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Keymel Survey

4XJanuary 2023 by Hugh Hudson

Route description

This is a compromise route that is far from perfect, as there are no perfect routes in much of this area. The two main problems that a route designer faces are the A46, which has a very limited number of safe crossing points (which for me do not include the one used in KEYMEL 1 which has no bridge) and the shortage of good paths out of the north to west sides of Melton Mowbray. So this route is significantly shorter than KEYMEL 2, and safer than KEYMEL 1. This does not mean it is an easy walk - there are plenty of field paths, stiles that may challenge the less agile, and plenty of wet and muddy ground in winter, and in places the lines across fields are not clearly marked, and some may feel that the Welby Lane approach to Melton is a little unsafe because it has no pavement, but having tried them, the alternatives are no better, and have their own problems. I walked this route in wet winter conditions, so I know it can be done, but I can't give it an unconditional recommendation. There are a few places where my GPX line deviates from the rights of way on the map - these all reflect what the signposted routes do on the ground (and in one case the only easy way through a wood), and the path through the east side of Wysall has been formally diverted for a new building development. There are a few more places where the trodden lines stay closer to field boundaries than the rights of way, but where these are minor I have stuck to the right of way lines. [Apologies for the confusing title of the GPX file - my bus route back from Melton was through Loughborough and I put Loughborough instead of Melton without thinking when creating it, and I can't update it now it is uploaded.]

About the surveyor

Coming soon.

Survey Contents

Grading

Path surface grading

4 Grade 4: Route includes very rough surfaces including deep ruts, steep loose gravel, unmade paths and deep muddy sections. Wheelchairs may experience traction/wheel spin issues.

Accessibility grading

X Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.

Photos

Photos from surveys are coming soon.

Facilities

  • Present at time of survey Public toilet
  • Maybe present Wheelchair accessible toilet
  • Present at time of survey Supermarket
  • Present at time of survey Restaurant
  • Maybe present Vegan restaurant
  • Present at time of survey Accommodation
  • Maybe present Accommodation < £50
  • Maybe present Campsite
  • Maybe present Bothy
  • Maybe present Free wifi
  • Maybe present Public phone
  • Present at time of survey Mobile Phone Coverage
  • Not present at time of survey Train station
  • Present at time of survey Bench
  • Maybe present Picnic table
  • Present at time of survey Bus stop
  • Not present at time of survey Ferry

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Challenges

  • Not present at time of survey Scrambling
  • Not present at time of survey Wading
  • Not present at time of survey Swimming
  • Not present at time of survey Climbing
  • Not present at time of survey Stepping stones
  • Maybe present Very slippery
  • Maybe present Very muddy
  • Maybe present Very icy
  • Maybe present Likely to flood
  • Present at time of survey Long grass sections
  • Present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path
  • Not present at time of survey Diverted path

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Obstacles

  • Present at time of survey Stiles
  • Present at time of survey Step and kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable
  • Present at time of survey Flights of steps
  • Present at time of survey Gates
  • Present at time of survey Kissing gates
  • Not present at time of survey Locked gates
  • Not present at time of survey Disables access gates
  • Not present at time of survey Cycle barriers
  • Not present at time of survey Ladders
  • Not present at time of survey Cattle grids
  • Not present at time of survey Fords
  • Present at time of survey Narrow bridges
  • Not present at time of survey Ferry required
  • Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings
  • Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads
  • Present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads
  • Not present at time of survey Railway crossings
  • Not present at time of survey River crossings
  • Present at time of survey Cattle possible
  • Present at time of survey Horses possible
  • Not present at time of survey Tidal area
  • Not present at time of survey Potential falls
  • Present at time of survey Exposed to elements
  • Not present at time of survey Remote area
  • Not present at time of survey Mountainous area
  • Not present at time of survey Military training area
  • Present at time of survey No visible path
  • Maybe present Seasonal nesting birds
  • Not present at time of survey Other hazards

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Accessibility

  • Not present at time of survey Free of stiles
  • Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Free of flights of steps
  • Present at time of survey Free of other obstacles

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Measurements

The narrowest part of the path is 30.00cm

The steepest uphill gradient East: no data

The steepest uphill gradient West: no data

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places

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Successfully completed

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

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Expert recommendations

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

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Terrain

5.00% of the route is on roads

10.00% of the route is paved

3.00% of the route is lit at night

20.00% of the route is muddy

5.00% of the route is over rough ground

5.00% of the route is through long grass

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