Grantham canal information board at Clark's bridge
On Thursday 19th January a small number (3) from the Thursday group met at The Plough in Hickling for a five mile walk led by Ken. A prospective member Steve from Melton Mowbray joined us having already tried Wednesday and Saturday walks, we hope he joins us soon. Jan was well organised and contacted the pub staff who supplied an enticing menu for later.
An overgrown stile in Hickling
We set off and soon found problems across a paddock which have been reported to Nottinghamshire County Council. The furniture was generally in very poor condition and could easily have resulted in an accident had walkers not taken extreme care across rocking stiles and rotten ditch boards.
There was a bit of road walking but on the second stretch no car passed by. We were now in Leicestershire and Ken pointed out a link path that had successfully been added to the Definitive Map.
It was an easy walk back in the sunshine along the stone surfaced canal towpath. The Plough offered a good choice of beer while their meals were large and the service very pleasant. We all enjoyed the company, and the walk.
We had to stray from the path in Hickling
An update 9th Feb. 2012
To update you on the issues you discovered in Hickling, I walked the path last week and discovered the issues you noted. The footpath as shown on the definitive map is correct. I have written to the landowner concerned about the repairs to be made and the obstructed path. No doubt I will be having some meetings with them shortly. Some of the repairs will be undertaken by the Authority as they are mainly ditchboard replacements. The stiles repairs will be undertaken by the landowners unless other agreements are made. I have cut back some vegetation where necessary. The missing finger post will be added to my next contract for fingerposts which will not be until April now. Area Rights of Way Officer Nottinghamshire County Council