Melcoa two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Melcoa here.

Some lovely countryside and a good mix of paths lots of stiles, mostly good quality but quite high. Plenty of grass fields or field edge paths but horses and cattle will be encountered. At the south end there are a few service options but not as much north of half way so the minor detour at Worthington passes a shop and then through a small play area which has a seat. Other seats may be available.

I started from Coalville, taking the road that dips under the railway. There is a link from Wolsley Road but crossing here from the steps is not recommended. Likewise use the central reservation between the Lidl and Aldi entrances to avoid crossing the car park approach roads. Lights offer a safe crossing of the next road.

The Byway starts with abuse by motorised dirt riders although they appear to be mostly on the adjoining land rather than the lane. It doesn’t last long so the lane becomes a pleasant walk through Cuckoo Gap Wood to Swannington. This was the destination of an early railway which carried coal to Leicester and broke the monopoly of the Derbyshire collieries. The Robin Hood Inn was the only service that I spotted.

The path through Walkers Wood leads to Limby Hall Lane. The next field had horses and the gateway was rather muddy but otherwise a good path. Approaching Moor Lane don’t miss the impressive windmill to the right.

At the crossing of the A512 there is another inn and a bus stop so an option to bail out or take a rest. From here to Gelsmoor there are many paths some passing through large gardens or equestrian sites. The stiles are good and yellow posts help locate them but care is needed. Another inn / restaurant on Rempstone Road then a section along this busy road which does have a good grass verge.

Taking the next path we join the Ivanhoe Way but it’s not the best maintained Leicestershire promoted route. We are now in real countryside and approaching Worthington the red worked face of Cloud Hill Quarry can be seen. If the shop and seat are not needed they can be missed as we pass through the village.

The next path has a gate, perhaps the first or last, there are a few more as we head north. The path here is well walked although all have shown signs of some use. Crossing under the A42 the next road is quite busy and fast but again has a wide verge. After passing between the buildings of Lodge Farm we leave the Ivanhoe Way and our path is to the west of the hedge. It offers a good view of the church on the hill at Breedon.

A broken stile offers a welcome into Derbyshire but the delightful valley followed by Melbourne FP 24 soon fades that memory. The path here is well used and I met my first walking explores out on this bright Sunday. As Melbourne draws close a collection of ‘things’, I can think of no other word to describe the eclectic mix of glamping shelters in ‘The Field of Dreams’. Once on the track the crowds confirm the pulling power of Melbourne’s pool. It surprises me that the landowner allowed this popular path to be added to the definitive map as a public, but they did and it’s much appreciated.

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