The Market Harborough Round (5) Kibworth Beauchamp and Great Glen

Back to complete the missing leg (so far). We are in Kibworth, not sure if it is the Harcourt or Beauchamp variety though? They do seem to merge into one with boundaries unclear. What is certain is that we are going in an anti-clockwise direction towards Burton Overy.  Straight away we are into the open rolling countryside that Leicestershire is so well known for. The young lambs are looking strong in the fields, and well protected by their mothers. The instructions on the gatepost make expectations of those walking very clear! It is very wet underfoot following some recent downpours. Thankfully although somewhat dull, the forecast is reasonable for today. 

We have been to Burton Overy on a previous walk of course. This time we will be continuing on to Great Glen. We will then pick up the Grand Union Canal Leicester Section - Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Union Canal.

 

The footbridge that takes us towards Great Glen is a tricky old affair. One of the steepest I've seen in a while. Add in the slippery mud and a fast flowing stream below and you have a tricky proposition. Nothing for it but to venture on and follow 'Archie' the dog who made short work of it . 

We pass by a luxury development of six houses are located. Very close to the River Sence where a Mill once stood. I notice the development is called 'The Old Mill'. There is part of the old Mill Wheel at the gated entrance which I guess is a nice touch. I always think of Scotland when I hear Great Glen. It's name actually comes from the original Iron Age settlers who used the Celtic word 'glennos' meaning valley. Lying in the heart of the River Sence. The 'Great' part is purely to differentiate from 'Glen Parva' which is somewhere else in the shire of Leicester. Good. I thinks that's cleared that up then . We move on. 

'The Old Mill'

With hindsight I wish that I had taken the ariel route over the Railway Bridge.The standing water turned out to be much deeper than expected. Indeed so much so that it went over the top of my boots. Making for a somewhat uncomfortable rest of the walk.

It's isn't long until we drop on to the Canal towpath, always a good thing. We are heading towards the 'Saddington tunnel'. The Canal tunnel was constructed in 1797 and is 808 metres long (about half a mile). Unfortunately there is no internal towpath so we will go over the top just as horses would have done many years ago.The tunnel is not quite straight, because miscalculations during its construction required some 'adjustment'. Whatever that means? Sounds like somebody got it a little wrong perhaps? Leaning across and into the tunnel I can just make out the light at the other end. No sign of any of the Bats that inhabit it though. 

 

 

The Tunnel completed we wind our way back towards Kibworth. Not too much to report on this homeward stretch apart from more confusion as to which Kibworth it is again? I'm going with Beauchamp and sticking with it. Not that many points of interest on this particular leg but as I always say It's good to get out and about. 

In total a fraction of eleven miles walked and I stayed dry!  Well apart from two wet feet .....