Ashibs one

Verified Slow Way

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A mostly pleasant, safe and easy to follow route which I started in Ibstock. Only snags were just beyond Normanton le Heath where the farmer had grown crops over the right of way and the gap in the hedge to exit the field was some way off the right of way. The marker was overgrown, but after a couple of minutes of puzzlement, I was able to locate it. There were three consecutive fields of cows after this, the first of which were the uncomfortable side of interactive. There are some amazing views from this route as you look to the west, towards Staffordshire. I hadn't anticipated being able to see central Birmingham from this part of North West Leicestershire but there you go! Aside from the snags, an easy and enjoyable walk. Steps and stiles. Buses to Coalville from Ibstock. Buses to multiple locations from Ashby. Shops in Ibstock. Shops, pubs and cafés in Ashby.

Walked from Ibstock to Ashby. Most of this route is on the National Forest Way, which is well waymarked. Some of the paths are little used and there were two arable fields with no visible cut strip - not a major issue at this time of year. One field of slightly boisterous cows and calves needed a bit of nerve to cross solo. Overall an excellent route which deserves more walkers, and an unexpected bonus to see that Ken has just reviewed it too so I can snail it.

Starting by the Ibstock Co-Op, we head east along Ashby Road then north on Melbourne Road (easiest to cross immediately at the junction). A signposted footpath takes us along a track into the Sence Valley Country Park, where we turn right onto an obvious surfaced track (there are toilets and picnic tables just off route in the car park). The path, interrupted by a short section of quiet road, takes us to the National Forest Way, which is on a wide track here, which we follow left over the Sence and up the hill beyond to reach Heather Lane, where we stay on the National Forest Way and turn left.

With a little common sense, this short road section is not dangerous, and the detour suggested by the first reviewer does not avoid the worst section of it. We are soon on the footpath right, which is fast disappearing into the crops and could do with more walkers. Once in the wood the track is much better, and the second Heather Lane is reached easily.

The path into Normanton is direct and fairly well trodden but has a number of stiles, which is probably why the National Forest Way stays on the quiet road. The path beyond the church starts well and is fairly well waymarked, but the first large and last large arable fields lack any visible cut strip, and there is a cow pasture to cross too. No stiles - the National Forest Way has gates throughout this section, so keep a close eye on the map (while not dodging the cows) and you should be fine.

Beyond Redburrow Lane we cross a new wood to reach Packington and yet another Heather Lane. We cross and go straight on past the large pub, then use alleyways left to reach the churchyard and the lane beyond. Vicarage Lane leads us over the A42, and beyond we leave the National Forest Way to take a shorter route that starts on a path then joins Packington Nook Lane. We join a busier road which crosses under the railway by the old station and continues through a square to reach Market Street, where the Ashby meeting point, which is well supplied with benches, is on the bus stop on the south side.

A most enjoyable country walk, stiles, gates, perhaps cattle. Not a lot in the way of services. Cross field paths that may be invisible to the rambler’s eye, perhaps farmers have special glasses which highlight their paths. Three areas of managed landscape and signage for the National Forest Way in part.

I walked from Ashby and the route to Packington is great to link the settlements for all users. There’s an inn on route and a shop just off, not a lot more along the way. Leaving Packington we are faced with a choice of routes forking out so care is needed to select the correct one which leads to a road crossing.

From here we enter real countryside with a large field, ploughed on the day I passed but warning of a bull and other off putting signs, but no cattle or a bull. The definitive path and the plot might follow hedges now removed, so a straight line is best walked and may be marked out on the ground. Again approaching Normanton le Heath the lightly walked path may be off plot but as usual in Leicestershire yellow topped posts offer guidance.

Our route passes through the churchyard where there is a seat and useful tap for hot days. The next path can be a little overgrown so you may prefer to walk the quiet village roads and admire the luxury housing.

The next path is well walked, there may be parked cars at the start. This soon gives access to the Woodland Trust Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. Our path has not had improvements to the surface so might be a bit muddy in places. The Visitor’s Barn is informative and useful for a break in inclement weather. The exit point is a little confusing so care is needed, look for waymarking for the National Forest Way, a stile or gate offer a link.

Ravenstone Road needs care but is not a significant hazard. The third managed landscape is the Sence Valley Country Park although most of our route is a byway so there could be off road motorised traffic, none as I passed through. We leave the byway and avoid passing the loo block the other side of the hedge, so look out for it if it’s needed, don’t hold on hoping there’s one at the walk end.

Leaving the park it’s a roadside pavement improved by a grass buffer in parts. The meeting place is a bit disappointing but there are shops and the shelter suggests buses.

A good walking route from Ashby to Normanton Le Heath, and then on to Ibstock. This goes through the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Wood and the Sence Valley Park, both of which are pleasant diversions. Overall, very pleasant on a dry day.

A few minor issues:

1. The cross-field route from Redburrow Lane to Normanton Le Heath follows a footpath down to a field of cows, but then the path seems to disappear. I managed to find a way through to Normanton Le Heath, but this was not obvious, and involved walking round the perimeter of a large planted field that seemed to block the direct route. I would much prefer to follow Redburrow Lane itself, which is an easy, pleasant country lane with hardly any traffic.

2. Having passed through the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee wood, the route heads directly for Ravenstone Road, and then follows this for a few hundred yards. This is a busy road, and the grass verges are not all that good. For me, a preferable slight detour is to exit the Jubilee Wood as per the original route, then instead of cutting across the field towards Ravenstone Road, continue on the footpath heading down to the bottom of the hill, where there is a gate with a right turn that brings you out half way along that stretch of the road.

3. There are quite a few stiles on this route, so it is not accessible to all.

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