Atherstone circular : 8.5 miles (18/03/22)

Present; M.Sadler, R.wilcock, A.Dulson, B.Grater, N.Grater, D.Peters, P.Cotteril, M.Simmonds, T.Duggard, A.Sear, J.Hickling, M.Farkas, D.McDonnell, R.Jones, H.Jones, D.Chambers (16 members) Our group of 16 met up at Atherstone train station at approx. 10:30 and after the 10 minutes of obligatory faffing we were on our way in perfect walking weather. The first kilometre or so was along the Coventry canal until we (Mick) stopped to chat with a couple accompanied by a selection of dogs. A good job really as I then realised that according to the absent leaders instructions, I'd overshot the canal exit by about 200mts. Anyway, no real harm done as we came off the canal at that point and were able to rejoin the intended track a bit further on, climbing through Atherstone golf course. A short lane walk and a field later (passing the Church End brewery, out of sight by about 500 mts) we were walking through Delamere farm which last time we did this walk had an impressive topiary display, however not so this time. Things briefly went to pieces just after this point as I had to stop for a call of nature and upon catching up with the group found Adrian leaking claret after sitting down in some brambles whilst negotiating some mud, and then half the group walking off in the general direction of Bickenhill. Anyway, after regrouping and half a tube of savlon we were back on track and soon at our lunch stop at Hartshill Country Park, overlooking the fine countryside views towards Loughborough. Continuing on we dropped down via a woodland path to rejoin the Coventry canal which led us to our destination, the Kings Head in Atherstone where we we sat outside canalside for refreshments.