L2L D26 Bedworth to Market Bosworth - 8 miles

It always pays to have a chat with the night staff. In conversation with the bar man last night, on finding out where I was going today he pointed out that much of the morning's walk was going to be along roads and it wasn't until Hinckley that I'd get into the countryside proper.

He'd obvioulsy talked to his colleagues because over breakfast I was offered a lift to Hinckley if I was happy to wait till mid morning.

On the outskirts of Hinckley, the house builders were already poised. 


This didn't bode well - the start of the footpath with padlocked gates and security fencing around the fields.

A little skullduggery and climbing over fences later (it was Sunday!)  I was back at least on the line of the footpath. There was however no accounting for problems with cattle again.


This time bellowing and skipping alongside me - quite concerning.  I tried to remember what to do in these circumstances - don't rush, slow down. By the time I got to the stile in the far corner, they were already there.


It was a relief to eventually get away from frisky livestock and back to some arable fields again


and then back to the peace and calm of the Ashby de la Zouche Canal.



...and via Sutton Wharf...



to Bosworth Field .....


where in 1485, Richard III was killed in the definitive battle of the War of the Roses.

It's too easy to think of him calling out  'A horse, A horse ......etc

At the Museum I saw the Sandiacre Medieval Tithe Barn.


Apparently Henry Tudor was encamped with inferior forces on Redemore to the South West while Richard's forces were encamped on Ambion Hill overlooking the field of battle which today looks so peaceful.

On the eve of battle, Richard attended mass  at the small church at Sutton Cheney.



In the graveyard there's a modern sculpture showing the moment with him holding his crown 'while as if in front of a mirror,  contemplating the gravity of his resposnsibilities'


At the lych gate, the air was full of the beautiful sound of goldfinches. Wonderful!

Then a quiet walk to Market Bosworth where on the way I met a gentleman walking his dog
 

which he explained was a Parson Russell crossed with a Jack Russell and was therefore a Plummer Russell. .....He could clearly sense I hadn't a clue what he was talking about.
Time for a recuperative pint!!


Over supper at the Istanbul BBQ Kitchen - the only place that was serving food, I got talking to Francesco, Michael, Bea and Simon from the Ducati motor bike racing team.


They were talking technical. Each was a specialist in their own fields. 
Michael Dunlop comes from a distinguished motor racing family. I checked on Wikipedia after supper.....
 
Michael Dunlop MBE holds the all-time record for victories and podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT, with 33 wins and 51 podiums, surpassing the previous record of 26 wins held by his uncle Joey Dunlop in 2024. These results make him the most successful competitor in the history of the event.

You never know who you're going to meet when walking L2L!!!

Comments

  1. Barrie20 April 2026 at 15:30

    David, I'm a dab hand with livestock after the South Downs. Give me a call next time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SallyB on Tour20 April 2026 at 23:41

      Barrie - I briefed David on your technique so he knows for next time!!

      Delete

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