Meaash one

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Walked from Measham to Ashby. A sound and enjoyable route, though a couple of the stiles on the path through the sheep pastures out of Measham were in poor condition.

From the meeting point on Bosworth Road in Measham, we head east a short distance and use the signposted alleyway path left to reach Leicester Road. We go right a short distance then take the little used path left, which crosses a couple of fields of long grass to reach Grassy Lane, then crosses a large sheep pasture divided by fences, to head up the hill. This would have been easier had the stiles been better maintained. It is worth looking back at the top, as the view south and west is wide ranging.

We cross Gallows Lane and another stile takes us into a holly thicket, where there is a path of sorts. Once in the field beyond, the path is well cut. The surprisingly busy single track drive to the Champneys Springs spa hotel has good stiles on both sides, and we follow tractor tracks across the field beyond, passing just left of a clump of trees and continuing down the hill beyond on more well cut paths. Part way down we enter the Packington Community Orchard, and from here the paths are popular and wide. We eventually reach Measham Road, where it is possible to stay off the road on a path to the right, then take the diagonal path across the fields, then follow Babelake Street into Packington village, going straight on at the crossroads onto Mill Street. We are now on the National Forest Way, and a path left takes us through the churchyard onto Vicarage Lane.

We follow the lane out to the bridge over the A42, then take the path next to the main road past a little wood (on a previous visit a few years ago while walking the National Forest Way this path was blocked by debris from tree cutting, so I was pleased to be able to walk it this time). Note that beyond the bridge over the brook, the well trodden path takes a shorter diagonal further left than the right of way line (and further from the road noise).

We cross more fields to reach Lower Packington Road, which has a pavement on the far side which we follow left around the corner, then take an alleyway path onto Cambrian Way. The GPX plotting is sloppy here - we turn right onto Mendip Close to find the path which goes left to find the bridge under the railway that leads into an area of parkland, where we follow the path around the right hand edge onto Prior Park Road, which has a pavement on the far side. We follow this to South Street then continue straight on using the footpath that leads us to Ashby's Market Street, where the meeting point is on the far side just beyond Brook Street.

A really enjoyable route, mainly following footpaths across fields in open countryside. The routes are well marked and infrastructure seems in good order. There was a brief bit of on road walking on the open Measham Road that I think can be avoided by a section of fenced in path, but it is a trifle. The route which follows the National Forest Way to the southern edge of Ashby doesn't seem to follow the right of way but at no stage do you feel lost, you never lose sight of where you should be. Despite the thrum of the nearby A42, I felt an incredible sense of peace and relaxation on this route. The views across the Leicestershire countryside from near Arlick Farm were quite something. The final section into Ashby is straightforward and relatively quiet, allowing the occasional glimpse of the castle. It was quite a contrast just how busy the High Street was. A highly successful Slow Way: Direct, safe, beautiful and with stops and shops at either end. Full marks.

Measham to Ashby de la Zouch on a bright but chilly day. I wasn't expecting much from this walk but was pleasantly surprised. A country walk with stiles, sheep, some arable fields and a little mud. A detour at Packington could provide services but seats around the church if you bring your own. Three walks in one day, this was by far the best. I would happily award it more than five stars.

The meeting place in Measham is fine with a seat. A few ginnals link village streets before passing Brickyard Cottages which merit a picture had the camera battery not let me down. Cutting across to Leicester Road the route soon enters pleasant grassy fields grazed by sheep. I see from the map that the cross path is called Grassy Lane, although it looked a bit churned up. Not an issue as we only need to cross it.

After crossing the next road the farming becomes arable but the path is well walked and easy to locate. The path crosses the drive to Champneys Springs Health Spa "surrounded by 31 acres of beautiful open parkland, our tranquil Leicestershire location is a modern take on a country style spa hotel." so says the website.

Approaching Measham road the route passes through the Packington Community Orchard, making for easy and very pleasant walking. This continues into Normandy Wood, all part of the National Forest. A narrow permissive path avoid a short section of road but the verges are wide so take your pick.

The final cross field path leads to Babelake Street which offers a quiet lane approach into Packington. The route fails to pass any services but a short detour onto High Street could offer a shop or inn while seats at the church offer a resting place.

A wide bridleway track leaves the village towards a bridge over the noisy A42 and soon to be a crossing of HS2 so there may be construction disruption. The route heads east after the A42 but needs a short move west to locate the bridge. The next short section alongside the road is narrow and muddy but I didn't feel the route as a whole should be marked down for this.

Entering the current edge of Ashby at Mill Farm the route needs care to navigate but takes you along quiet estate roads and linking footpaths to a hidden bridge under the railway into Bath Grounds, once home to the Ivanhoe Spa, now a green open space.

An advantage of this approach into Ashby is a view of the castle. I took a detour from Warwick Way across the Memorial Grounds to have a closer look but the plotted route takes you onto Market Street through one of many narrow but well used ginnals. I enjoyed this walk which exceeded my expectations.

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