JOHN MERRILL'S BELVOIR WITCHES CHALLENGE WALK - 25 MILES

For many years | have frequently been walking the line of the Grantham Canal for a book in my Canal walks series. I started from the River Trent in Nottingham slowly completing circular walks, linking the canal. In time as I neared Grantham, the majestic shape of Belvoir Castle dominated the skyline. Years before, I wrote a book on the Folklore of the Midlands and included the story of the Belvoir Witches. Then, quite by chance I went to Woolsthorpe beneath Belvoir Castle and was immediately struck at the sheer beauty of the area. The result, as they say, is this Book!

Drawing on my favourite places - the Canal, Woolsthorpe, the Castle,
Denton Reservoir, | hatched the plan to make a challenge walk here,
with the Witches history adding spice to the walk. It may not be one of my more “challenging” walks but you still have to walk 25 miles throug exceptional scenery, making a hard but very enjoyable day.

I took eight hours for the walk but you can spend longer by exploring
the Castle and Bottesford. Starting from Bottesford where many of the Rutland family are buried - there is a three tier tomb in the Church is named the three Witches - you pass through a couple of villages before gaining the Grantham Canal. Five miles of walking past the Woolsthorpe flight of locks you leave the Canal to walk past the delightful Denton Reservoir to Denton and onto the beautiful horse chestnut lined track - Sewstern Lane. From Brewers Gate you emerge from woodland and the stunning view to Belvoir Castle unfolds. You descend to Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and ascend to the Castle. The view from the Castle over the Vale of Belvoir can only be described as breathtaking. Here you enter majestic woodland with huge beech trees, before descending back to  the Canal at Plungar. The final miles are along a remote section of Canal before gaining the road back into Bottesford.

Regaining Bottesford with its Church, Stocks and Pillory, I felt sad but
elated at such a rewarding walk in the Vale of Belvoir. I hope you have an enjoyable walk as you see some of England’s finest and unspoilt scenery.

Let me know how you got onl.......... Happy walking!

A5. Palced in a plastic wrap around cover. Signed by John Merrill.

Speocal embridered witches badge and signed certificate available to successful walkers.

Names added to the Walkers Rollof Honour page.