I joined the Sutton-in-Ashfield Rambling Club this week. We travelled down to Leicestershire this time, exploring the countryside between Loughborough and Leicester. The highlights were the impressive viewpoints at Beacon Hill, just south of Loughborough and Old John Tower in Bradgate Park. The area is very different in character to the Peak District, but very worthwhile exploring, nevertheless!
We began the walk at Nanpantan - a peculiar name derived from 'Nan's Pantain', apparently. Pantain is an Anglo-Saxon word for 'enclosure'. We began by walking south east in the general direction of Woodhouse Eaves. We soon caught a glimpse of our first target, Beacon Hill, to the south.
We began climbing towards Buck Hill. This gave a good view of Loughborough in the distance, behind us.
Looking north, we could clearly see Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station.
Shortly, we entered Out Woods.
Beyond the woods, we headed south towards Beacon Hill, once a volcano. This was our view of the hill from the north. The summit is 248 metres above sea level.
On top, the view to the north was very impressive. You can just make out the power station again in the distance. Derby was in sunshine in the middle left of this view.
This beacon stands on the southern slope of the hill, just below the summit.
We then headed east towards Woodhouse Eaves. This is a view of the village from a distance.
We called in at the Curzon Arms in the village for our lunch break. Several buildings in the village had this unusual stonework.
After lunch, we headed south towards Bradgate Country Park. Shortly after leaving Woodhouse Eaves, we passed this farm on our right, close to Maplewell Hall.
Before long, Old John Tower became visible to the south, at the northern end of Bradgate Country Park. The column on the right is a memorial.
We climbed the hill to enjoy an almost 360 degree panorama from the top. This view is looking north - more or less looking back along our route so far....
..and a view north east towards Swithland Wood.
Old John Tower is a folly. It was built in 1784 by the 5th Earl of Stamford on the site of an old windmill.
The view to the south includes Leicester, seen here in the far distance. Bradgate Country Park is a deer park, with deer roaming free over much of the area. Several groups were visible - though most were down to the east of the ruins of Bradgate House. A white stag was hiding in the undergrowth - ringed in red on the photo.
Here is part of our group admiring the view of Leicester, from a safe distance.
We headed south east down the hill towards Bradgate House. The tower gradually receded into the distance.
Finally, we got closer to Bradgate House, birthplace and early
home of Lady Jane Grey - 9 days Queen of England. This is a ruin, having been abandoned since 1719. It was once a grand Tudor brick building, built in a similar style to Hampton Court.
This is a closer view of the western side of the complex.
Located on the south side, the chapel is the only building still intact.
We continued south for a short distance, looking back at the ruins for the last time.
We then turned east, around the south side of Cropston Reservoir before reaching Cropston village, just as it got dark. Here is a view over the reservoir, looking back towards Old John Tower and the memorial nearby.
This area has a character all of its own. The combination of grand viewpoints and Tudor ruins made it a fascinating day out. My thanks again to the Sutton-in-Ashfield Rambling Club for a great walk!
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