Around Rutland 2026 - Day 3

 Day 3 - Sunday 19th April 2026

Another fabulous day for walking. Blue sky, glorious sunshine, a bit of a cool breeze but excellent walking weather. Today I was joined by Belinda Matthewman, another WRAC Veteran, who I met via the WRAC Association (Hereford Branch) when she moved with her job to Worcester. She has since moved again back to Essex her home county but, like myself is a keen walker.

Belinda's first task of the day, once we had met up in Uppingham and got off road & onto the proper pathway, was to protect me from a herd of cows with their young calves! I have to say she did an excellent job. They were very docile and we just walked blithely by trying to ignore them. Only one cow seemed to be on the wrong side of us and she soon quietly MOOOved (blame Belinda for that one!!)

Although the weather was pretty perfect for walking the terrain was less so. the two previous days have involved some undulation but most of it has been on grassy pathways or across neatly smooth, harrowed ploughed fields. Today was mostly on tarmac roads & lanes, loose stony paths, slightly boggy bridleways or uneven, rutted farm tracks. None of the surfaces made for easy walking and I must admit to the soles of my feet feeling a little sore tonight.

The other difference today was that the gentle undulation ceased and we were up and down like a fiddlers elbow. We climbed down to the cattle, up through a wood, down the other side of the wood (Wardley Wood), then back up beside the wood!!! Why? Because that's the way the path went! So why couldn't we just walk from the cows to other side of the wood? We then had to walk down and then up again to the village of Wardley and past St Botolph's Church. 

It was here, in the village of Wardley that Belinda demonstrated her ability as not only a cow defender but also as a Horse Whisperer. She was duly made friends with a rather lovely chestnut horse. 

Interlude over we continued on and across the A47 Leicester road to continue our up and down journey (down & up twice actually) until we arrived in Belton-in-Rutland. There we found a comfortable bus shelter to sit and rest our weary feet whilst delving into our snacks. after a brief rest we continued down the Leighfield Way and back up past Lambley Lodge continuing ever upward to the farm near Long Wood. From there it was an equally long descent to the Leigh Lodge Fish Ponds. After that, guess what? you've got it. An even longer climb up to Prior's Coppice where we gave in and sit down, propped up against a gate in the sun, and had our lunch. We had covered about two thirds of the way and both of us could feel a soreness in our feet from the pounding on metalled roads, stony surfaces and hard-packed, rutted pathways.

After lunch there was more unrelenting roadway leading fairly steeply downhill to Brooke and St Peter's Church (Belinda's Dad was called Peter) We came across another field of horses and our resident Horse Whisperer did her thing!! She complained that the white one slobbered! Really? Eeeew!! 

We continued down past the horses & then, surprise, surprise! Back up a long, long hill to the top where Macmillan Way went off to our left and we continued right along the Rutland Round. We could see Rutland Water away off in front of us so had a picturesque view as we availed ourselves of the local facilities, a hedge! Needs must when the devil drives!!

We crossed the railway line (the same one with the viaduct of Friday and the bridge of yesterday) and came to the A6003 Oakham to Uppingham road. Now time for me to make a decision. To carry on on the Rutland Round along more roads and then turn back towards Oakham across fields and the A6003 again. Or to turn left up the pavement beside the A6003 and then the B641 into Oakham. The second route was shorter, had just as much roadway as the first. 

Reader - I chose to go straight to Oakham!! 

It turned out that Belinda was as relieved as I that we'd cut it a bit short today. We decided that, as we'd done more than we meant to yesterday we were justified in cutting it short today!! If you call 11.33 miles short. It took us just short of 5 hrs which was a fairly good pace considering all the ups and downs.

We walked into our new "home" for the week, a delightful little modernised cottage in the middle of Oakham itself. Denise made us a welcome cup of tea and then drove Belinda back to her car which she'd left at Uppingham. Belinda is now on her way home to Essex as she has to work tomorrow. Thank you for your company again today.

Tomorrow I'll see if I can do another slightly shorter walk and hope it's on softer terrain. If you would like to support my charities please follow the link: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-april-2026-round-rutland-walk    

If you'd like to leave a comment please do just remember to add your name in the text so I know who you are.

Around Rutland 2026, Day 2

Saturday 18th April 2026

Today I was joined by 3 wonderful ladies and an equally wonderful Spaniel dog (Margo) for the walk. To me, who usually walk alone, that's quite a crowd. 

For my previous 12 walks I have normally solo-walk. On a couple of occasions I have been joined for a day by other WRAC veterans & last year I was joined for the whole 100 miles by Ali Brown. My companions for today were Belinda and Lesley, both ex-WRAC, Gill & Margo who are not ex-WRAC.

Lesley drove us to our starting point in Empingham near St Peter's Church. It was a glorious day for walking: blue sky, sun shining, enough of a breeze to cool you down in the sunshine although it was a little fresh out of the sun. 

The other thing that we noticed, right from the start of our walk, was the abundance of kites riding the thermals over the fields of sheep who were looking after their lambs. Fortunately we didn't see anything nasty happening to the lambs - I think they were a little older and stronger than the new born ones that kites pick-off.

When we were back in Morcott this morning having our breakfast we could see two towers or chimneys far away, on the very distant horizon. We speculated as to what they were but all we could come up with were "towers or Chimneys" Little did we realise then that we would be walking close by them.

They turned out to be chimneys at the huge stone quarry processing area (I don't think I got them in the photo), a small part of a vast stone quarry that was criss-crossed with their own levelled motor-way-like roads, bridges carrying walkers like ourselves on the Rutland Round/Hereward Way.

There were larger structures carrying the Empingham Road to Ketton. It was amazing to see the rock strata, developed over millennia, exposed. It was also sad to see the vast scar left on the countryside. 

One also had to admire the warm, golden beauty of the stonework in the local villages.

We made our way through the very picturesque village of Ketton with it's gorgeous chocolate-box little cottages and its narrow, twisting lanes and alleys. We came across a rather magnificent "edifice" dedicated to the Jubilees of Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II.

Much to Lesley's delight (she's a copper!) directly opposite was the old police station manned by the Rutland Constabulary.

We continued past the rather magnificent church and over the brook (where Margo had a cooling paddle & swim). 

Onwards we went down little narrow lanes through the village our progress slowed a little by a grandfather and his two young grandchildren. 

We had to cross the railway line that yesterday I'd come across with the viaduct that went on to Oakham and beyond. On the other side of the bridge lay the pretty old village of Geeston then the path took us on another narrow path behind the newer village estate.

We came to a rather swanky gated Spa Retreat at Kilthorpe Grange. The original Rutland Round/Jurassic Way went across a corner of their land. It had been rerouted around the edge of the grounds. It only added a few extra yards but left me feeling miffed! 

Still chuntering about the extra walking we came out onto farmland and my chuntering continued because there was the crop that I hate the most - rapeseed. It gets everywhere; it's bilious, dayglo yellow hurts the eyes; it's pungent smell was even noticed by Lesley's Covid-ravaged sense of smell and made my nose twitch & tickle. My real hatred of it comes from my encounter on my first walk 12 years ago when it tripped me up several times as I fought my way through it and even untied my bootlaces twice!! There seemed to be miles of the stuff either side of us as our very straight pathway stretched out into the distance.

At last we were through and began thinking about somewhere to stop and eat our sandwiches. We thought about stopping at the side of the road but, on looking at the map I notied that our route took us beside a stream where we thought there might be somewhere more suitable. Low and behold we came to a sunny spot overlooking the River Welland. Not only was it quiet and sunny but it also had a very comfortable thoughtfully placed bench. Gill and I sat on the bench, Belinda sat on a nearby log and Lesley sat a bit further along propped up against a handy tree. It was idyllic but I was so busy feeding my face that I forgot to take any photos!

Lunch over we headed on along the final third of our walk. We passed some beautiful houses with well manicured gardens.

We came across a church surrounded by field with only a dirt-track as access. It reminded me a little of Larkrise to Candleford.

We continued, still beside the River Welland, through fields and woodland filled with bluebells, until at last we came to the penultimate village before home, Barrowden, another quaint village with a green and a pond. We found another bench at the edge of the village and I sustained myself for the final push by eating some of Denise's homemade Toffee-jack, an energy booster if ever there was one. 

Why is it that the final part of any walk I seem to do ends with an uphill slog! Today was no exception the only saving grace was the rather lovely renovated windmill/turned house at the top of the first climb. It took a few goes to hoist my phone camera above the hedge and click and actually photograph the thing!!

The last bit up to the hotel where we'd be staying for a couple of days were killing but it was wonderful to finally be greeted by Denise and have a final, dishevelled, sweaty photo taken of us all.

A massive thank you to Belinda, Lesley and Gill for your company today even though I got a bit twitchy when you called "Margie. Sit" or "Margie. Stop" I'm not sure who reacted quickest, Margo or me!!

If you would like to support my charities please follow the link: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-april-2026-round-rutland-walk

Well, at 21.30 today I have finally finished the Blog!!! When I lost all my first draft the air was a tad blue!! I have since calmed down, had a hot meal and a shower and am now rewarding myself with a "small" whisky! It's been a long day.

Please leave a comment if you'd like but remember to add your name in the text so I know who you are. 

Around Rutland 2026 - Day 1

Off to a bright(ish) & early(ish) start this Thursday morning. Denise drove me to Uppingham to start today's 12 mile walk.

Having dropped me off she then drove past me & took a photo!! She was off to Corby apparently. 

I was off back to the hotel via  Eyebrook Reservoir. 

It's been a rather nice first day. The weather has been ideal; not too hot, not raining, no storms & the wind wasn't too bad, a bit blustery out in the open.

The path was clearly marked pretty much the whole way. Nice large yellow topped posts with the pathway logo.

Eyebrook Reservoir was spectacular from a distance but you couldn't see it for trees from the path. It was only as I approached and as I left, from the hillsides above that I could really appreciate it.

Before!!

After!!

After last year's wander round the Gower Pilgrimage churches I was interested in the churches here in Rutland! My oh my! They are huge compared to the Gower!! Definitely the powerhouses of the rich. Not sure who's glory they're extolling!

 

All in all a fabulous day's walking. Mostly flat or gentle undulating with a couple of long, steep descents & climbs. 

Loads of sheep & one field of a large herd of young bullocks (or maybe heifers?) where the path wanted me to go but I declined!!! A local man walking his dog told me I could go through the woods which had HUGE notices saying PRIVATE LAND & then regain the path after the bullocks!! I thanked him kindly & did just that.

At Eyebrook Reservoir, just before I started the climb up towards Lyddington, when I was walking surrounded my thick trees & hedging, I heard a plane with a propeller doing a couple of low level runs over the water. Couldn't see the bally thing but I sure could hear it

 Apparently the Reservoir was used for low level training by the "Dambusters" in WW2.

Back at the hotel soaking in the bath now. Meeting up with Belinda, Lesley & Gill for a meal & then walking the 2nd leg with them tomorrow. Wish us luck.

You can support me and my two charities by clicking on the link below which will take you to my fundraising page at Give as you Live Donate: 

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-april-2026-round-rutland-walk

If you'd like to leave a comment please do - Just remember to put your name in the text so I know who you are xx

Around Rutland 2026 - Update 2

Wednesday 15th April 2026

I have never felt less "ready" for a 100 Mile Walk in all the 13 years I've been doing this!!

I've put in the mileage in training as usual. I've been a lot more reticent with my fundraising as I think many folk are getting donation overload & I find it increasingly difficult to keep asking. I feel more & more like Oliver facing up to Mr Bumble!!!

I kept telling myself there was plenty of time . . . . And then, suddenly, here we are & time has gone! 

Tomorrow I'm off & on Friday I start the first day of my 8 day challenge.

Packing took a while. I've gone from this in the morning:

I was going to limit myself to 2 bags!! 

Well that worked well!! Only 8 bags!!! One suitcase with most of my walking clothes for the week. One "overnight" bag with everything for the 2 nights we're spending in a hotel before moving to our rental for the remaining week. Two back packs: one for my actual walks & the other containing my laptop & other electrical gizmos.  Two carrier bags containing my walking boots, a lightweight pair that are (hopefully) waterproof & my old, very holey but comfortable boots. One Tesco bag containing my snacks, sandwich box, medication & reading matter. The final holdall contains all those things that I probably won't need but am loathe to leave behind!!!

In contrast, Denise has also packed:

One bag, two pairs of trainers!!!

Oh, & all the food (& whisky) that we'll be taking. 

I'll post again after my first walk on Friday. 

You can support me and my two charities by clicking on the link below which will take you to my fundraising page at Give as you Live Donate: 

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-april-2026-round-rutland-walk

Please feel free to leave a comment - just make sure you include your name so I know who you are xx

Around Rutland 2026 Update 1

Only Five Days to Go!!

In 5 days time I'll be setting off on eight days of walking around England's smallest county, Rutland. 

This is my 13th year of walking to fundraise for the WRAC Association and other charities. This year's other charity is the VC Gallery in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales. Both charities support vulnerable members of their communities by offering advice, activities and social interaction. They also have become the voice and champion of their communities by being pro-active in working towards their greater support and recognition.

Obviously each year I'm that bit older & creakier but I still walk 100 miles. To combat the advancing years these days I take a bit longer than I used to and I try & find the flattest routes I can!! Rutland isn't exactly flat but it's a little less up and down than the last two coastal walks I've completed.

If you'd like to support my fundraising please click on the link below to my Live As You Give Donate page: 

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-april-2026-round-rutland-walk

Around Rutland County & Water 2026

 About my 2026 walk

This year my walk will take place between 17th - 24th April 2026 when I'll literally be walking “Round Rutland”, the smallest county in England, and then walking around Rutland Water itself. I've also planned another short walk to make it up to my normal 100 mile target. The older I become the more challenging it gets trying to find a suitable 100 mile walk. There are even more factors to take into consideration, not just for me walking solo, but also so that my back-up (Denise) doesn't have to do as much driving each day. So I decided to walk around the old, small but perfectly formed county of Rutland, squashed between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire & Cambridgeshire. I was hoping it would be reasonably flat and compact. Compact? Yes, but flat? Sadly, not so much! 

This year my 2 charities will remain the same, the WRAC Association and the VC Gallery in Pembrokeshire who both do such fantastic work with military veterans and their local communities. It is thanks to these two organisations that I am inspired to continue with my 100 Mile Charity Walks in my 75th year!!! 

If you would like to support my charities please follow the link: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-april-2026-round-rutland-walk

2025 Gower Pilgrimage - Day 9

Monday 15th September - Whoopee!!!!

This is the FINAL, final day!!!

A last 4.5 mile gasp from both Ali and myself in very stormy, windy conditions as the rain started to close in all around us again. 

Today was not the route I'd originally planned as that would have been far too dangerous. 

Instead we bimbled around the village where we are staying. 

We were conscious of avoiding trees where we possibly could because of their falling branches. 

We also did not want to get too bogged down on the very wet, marshy moorland. 

We were kind of stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea!! 

Trees gave us shelter from the howling wind but the moorland was devoid of trees!

So we strode out up a quiet lane with water streaming and tumbling down either side. On a couple of occasions we came across large, leafy fallen branches which we dragged to the side of the lane and heaved onto the grassy verge. 

Before long the lane petered out and we were onto the moorland which forms the ridge along the spine of the Gower peninsula. 

Of course ridges means pathways going up & water coming down! At the start we were walking along the lowest boundary of the march where all the heavy rainfall had collected. 

We showed some nifty footwork keeping out of the worst of the water by leaping from reedy tussock to tussock or bounding over pools and rivulets. 

We were on strict instructions from Denise to not come back with soggy boots!

Needless to say, the higher we climbed the windier it became. 

The going underfoot was better with broad grassy pathways leading up to the Gower Way at the crest of the ridge. 

We were buffeted by the ever increasing wind but it thankfully was pushing us ever upward along the ridge behind our home for the week, Reynoldson. 

The rain clouds were gathering either side of us as we walked. 

To our left and north of us was the Afon Llwchwr (River Loughor) but the rain clouds obliterated Llanelli on the opposite bank. 

To our right and south should have been views of the sea off Port Eynon and Oxwich Bay. That too was hidden in a cloak of rain. 

Either side the rain was creeping further up each side of the ridge towards us. 

We quickened our pace, half marching, half jogging to try and out-run the inevitable all the while being assisted by the strengthening wind. 

Eventually we decided that enough was enough and we found a pathway leading back down to the village. 

We took shelter in St George's church, the last one we'd visited on the actual Pilgrimage part of our 100 Miles. 

We found the CWG headstone to Lt Col Benson, East Yorkshire Regiment which we'd missed on our first visit. 

We also went inside and found the carving of St George and the dragon on the front of the pulpit. 

Once we decided it was safe to move again we quickly made it back safe & sound to the farmhouse! 

There, to our surprise and delight, we were met by Denise who had collected petals from around the garden and threw them, confetti-like, to celebrate our completion of an enjoyable but grueling walking challenge.

My thanks to everyone who has supported & encouraged Ali and I as we've struggled through the week. 

Massive thanks to all the many people who have donated to the fundraising pot; my two charities, The VC Gallery and WRAC Association, and I are extremely grateful and can assure you that the money will be well used serving the people they support.

My thanks goes to Ali Brown for firstly, suggesting this walk and secondly being brave enough to follow through and join me for the duration. 

We've had some interesting, hairy scary moments and delightful laughs (some hysterical!) along the way. 

We've seen some wonderful little churches and enjoyed learning their history. 

We've ridden wobbly bikes, forded raging torrents and kept each other going with encouragement, Haribo's and chocolate. 

We've started the week as friends and, surprise, surprise are still talking to each other!!

Final thanks, from both Ali & I, goes to my wonderful Denise who has been our doctor, housekeeper, cook and chauffeuse all week. 

Thank you so much x

None of this would happen without your amazing support.

If you would like to donate to my two extremely worthy charities please click on the link below: 

donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-gower-100-mile-walk-2025