It’s easy to ignore the familiar so for too long I had thought, I know this walk well but things change. The Jubilee Way offers a walk from Burrough Hill to Belvoir taking in the busy market town of Melton Mowbray famous for Pork Pies, Stilton Cheese and Fox Hunting.
Reeded Cottage on the Jubilee way near Belvoir Castle
The path links the Leicestershire Round at Burrough with the Viking Way at Belvoir a journey of 20 miles. I devised a walk of 15 miles from the car park of Belvoir Castle to Melton but I didn’t need the car park because I planned to use the local bus for my return journey.
New planting and the Keepers Cottage Belvoir
During the summer when the weather, if we are lucky, allows walking in minimal clothing I find it frustrating to be fighting a path through crops and scrub which plays havoc on bare legs. So I chosen this walk knowing that most of the route would be clear of such hazards and I wasn’t disappointed.
New views opened up by felling and replanting at Belvoir
Looking over Stathern and to Notingham in the distance
I’ve always enjoyed walking the path along the ridge of Barkestone and Stathern woods but frustrated that the view was obscured by trees. It was a surprise and delight that large areas have recently been replanted and for the next ten or twenty years the views north over the Trent Valley are superb. Grab this walk while you can.
Meeting friends along the way
Eaton is about half way between Belvoir and Melton and there is a pub but it wasn’t open as I passed. I deviated from the published route and walked past the church which stands at the high point of this undulating village and offers excellent views and a seat.
The route continues to Goadby Marwood across mostly pasture and tracks. No services at Goadby but a fine hall, take a walk around the church for an extra close view. Across more pasture to Scalford offers remains of long abandoned railways which once carried ironstone quarried from the very fields passed on the route.
Jubilee way passes Goadby Marwood Village Hall but don’t miss the big hall.
The first two fields from Scalford could have been unfriendly but a path had already been beaten along the overgrown headland. Then back to wonderful pasture for a very pleasant stroll criss crossing Scalford Brook before emerging into Melton Country Park.
A great walk which can easily be done linear using local buses. Best to take the bus out and walk back to your car where you can but generally they may run a little late at times but usually turn up. Give it a go see http://traveline.info/” to plan your own adventure.