Health Walk

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Thursday 8th November -  Starting from the Barn we were lucky thirteen.  It was dry and there was a chance of sunshine today?

Jacquie and Carole led off purposely, under Brian's direction, into the Pinetum with leaves all over the ground, a riot of colour.  We left the Pinetum, crossed the new bridge and entered Gravel Hole Wood.

Photo 1    
Looking back down the steep path we had just ascended, the floor was covered in lovely autumn pine needles.  Here we had our first rest, impressed by the pace Jacquie and Carole had set.

Photo 2                                            Photo 3               Photo 4
Walking deep in to Gravel Hole Wood, our first and only glimpse of sunshine, photo 2, and entering Dog Kennel Wood, leaving, passing the new clearing where non-native larch trees have been felled to combat the disease sweeping the country.  New planting is planned where the larch trees are removed from.

Photo 5     
A short walk up the hill into the field and then down to the Lake. The tree on the left of the photo is an inspiration to me.  Presumably blown over at some time it continues to grow and blossom despite its injuries.  We traversed the southern edge of the Lake and went down to the Stone Bridge.  Here one of us preferred to walk directly back to the Barn so three of our group left us to get the refreshments ready, or so we hoped.                                 

Photo 6                                    Photo 7
We continued along the cycle track and entered the wood next to the Nature Reserve and climbed back up on the cycle track again.   Here two more of our group decide they wanted to return to the Barn so turned back down the cycle track despite being reassured but not convinced that the remaining walk was mostly level and could be quicker and easier on the heart, lungs and legs.  
We arrived back at the Barn after walking along the Cinder Path, to find that the last two departees were nowhere to be seen.  Brian, quite concerned, went to look for them and found them just entering the car park.   The first group had got the refreshments ready.

Photo 8
Our lovely surroundings and facilities, which contrast with the rather gloomy cramped Sports Centre.

 
Today's walk

The New Years Day Walk, here are the Beaumont menus.