Sunday lunch from Northfield Farm
The walk started in the pleasant Rutland village of Langham, once home to Ruddles Brewery. Starting from the church, as advised in the programme some had parked adjacent to the strangely named ‘Clock House’ which had a tower with a dial but on close inspection appeared to indicate wind direction. I arrived just as the church tour had finished so can’t tell you anything about the history of past souls or architectural delights.
The Clock House – Langham
Emerging from the hidden gap in the hedge
Fourteen living souls set out to follow Heather over some wet and muddy fields so a little cajoling was required with a short coffee stop on the green at Whissendine followed by another coffee / sandwich stop at the Northfield Farm tea room.
The first coffee break – Whissendine
On the way we had seen men, difficult to tell as they were all dressed in the country gear, walking across fields but not in the required single file, what are they doing? We soon found out as we emerged through a hedge to the sound of guns and pheasants literally falling around us. I’m sure they were tempted to take a pot shot as ramblers but we all escaped unscathed.
Inspecting the menu at Northfield Farm
Whissendine Mill
Bob tried to do some much needed clearance at a stile but he needed his chainsaw not the usual secateurs. The route took us briefly back home into Leicestershire while other sections of the walk followed the Rutland Round. The final section through the grounds of Ranksborough Hall, now a caravan park, proved easier the second time through.
A cross field bridleway on the return leg
Done Walking at Langham
The Noel Arms was suggested for afternoon tea and looked inviting, but only after changing from muddy boots however Heather had timed the end perfectly so I jumped on the bus home. As always a good walk, good company and guided by the best walk leader I know (you had to be there to understand this bit). Thanks Heather.
Our route – download the route below
Download our route as a .gpx file click here
Also available on Google Maps below (you may be invited to open a new page). It’s interesting to view the route on satellite.