JOHN MERRILL'S CHARNWOOD FOREST CHALLENGE WALK- 25 MILES, 1,600 feet os ascent.

I first walked in the area in the late 1960’s, when I was scarcely out of the pram! I remember staring with amazement at Mount St. Bernard Abbey and wandering around the ruins of Ulverscroft Priory, when it was owned by the then Ministry of Works. | little realised that it would be many years later that I would retum and walk Bradgate Park again and explore more fully this “hilly” scenic area of north Leicestershire. Whilst the memories faded the key places remained unspoilt and I enjoyed many hours of discovering old paths
and favourite haunts, as I revisited the area for a short circular walk guide. As I walked I began piecing together an idea of encircling the "forest" for a challenge walk.....this is the result!

After putting it off a couple of weekends I set off from Bradgate Park. The weather was fine - a cool June morning. The deer lay under the trees. I walked on through Newtown Linford and onto Ulverscroft before ascending to Copt Oak. The honeymoon was over, it was in the 90’s! I pressed on to Bardon Hill and saw an army contingent on exercise, resting in the shade. Next I ascended to the Warren Hills and ignored the Bull’s Head, thinking I could get something at Mount St. Bemard Abbey. I couldn’t, so I carried on walking to Blackbrook Reservoir and onto the church in the Oaks of Charnwood. By the
time I gained Beacon Hill, several miles later, I was really suffering from the heat. Buat the bottom of the hill got an ice cream! A mile later in Woodhouse Eaves, I purchased 2 1/2 litres of milk and drank the lot! Feeling rather heavy I began the final miles to Swithland Wood and Bradgate Park as the temperature dropped. I would have to pick the hottest day of the year!

However, I entered the car park at Hall gates, delighted at he walk and the scenery and hills I had climbed. May I hope you have a fine day but not quite so hot, and enjoy the route around Charnwood Forest. Let me know how you got on and...  Happy walking!

A5. Placed in a plastic wrap around cover and signed by John Merrill.

Enboirdered cloth bdle and signed certificate available to successful walkers.

Names add to the Walkers Roll of Honour page.