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Our walking group runs walks on the first and third Friday of each month. Four times a year we have a fifth Friday in the month walk and we try to run something farther afield during the summer months when the weather is better.
Walks are organised by members of the group who plan and arrange a lunch stop where possible. Our walks are generally of 5 to 6 miles in length and there is nearly always the option of a shorter 3 mile walk available.
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.
Walking in a group is a great way to start walking, make new friends and stay motivated. We always have room for new members.
Contact chrisandsue@rectory-cottage.co.uk to join our merry band of walkers.
Gumley to Laughton Walk
Gumley to Laughton Walk
15th May 2026
24 members of the Walking Group set off on 2 walks from the Bell Inn at Gumley.
The short walk was of some 4 miles and narrowly avoided some stiles but took in some steep climbs on the way to Foxton Locks. The walk included a stop for coffee.
The longer walk headed off towards Laughton over some beautiful countryside liberally speckled with buttercups. A banana stop in Laughton was followed by a circuit of the village before returning to Gumley for lunch. The was a sting in the tail for the long walkers as the ascent into Gunley is pretty steep..
Photos by Julie, Susan, Denise, Roger and Chris.
Bluebell Walk
Bluebell Walk
1st May 2026
12 Members of the Walking Group set off on 2 walks from the Forest Hills Golf Club.
The long walk was of some 4 miles and took in Kirby Grange and The Bluebell Wood before crossing Ratby Burroughs. After a banana stop, we followed the paths and bridleways back towards the golf course and lunch.
The short walk went off around Thornton Reservoir and back and found some tricky overgrown paths along the way.
An excellent lunch was served at the Golf Club.
So many pictures from this walk. Here's a selection...
Pictures by Susan, Julie, Gillian, Roger and Stephen.
Ravensthorpe Walks
Ravensthorpe Walks
17th April 2026
20 members of the Walking Group set off on 2 walks from the Chequers at Ravensthorpe.
The long walk was led by Bruce and Su.
The Short walk was led by Barbara.
Pictures by Denise, Gillian and Stephen
Thurnby Walks
Thurnby Walks
3rd April 2026
22 members of the Walking Group assembled at the Rose and Crown in Thurnby for 2 walks in overcast conditions on an otherwise dry Friday.
The short walk was led by Barbara and included a coffee stop at the excellent Cafe Fifty Fifty, a not-for-profit coffee shop, kitchen, and community hub at the heart of Manor Park .
The long walk took us close to Stoughton and then Houghton before returning to Thurnby in an anti-clockwise tour of the footpaths.
Pictures by Barbara, Jane, Julie, Stephen and Chris
Arthingworth and Brampton Valley Way Walk
Arthingworth and Brampton Valley Way Walk
20th March 2026
Alan and Susan led 18 members of the Walking Group along a 5 mile route to the west of Arthingworth.
The weather had definitely taken a turn for the better as we set off along a footpath heading north towards Great Oxendon. At one point, our route was shared by the Jurassic Way, the Macmillan Way and the Midshires way before we descended to the old railway line that linked Market Harborough to Northampton. This is now a walking and cycling route and includes a 418 metre long tunnel under the yellow road to Woodhouse Farm.
After a banana break we traversed the tunnel and the railway line to pick up the farm track back to Arthingworth. The land is beginning to dry out but some of the field gateways were still very muddy and care was needed in managing the gates if muddy boots were to be avoided.
David and Julie put together a good walk of some four miles for the six Short Walkers (five pictured) They had a very pleasant 2 hour amble around Arthingworth.
Pictures by Susan, Julie, Bruce, David and Chris
Our Short Walkers out in the spring sunshine. Picture by David Holmes.
The Bull's Head at Arthingworth for really good pub food and a decent pint from Mr. Timothy Taylor. Excellent service too, they served 25 people in 5 minutes!
Gumley Walk
Gumley Walk
March 6th 2026
Two walks were run from The Bell Inn at Gumley. The weather was cold and overcast for the 22 walkers who set off across the fields.
The long walk run by Sarah and Mark took in Foxton Locks, Foxton, Debdale and Gumley Wood on a 5 mile walk through some of the best countryside South Leicestershire has to offer. Though muddy in places, most of the walk was firm under foot and made a pleasant change from the rains of the last two months.
The shorter walk led by Julie was mainly around Foxton and Foxton Locks and included a coffee stop at Foxton Locks.
We all reconvened at The Bell Inn for lunch. Lunch at The Bell Inn is really good and is highly recommended being tasty and not too expensive.
Pictures by Susan, Julie, Heather and Chris.
Walkers on the shorter walk
The long walk was wet and hilly in places
Bradgate Park Walk
Bradgate Park Walk
20th January 2026
Two walks started from the newly refurbished Bradgate Pub in Newtown Linford. The weather was overcast and drizzly at times with a keen wind blowing through the land. Our route took in the War memorial and Old John before cutting through the centre of the park for a coffee stop at the Deer Barn cafe. A final amble back to the pub for lunch completed the walk. There were many people out and about in the park in spite of the weather.
The pub was packed with diners, it being the end of the school holidays. They have an interesting selection of dishes which are changed regularly so you need to be on your toes when ordering. They do keep a decent pint of beer there.
Many thanks to Margaret for running the short walk.
Pictures by Stephen
Seaton Walk
Seaton Walk
16th January 2026
Two walks were on offer for our first proper outing of 2026. For many of us, Seaton was a new venue and The George and Dragon provided an excellent base for us. We had a good turnout of some 22 walkers.
Roger and Sheila led a short walk of some 2.5 miles in length consisting of country lanes, bridleways and a footpath with no stiles.. It was mainly level, but with two climbs, towards the beginning and end. The walk featured distant views of Harringworth Viaduct.
Alan and Marion led a longer walk of some 6 miles over to Lyddington along part of the "Rutland Round". The fields were awash in places following the recent rains but nothing to scare the horses. The route has may splendid views over the Rutland countryside including the Harringworth Viaduct. In Lyddington, we were able to visit Bede House, although sadly, it was closed. On our return to Seaton, a short extension to the route took in the footpath to the north of Seaton for more spectacular views in the gloriously sunny weather.
Lunch at the George and Dragon was excellent accompanied by a roaring log fire to keep out the winter cold.
Pictures by Susan, Sarah, Roger, Mark, Bruce and Chris.
New Year's Day Walk in Kibworth
New Year's Day Walk in Kibworth
1st January 2026
Our Traditional Beating the Bounds New Year's Day Walks kicked off 2026 with a bang. 36 members of the walking group set off on one or other of the two walks to finish at Rectory Cottage for tea, coffee and cakes. The coffee this year proved particularly popular as did the cakes which were nearly all gone by the end of the afternoon.
Many thanks to Celia and Ron for leading the two walks so expertly.
Thanks also to Sue B, Ros, Ada, Robert and Wendy for providing the cakes.
Pictures by Susan G, Stephen and Chris
It was a bit of a tight squeeze to start with...
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