. I apologise to those sitting around me for my wriggling around. Finally settled, the band take to the stage and open up in traditional style with 'Walk a While'. from the 1970 album 'Full House'. We are still looking for overnight success quips Simon Nicol. We drop back further in time with 'Crazy Man Michael' from 'Liege & Lief''. There follows a beautiful rendition of 'Now be Thankful, written by Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick. There is always great reverence and respect shown to former band members and other songwriters. The first half is a really well crafted set of songs. Chris Leslie tells us about his love of the local funfair turning up. The excitement it brought to him as a small child. Banbury did very well tonight with many a mention. 

Fairport Convention

The first half ends with 'Cider Rain' from the excellent 2019 album 'Shuffle and Go'. Simon announces an interval of 20 minutes is going to take place. The band would be most grateful if the audience could take theirs at the same time to avoid any confusion. It was really warm in the intimate surroundings of the Pier Theatre.I step outside and take in the fresh salty night air. It is very calm and dare I say mild for late October. The town of Cromer looks very pretty all lit up. In Pride of place stands the Hotel De Paris, a stunning Regency building built on the seafront in 1820.  In It's glory days high profile guests including artists and financiers such as Rockfeller, Rothschild, Vanderbilt based themselves there. Oscar Wilde is said to have stayed there and Stephen Fry worked as a Waiter, maybe that last bit is an urban myth?

Enough of all the romanticising about the past, there is a second half to enjoy! 'Slips Jigs and Reels penned by the wonderful 'Steve Tilston'. Each song is given an introduction and a little of history behind it. Something I really like and find interesting. Banbury crops up again with the joyous 'Year of 59'. Another Chris Leslie song about a possible UFO visit to the area.The 'James Taylor 'Frozen Man' follows. Simon tells us about his chance meeting with the great singer/songwriter. He asked him what he thought of their version of the song. 'The best I've heard' he tells Simon, although it is the only one... 'Bloxham Boy' 'Ric Sanders in true 'end of the Pier' fashion regales the audience with his latest comedy routine. A prelude to his instrumental song ' Steampunkery'. He also pays tribute to founding Grateful Dead Bassist Phil Lesh who sadly passed a day earlier.

The back catalogue of Mr Nicol also gets delved into with 'Over the Lancashire Hills'. A song written by 'Stuart Marson' and featured on the 'Before you were here' album. Recorded at the Woodworm Studio by none other than Mr Pegg. Simon tells the audience how 'Peggy' used to be quite the lead guitarist! Before opting for less strings and softer tones , but still on the same money!! The night is drawing to it's close, the denouement (I've never used that word before) provides the opportunity for a certain Matty Groves to get led astray once more. At last some Folk Rock, or Frock as they like to call it. Dressing up is optional. One of these days I'm sure Old Matty is going to give Lord Donald what for.  

The band are way past doing the disappearing and coming back on encore malarkey. Instead they stay seated, covering their faces with their instruments. That's the way to do it! As I'm sure Mr Punch must have said many a time on this very Pier.    

All that remains, as any Fairport devotee will know is for the 'Anthem' 'Meet On the Ledge'.  Such a poignant song by the great Richard Thompson, sounding as great today as when first written in 1968. I'm sure I saw my wife wiping a way a tear from her eye, she wouldn't be the only one. A rousing finish to a wonderful night. 

The band show no sign of slowing down on stage or touring. They will be on the road again for their Winter Tour complete with Dave Mattacks on the drum kit. Whatever the line up they are always well worth seeing A band without peer I'm tempted to say given the location tonight.......    

Caught up with Peggy again afterwards who kindly signed the set list given to me by Chris Leslie. Tomorrow they are in the Capital, underneath the Cutty Sark no less!

The John Bunyan Trail (2) Lilley

Back in Hertfordshire for the second leg of the 'Bunyan Trail'. Or 'Peter's Progress' as I like to think of it. The village of 'Lilley', situated somewhere between Luton and Hitchin is the starting point.  Thankfully the heavy rain has given way to fleeting sunshine, on an otherwise mild and pleasant day. Lilley stands on high ground, so the theory is that it should be fairly dry underfoot. The village cricket club is one of the oldest in Hertfordshire. Fixtures date back to the mid 1890's. We get straight on the Bunyan trail as we pass the 'Lilley Arms' the only pub in the village. The track widens and climbs steadily as it passes Ward's Wood'. We keep climbing until we reach South Bedfordshire Golf Club. The trees are just starting to adopt their Autumn best colour.

 

The Lilley Arms

Over to our right is the imposing looking 'Galley Hill'. Warden and Galley Hills Nature Reserve was the first nature reserve in Luton. Warden Hill is over to our left, both are great areas for Butterflies and wild flowers. 

Near the top of Galley Hill two Bronze Age barrows can be found. These were excavated in the 1960s and the remains of 14 burials were found in the largest barrow. In the Middle Ages a gallows was built on top of one of the barrows to be used for public executions.

 

Dark clouds are gathering over the hill. They have past us and the sunshine is gaining the upper hand in the battle. Along the base of 'Warden's Hill' the map shows  'Drays Ditches'. They aren't really visible though and have got swallowed up by the golf course I  suspect? They were originally dug in the Bronze Age as boundaries to separate tribal groups. However, later on in the Iron Age these were built up as a way to control the traffic along the Icknield Way. (Which runs from the end of the Ridgeway National Trail at Ivinghoe Beacon, near Tring, to the start of the Peddars Way National Trail at Knettishall Heath, near Thetford, for 110 miles). We follow the path through the golf course before crossing over the A6.

  'The Theed Way' Trail to Galley & Warden Hills marker.

Keech Hospice Elephant

We reach the 'Keech Hospice'  as we turn right in the direction of Streatly Bury. In the hospice grounds brightly coloured Elephants are gathered amongst the undergrowth shade. At this point the Bunyan Trails joins up with The Icknield Way. Some lovely views across the fields and hedgerows as the sun makes a breakthrough. Cutting through a small spinney, crossing back over the A6 past the 'Swedish Cottages' on the Chiltern Way. (a 125-miles circuit extending from Ewelme in the south west,taking in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire & Oxfordshire). The path takes us through Maulden Firs where we once again link up with the Icknield Way. Did I mention that this is one of the oldest roads in Britain? It has been in existence before the Romans came, although as is often the case this is open to some debate. 

Icknield Way Sign

This stretch runs from Ivinghoe Beacon to one of the jewels of the Chilterns 'The Pegsdon Hills'. Steep chalk hills with some of the best views in the county.

We drop back on the Bunyan Trail which will takes us back to our starting point at Lilley. 

Once again this area of south Bedfordshire, and North Hertfordshire has surprised in a good way. Really impressed  how the landscape informs the imagery of Pilgrim's Progress. A total of 9.5 miles walked today!