On 23 January, Walking Group 2 started their 6 mile walk today from Thurcaston. The village has existed since the 8th Century AD and is listed in the Doomsday Book. Its first stone church was built just after 1066. Leicestershire’s only Viking coin hoard was uncovered here and contains Viking coins minted in York, Anglo-Saxon coins and two Arabic Dirhams acquired either by trade or loot.

One of the footpaths crossed Rothley Brook at Sandham Bridge, a 16th/17th Century packhorse bridge used as one of the main routes between Thurcaston and Cropston.

We walked along the road at the side of Cropston Reservoir, through Bradgate Park for a coffee break at the cafe and then back via Cropston to Thurcaston and an enjoyable lunch. Fortunately the rain only started when we had our coffee break and stopped by the time we continued our walk.

Thank you to Martyn for organising the walk and pub.