LEICESTERSHIRE ROUND (6) Newtown Linford to Woodland Eaves plus Beacon Hill (Diversion) (5.5m)

March 2004, Weather cold and raining for most of the walk.

The first visit was to the Church of All Saints at Newtown Linford, where the gravestones are made of Swithland slate. The Walk enters Bradgate Country Park alongside the river Lin, swollen by recent rains, and passing gnarled oaks, the oldest of which has been dated from 1589. The ruins of Bradgate House then come into view.

At Bradgate House the path turns to the north past Bowling Green Spinney and leads steeply up to Old John Folly, a beer mug shaped monument built in 1784. We sheltered from the wind at the Folly for a cup of tea.

After a slight detour we left Bradgate Park and walked through a large golf course to join the road for Woodland Eaves. Shortly we turned left to make a visit to Beacon Hill and the Trig Point (248m), and returned to Woodland Eaves.