Sixteen walkers supported a combined walk with Loughborough Ramblers from Barrowden, Rutland. The walkers assembled outside the Marquees of Exeter public house. The walk followed the Jurassic Way through the village. Crossing over the river Welland into Northamptonshire the walkers soon reached Wakerley village. Thereafter the walk continued past the church and onwards towards Wakerley woods.
Then followed a wonderful walk through the wooded glades before eventually arriving at Laxton Hall. This magnificent building is now a residential care home but is too remote from civilisation.
Once more entering Wakerley wood we eventually arrived at Laxon village. A feature of the village are the many pretty cottages. The highlight of the walk was Harringworth viaduct which was observed from the ridge above Shotley village. 82 arches afford passage to trains over the Welland valley just to the West of Harringworth village. This is one of the longest masonary viaducts in the UK being 1,275 yards long. A very expensive barn conversion caught the eye on entry into the hamlet of Shotley. Our walk then joined the banks of the river Welland and took us eastwards towards out starting point of Barrowden village. Barrowden church tower can be viewed as we crossed a yet un-harvested crop of wheat. The total distance of the walk was 9.75 miles. The Community shop in Barrowden village (if you can find it) is well worth a visit where tea and cakes can be enjoyed.
