Rotary Walk from The World's End, Ecton

Rotary Christmas Walk

Thursday 14 December 2017

Leave from the “The World’s End”

5 Northampton Rd

Ecton NN6 0QN

01604 414521

Having considered many options for a suitable Christmas Walk - not too far, not too muddy etc. I have resorted to an old favourite, by walking round Sywell Reservoir as it’s 2.5 miles long and should suit most.  I thought they had completed the hard surface paths, but I am afraid that parts are still a bit muddy (not ploughed field level, though) and you will be better off in boots.  The last part from the top end to the car park is clean and solid, so any mud should be shaken off by the time we return.

We’ll meet in the World’s End car park at 10.15 and drive from there to the Country Park in as few cars as possible (there’s a £3 parking charge).  There’s also a chance of the traditional libation being on offer, too!

John Evitt

THE CLUB CHRISTMAS WALK - A REPORT

Thursday 14^th December 2017

Thursday golf had been cancelled so, I thought … Club walk … that would be fun!  Not just any old walk but “The Christmas Walk” - and all you Club walkers know what that means!  Yes - a little Winter Warmer en route!  Sadly John and Cindy Evitt were indisposed but Kevin kindly volunteered to take John’s place as walk leader.

Remains of the weekend snow made it still treacherous under foot in places but it was a beautiful sunny day, so off we set in shared cars from The World’s End at Ecton, heading for Sywell Reservoir. 

My little dog Aggie accompanied us, made a friend of Loredana, and probably walked three times as far as all the rest of us!

Despite the lovely clear day, we only met one other couple (he in short sleeves! Brrr!) and one group of walkers from Kettering who were downing mugs of mulled wine and mince pies. Along the way we also came upon a bird hide but the general concensus was “It’s not as good as ours”. There were many birds and waders on the lake including Cormorants drying their wings in the sunshime and the traditional “Seven Swans a-swimming” (there may have been a few more than seven!)  Fortunately we didn’t come across any leaping lords or milking maids.

Eventually – when we thought he was never going to stop - Kevin took pity on us and allowed us a little break for the traditional Chrismas refreshments; delicious damson gin (made by Kevin) and tasty mince pies (made by Mr Tesco) We thought the glasses Kevin issued us with were a bit on the small side –  until we’d drunk his damson gin! Marvellous stuff Kevin!

Having had inner warmth and sustenance we continued walking around the lake, which brought us back to the reservoir car park, by which time we could all hear lunch calling to us from the pub! A short drive back to The World’s End, where we were presented with a rather fine lunch. Everyone agreed we’d had an excellent walk and got the best of the sunshine to boot!

Due to his great diligence in not only leading the walk but arranging the delicious refreshments, Kevin was voted our Walker of the Month for December and presented with the Walking Club Mascot to proudly display on his mantlepiece over Christmas!

Aileen Stephens