A web site for friends from the former East Midlands Region of British Gas who meet regularly to walk in various parts of the East Midlands.

The West Leake Hills Wed. 12th October 2022

The walk starts at The Star Inn, Melton Lane, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RQ
Coffee will be available from 10.00, with the usual start at 10.30.

Please note that The Star is located on the outskirts of West Leake, not in Sutton Bonington.

The road through the hamlet of West Leake leads to a section of the Midshires Way.  A wide track climbs slowly up into the West Leake Hills until it reaches the Rushcliffe golf course at East Leake.  A track and grass field path skirt the golf course along the ridge over Gotham, with views North to Nottingham, until a turn off South into woods.  Out of the woods, the path descends quickly to open fields, where tracks and field paths lead back to West Leake and The Star.
Most of the walk is on established tracks or field paths in pasture land, with few stiles.  There is a short stretch of path on the edge of a cultivated field, which may be muddy if it is wet.

If you are coming via Junction 24 of the M1, or from Nottingham, the simplest route is along the A453, taking the exit just by the power station, signed to West Leake.  Go direct across the next crossroads until you reach West Leake at a T junction.  Turn right and the road will take you to The Star Inn on the next junction.
Alternatively, head into Kegworth, turn left at the first lights and follow the signs to Sutton Bonington.  Go straight on past the turn to Nottingham University Agricultural College until you find The Star on your left.

For those interested in obscure local history, you can read about The Treaty of Leake here:-
http://www.hathernhistory.co.uk/index.php/home/news-articles-7/166-royal-reconciliation-in-hathern

Photos»