Today was the post-Christmas lunch for the Willington Walking for Health group. It's been a day when we really benefited from having good friends; Stephen and Jayne looked after our main phone in case the swivel chairs turned up, and Steven and Maureen gave us a lift to the pub which was the location for the walk.
This was the John Thompson Inn at Ingleby, just down the south side of the Trent from Swarkestone causeway. It's a splendid pub; originally a farmhouse, it was converted to a pub and micro-brewery in 1968.
We walked up from there onto the ridge that is the southern boundary of the flood plain, then along, round and down, finally taking another walk up a different part of the ridge. The views were remarkable, and the weather, though windy and cold, remained dry and for the most part sunny.
Proceedings were completed with a carvery lunch; they only do beef (or a small range of other dishes) but it was superb, and complemented with all the usual trimmings. The local brew was well worth supping as well.
Steven and Maureen gave us a lift back to the marina, and came in for a look round Sanity Again and a cup of tea. After they'd gone, we walked round to Dolce Far Niente to collect the phone and set of boat keys, and naturally stopped for a further natter.
Tomorrow is a mini market day, so we're meeting Stephen and Jayne again in the Willow Tree for a hot chocolate fix.
2 comments:
What's it like to join a walking group? The idea appeals, but because I'm round, wobbly, unfit and have short legs I'm afraid of being left behind on some blasted moor long after the others have reached the pub :-)
Would be genuinely interested in your views.
Sue, nb Indigo Dream
Sorry, Sue, meant to reply to this one and forgot in the excitement of progress on Sheila's book. The Walking for Health scheme seems very good, and is aimed at people who haven't been getting much exercise.
They are also very responsible about the usual stuff with "If you have a chronic condition, consult your GP before increasing your exercise levels."
Private walking groups vary enormously, but almost all the ones I know try to accommodate folk just starting up.
With Walking for Health you do about an hour to an hour and a half of fairly gentle walking, with a trained walk leader who carries all the usual emergency kit.
Go for it!
Cheers
Bruce
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