Smisby Striders are the Smisby WI walking group, which was set up in 2011.
Members take it in turns to organise and lead the walks on the 2nd Thursday of each month., Each walk is on average about 4 miles in length and may range from 3 to 6 miles
Smisby Strollers were formed in 2021 and sometimes meet to offer a shorter walk with few or easy stiles.
Both walks normally finish with lunch! Members can just join in for the walk or the lunch, if they don't want to do both activities. Members are notified of each venue by email and are asked to reply if they are attending.
Well behaved dogs welcome on lead. For most walks we meet at 10:15 am for a prompt 10.30 start.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the time of year.
Walk details are circulated to members by WhatApp and email, normally a week before the walk.
Striders Rosliston Walk 14 November 2024
Eight striders enjoyed at the interesting Rosliston Forestry Centre, organised by Christina and David. The sunny dry morning was complemented by the colourful trees and leaves on the paths. The route took in part of the National Forest Way, which follows the forest boundaries and in some places this route was muddy but overall the forest tracks were easy to walk and well maintained. There were a number of sculptures, a sundial and information boards about the trees species, near the observatory. After walking just over 3 miles we stopped for coffee at the cafe and a browse in the shop.
Strollers Walk 24 October 2024
The last of this year's Strollers walk began with a "pop up" coffee morning in the village hall. Seventeen members including husbands enjoyed tea cakes, crumpets & toast. This was all washed down with tea or coffee and proved a great success. Many thanks to Suzanne for organising this.
We then had the opportunity to either walk or drive half a mile to the Blue Bell arboretum to see the beautiful autumn colours. I'm glad we were advised to wear sensible walking boots as it was very muddy underfoot, but that did not take away the enjoyment of the visit to this lovely arboretum in the village of Smisby.
Striders Walk 10 Oct 2024
Ten members and husbands met at Ticknall village hall for a walk through Calke Park. Starting at 10am, the group walked to Calke Explore and then through Serpentine wood and past the lake before a stop for coffee and sccones in the cafe. Then enjoying the clement weather, the group completed the 5 mile walk by walking along the main carriage track and then returned to Ticknall via the tramway tracks.
Strollers Walk September 2024
A very local walk for the Strollers on Thursday 12th of October and weather wise so very different from our last walk at the Richard 111 battle field, when the weather was unbearably hot.. We met at the Chilly Pepper cafe at the Alpaca Farm Boundary for coffee and breakfast at 10.a.m before starting off on a two mile walk to Blackfordy and back. There was a light drizzle at the start but it did brighten up later by the time we finished the walk. The Alpacas were very inquisitive and the horses very vocal. The picture was taken at the top of the hill with us looking at the school and church, with the National Forest in the background. Keith Vallis took us to see the war graves, and told us about the restoration to the West side of the church. A very enjoyable walk on our doorstep, thank you for those who came and we didn't get too wet.
Strollers walk. Thursday 1st August.
The strollers met at the Tithe Barn Restaurant at the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre, not far from Market Bosworth. After coffee and refreshments Sonia led the walk around the Battlefield Trail with stops to read the information boards and to take in the panoramic views over the landscape, trying to imagine over 1000 men fighting for their King - Richard 111 or Henry 7th. The walk was 1.25 miles but felt like a lot more as the weather got really hot towards the end and we were very relieved to see the restaurant and enjoy an ice-cream to cool us down. Thank you Sonia once again a very educational walk enjoyed by all.
Striders Walk, 8th August 2024
Nine members enjoyed this walk. Starting from the Library carpark in Measham, we walked across fields to Oakthorpe. WE then went along Silver Street through Oakthorpe and down Canal Street. This path took us to the lakes at Donisthorpe. We then returned to measham following the Ashby Wolds Hertitage Trail. The walk was 4.7 miles.
Striders Walk, July 2024
Despite the early morning rain, 4 members braved the weather and met in the Ticknall Village Hall car park and walked into Calke Park. Walking along some of the tramway and old carriage roads, we reached the house and had an enjoyable scone and coffee in the National trust cafe, before returning to Ticknall , enjoying the steadily improving weather . Overall the walk was about 4.5 miles .
Strollers June 2024 walk
Striders June 2024 walk around the Jubilee woods
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Strollers May walk around Ashby
Nine hardy people arrived at Bath Grounds for our strollers walk in the rain. Umbrellas at the ready and off we went with Sonia telling us about the history of the very sad looking Royal Hotel and showing us pictures of the Spa baths in their hey-day, when people used to come from far and wide to visit Ashby to take the beneficial waters.
Several Blue plaques were explained to the group before heading to Centivo for breakfast and to get dry. After having refreshments we continued our walk down Market Street, visiting the Bear in the pit at the White Hart, hearing about the murder of a ‘lady of the night’ by a soldier Timothy Dunn and Doctor Mark Baker who died following an attempt to rescue two men overcome by fumes in a well at Ticknall.
A very interesting walk once again given by a very enthusiastic Sonia, who thoroughly enjoys finding out about our hidden local history
Striders Bluebell Walk 9 May 2024
Six members and one husband enjoyed a 3.5 mile walk from the circular car park in Calke to view the spectacular bluebells in the Calke Abbey woods. The weather was perfect for walking, warm and dry with little wind. On the way back the group stopped for coffee and delicious snacks in the Stableyard cafe. (Click on pictures to enlarge)
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Striders walk to Conkers 11th April
Strollers visit to Moira Furnace, March 2024
Striders Snowdrop Walk 14th March 2024
Strollers visit to Snibston Country Park, February 2024
Nine people enjoyed a 2 mile walk around the Snibston Country Park on Tuesday. We found the Elks on top of the hill and as you can see from the attachment they are really big and all the more amazing that they are made out of Scrap metal.
Strollers visit to Cornonation Park , Newhall, Jan 2024
Calke Park Walk, Jan 2024
The first Striders walk of 2024 was from Ticknall village hall car park to Calke Park. The weather was kind to us; cool and dry with little wind. The tracks had dried out well too. The nine ramblers walked on the tramway to Calke Explore and then through Serpentine Wood, returning beside Mere Pond to the house for refreshments in the café. We then walked along the main carriage drive and turning right rejoined the tramway at Stanley’s barn top gate. We returned past Calke Explore and past the pond, following the footpath to Ticknall Main Street and then back to the car park. A very pleasant walk of 5 miles.
Hicks Lodge walk Nov 2023
Eleven members enjoyed a 3 mile walk from Lakeside, Shortheath, Moira, through Moira Furnace to Hicks Lodge. Here the group split with some stopping for a coffee and others walking round the lake, where the photo was taken. We all met again at Lakeside and most stayed to enjoy a delicious lunch.
Strollers Ashby Walk 7th Nov 2023
Nine ladies (and Dave) enjoyed a hearty breakfast at RedZ before setting off on a bright but chilly walk around the streets of Ashby. The walk encompassed the Town Council Blue Plaques, where Sonia explained the history of each plaque - sometimes being the building, sometimes being the person and the talk even covered murder and a stuffed bear proudly wearing his poppies!
Bradgate Park walk 12 Oct 2023
Four couples through Bradgate park and the weather was kind to us, being cool and dry. We followed the path to Bradgate House ruins and enjoyed viewing the red and fallow deer, which were very active, since it is the rut. We then stopped for a welcome coffee and cake in the park café. Afterwards, we walked up to view Old John and met one of the park volunteers there. She explained the reasons for the scaffolding on the tower and gave us a fascinating and enjoyable potted history of the park. Cutting through the copse where the stables used to be, we reached the war memorial. Then we made our way downhill and joined the horse track to return to the car park.
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13th July 23 Striders
The walk next Thursday 13th July was approximately 4.75 miles with four stiles. It started from the Dethick Hall carpark, Manchester lane Hartshorne, 10.15 for a 10.30 start.
Dorothy led this walk, which was originally planned for last March but it snowed heavily that day. The walk route was towards the Hartshorne dams and took a circular route round back to the carpark. Lunch was at the Bulls Head Hartshorne. This was a joint walk with the ladies from walking netball, since we were unable use the leisure centre on this day. It was a good idea to combine the two groups. 
June 2023 Strollers
The strollers walk on Thursday 29th of June was a guided walk around Grace Dieu woods and Priory situated in
Northwest Leicestershire.
After a very hearty breakfast at the Bulls Head Thringston, we met up with Ann, a Thringston WI member, & Bill, her brother, who were giving the guided walk. They told us about the history of the Grace Dieu house and the surrounding woods & Priory, & industrial heritage of the area. Ann & Bill's Grandfather and Father were both gardeners for the family and they lived in the gardener's cottage on the estate so who better to give a first hand account of the area where they played as children.
Seven members two husbands and two dogs thoroughly enjoyed their stroll, accompanied with pictures and childhood memories told to us by Ann & Bill.
Picture taken in the ruins of the Chapter House of Grace Dieu Priory.
Strollers May Walk
The Strollers first walk of the year took place on Thursday 25th of May. We have changed our day from Tuesday as several of our members who like to walk volunteer at a Dementia support group held in the village hall every Tuesday. As the name suggests our walks are not long like the Striders, but to make it a little different we start off with breakfast at a local restaurant and then have a stroll.
After breakfast at the Pavilions Donisthorpe, six members, two husbands & three dogs enjoyed a leisurely 2-mile stroll around the old mining village of Donisthorpe.
After a short walk through the Donisthorpe Woodlands, the church of St Johns happened to be open, and we had a quick look around before making our way to the allotments and apple orchard. We then crossed the road to loo k at the post box topper of "the old lady who swallowed a fly" made by a local knitting group. After passing a house which was once the meeting place of the Primitive Methodists, it was then a short walk-through roads and a jitty back to the Pavilions and a well earned ice cream.
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Bluebell Walk 11 May 2023
Marie’s walk of about 5 miles visited the parish Bluebell woods. She led members through Sharp’s Bottom to Hartshorne via the track from Several Woods farm and then returned via Daniel Hayes, passing the Iron Age village. Sone of the group then moved to the Tap House, for a tasty lunch, being joined by three other members.
Donisthorpe Woodland Walk April 2023
Snowdrop Walk 9th Feb 2023
Jane led the February walk from the Springwood car park by the southern end of the Staunton Harold reservoir through Dimminsdale nature reserve and the Staunton Harold estate. Ten members enjoyed the interesting route, easy walking and the perfect weather conditions. Afterwards the lunch was at the Ferrers Arms Lount. Many thanks to Jane for this super route.
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Snibston Colliery Tour, Thursday January 12th 2023.
Snibston Colliery was initiated by William Stenson, who came from the Forest of Dean coalfield to sink a mine in Whitwick in the 1820s. Having reached coal, he looked for means of transporting it to Leicester and persuaded the great George Stevenson to support the building of one of the world’s earliest railways from Leicester to Swannington. The Striders walking group have walked several sections of the Swannington incline and now we know how and why it was built.
Stuart, who came dressed as William Stenson, gave a short history about the life and times of the mine. From the beginning of 1833 to the present, a considerable town was established and Colville had its own pride of community, employer loyalty and spirit of enterprise, all because of the Snibston Colliery.
We were then introduced to two ex-miners who had worked in the local mines so knew all the working of the various industrial equipment that was on show. We were taken to the control room, the nurses sick bay, and the lift shaft that transported men from top to bottom in 43 seconds. Finally we saw how the miners blew up the coal face using explosives, to make it more social history is right on our doorstep, with men still around who worked in these mines.
It was a truly fascinating tour given by men who new and worked in the mines, thanks to all who made it so interesting.
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Hall Farm Packington Walk
Our November 2022 walk was around Hall Farm, Packington. Members enjoyed a very informative talk given by Andrew the farmer and a superb lunch provided by the ladies in the cafe.
Striders walk, Loughborough Suffragettes trail, August 2022
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Striders walk, Church and Hall of Brooksby, July 2022
Over the past twelve years the Striders have walked once a month around our area, with occasional walks in the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire.
This month it was East Leicestershire and to the beautiful church and hall of Brooksby for a guided tour by Malcolm Britton who taught for over forty years at the college. The hall and surrounding area is now an Agricultual College in partnership with Stephenson and Melton colleges.
The church goes back to the Doomsday Book when it was just a wooden building for the surrounding people to worship in. Brooksby has a fascinating history and should you wish to read more there is plenty to read on line.
After our walk and guided tour Malcolm recommended the Blue Bell at Hoby for lunch, and it did not disappoint lovely food and excellent service.
We look forward to Malcolm coming to Smisby WI next August to give a more in-depth talk about the history of Brooksby.
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Striders Bluebell walk. May 2022
Marie led 13 members and husbands from Smisby through Sharps Bottom to admire the bluebells. The walk then continued to Hartshorne and reurned through the new Dutch plantation to Several Woods farm and back on footpaths to Smisby village hall. Here Suzanne and Pat had prepared a super meal for the walkers at the village hall and several other members lunched too. The cream cakes for dessert were greatly appreciated!
Strollers Bulls Head Rosliston Tuesday 19th 2022
The strollers meet at the Bulls Head Rosliston on Tuesday 19th for a leisurely walk through the oldest of Forestry
England's community woodlands within the National Forest, it was created from former farmland in 1993 and opened
to the public in 1994.
Eight people and Josaphine, Tina's granddaughter plus three dogs set of across a field from the pub
to enter the woodland to begin the two-and-a-half-mile walk.
The photography was taken at the memorial plantation where people who had lost loved ones could plant
a tree in their memory, the wooden animals have been carved from trees that have been cut down.
The weather was ideal and after an ice-cream stop at the cafe, we made our way back to the pub for
lunch.
Striders Walk Thursday 14th April 2022
12 members and guest met at Dethick Hall hartshorne for a 3.5 mile walk to Daniel Heyes farm and Sharps Bottom. The walk finished by following the newly stoned footpath through the newly planted 50-acre woodland beside Manchester Lane. The beautiful sunny weather, good walking conditions, plentiful wild flowers and playful lambs all added to the enjoyment.
This walk revisited the very first walk Smisby W I organised. Barbara Ball was the leader with Maureen Crabtree, Joan Wilson and Suzanne Jones participating. This is when we decided to give ourselves a name, the styart of Smisby Striders.
Afterwards some members continued to the Mill Wheel in Hartshorne for refreshments,
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February 2022 walk reports
Striders 3 Feb 2022
Strollers 15th Februrary
click on image to enlarge
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January 2022 Walk reports
Walk reports: Strollers Walk 23 Nov 2021
Walk reports: Open Walk 11th November around the Bluebell Arboretum
Members and guests met at Smisby village hall and walked to the Bluebell Arboretum to see the autumn colour. We were greeted by our host Robert Vernon with mince pies, followed by a guided tour describing the origins and history of some of the most interesting and colourful trees and shrubs. After this entralling walk around the arboretum the 25 visitors returned to
to the village hall for a lunch including some delicious homemade soup provided by Suzanne and Jane Reynolds. A good morning was enjoyed by everyone.
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Walk reports: Strollers Oct 2021 Barrow on Trent
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Striders Sept 2021 Walk
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July 2021 Strollers
Pictures from our walk yesterday, short pit stop in the woods at a mushroom I
made earlier!!
Very hot but thirteen intrepid walkers completed the 2.5 miles and after a short
break for ice cream at the Furnace we made our way to Eden Bistro where we enjoyed
lunch with Joise and Angela who joined us, and as you can see Julie and Wendy also
enjoyed a delicious cake.
It was a lovely morning enjoyed by all.
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February 2020
Chris Cox and Sue Fitch organised the event. Nine ladies (plus two husbands lurking at the back!) met at the round car park, Staunton Harold reservoir for this month’s walk.
The walk took us past the reservoir, along the deer pens at Calke, through the woods and the new play area, then back to Calke Abbey for refreshments.
The paths were a little muddy in places, after recent storms. However the weather was reasonable on the day with just a little rain.
After lunch we walked back to the car park. The route was a little over 4 miles.
January 2020
The January walk lead by Suzanne started at the Lakeside Restaurant, meeting
at 10.15 for a 10.30 start. The walk began from the carpark, a short walk along
the road to woods and an open grassed area lead us onto the canal and Moira
Furnace. There have been several housing developments recently in Moira, so
the walk was designed to walk through the estate and to avoid the very wet
fields.
A metaled path took up to New Fields where we joined a track which lead us to
the Hicks Lodge Trail and the restaurant for a coffee. The walk back had a slight
diversion through woods and old open cast mine workings which is now part of
the Ivanhoe walk, this took a bit of navigating as the very heavy rain the
previous evening caused some flooding. Back past the Furnace and through
woods to the restaurant for a well-deserved lunch at Lakeside. We had two
new people join us on the walk, which made twelve walkers altogether and
another member joined us for lunch. The first walk of 2020 was very well
supported, and we look forward to many more this year.
November 2019
Our last walk of 2019 was lead by the two Lynn’s starting from Ticknall Village car park. Six of us arrived at the staring point expecting or should I say hoping to just go for coffee at the Scoff and Shop due to the weather forecast prediction of slight rain until 12 noon and then torrential rain in the afternoon. As we knew we would be back by lunch time it was decided to do the walk, we started off at 10.30a.m in light drizzle but by 11.a.m the torrential rain started. We were halfway round the tramway trail so decided there was no point turning back, and that’s how it continued, we walked past the new Hub and toilets that have been built in the woods, we just put our heads down and continued at a fast pace back to the car park.
All of us were soaked but after lunch in the Smisby Arms we were very pleased to have done the walk, and look forward to the next one in January 2020 when hopefully the weather will be kinder to us.
I tried to take a photograph of our walks but the ones I did take were obliterated by the rain so sorry you will just have to take our word for it, it was very very wet.
Suzanne Jones
Hartshorne May 9th 2019
Thursday's walk was lead by Jean our President, the weather was very cold and overcast when we met at the car park in Hartshorne to begin the walk. A short walk through the village took us on to Nether Hall Wood and to woods that backed on to Jean's house. In the woods there is a derelict building which was once a mill. The picture is taken on the bridge which goes over the steam, after coffee and biscuits at Jean's it was a steady climb up to Caukley Wood which when looking back offered beautiful views of the rolling South Derbyshire hills. A gentle walk down hill to Hartshorne went past some beautiful old buildings, and then to the car park where we started our walk. The four mile walk was finished with a well deserved lunch at the Greyhound public house Woodville. Click on photos to enlarge
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February 2019 Dimminsdale
The February’s walk began at the car park by Dimminsdale woods, after a climb up through the woods we came to what is know as the ridge, this takes you along to a hill which over looks Staunton Harold Hall. The weather was superb ideal for walking and for taking photographs of the hall and church which looked magnificent set in the hollow of the valley. The idea of the walk is to see the magnificent show of Snowdrops and when we got there, they did not disappoint. A truly wonderful display of Snowdrops in a woodland setting, and a superb five mile walk, and of course a lovely lunch to finish at a local pub. Click on photos to enlarge
Jan 2019 Lakeside walk
Bluebell Nursery and Arbouretum Walk October 2018
Aston on Trent, September 2018
Eleven members enjoyed a beautiful autumnal walk round Aston-on -Trent, in South Derbyshire. We followed a history trail leaflet put together by the SDDC and Aston-on -Trent local history group. The three mile walk took us to Aston Hall, now apartments. The very interesting Saxon church with a stone set into the wall which has a carved design resembling early Christian crosses. We found a fire-mark plate on the side of a cottage, then on to the octagonal shelter, built to house the village pump.
After walking across several ploughed fields we joined the path back to the Malt public house for lunch. A very interesting walk and a lovely day, there are several information boards located in the village which were very useful and the display of old photographs in the pump shelter where very interesting.
Our next walk in October will be to the Arboretum at Smisby to see the Autumn colours.
May 2018 walk and 90th birthday lunch
The open bluebell walk in May 2018 was from Smisby to Hartshorne via Sharp’s Bottom. It finished with a meal at the village hall, which was planned as a 90th birthday lunch for Jean Statt. As well as the walkers and some of their partners, other WI members came to this special lunch, which was prepared by Suzanne and Pat.
Jean has been a member of Smisby WI for 30 years. She has photographed many WI functions, e.g. parties and craft mornings. She has also photographed most of the changes in the village too and produced albums showing the village history. The guests were able to browse these wonderful albums to remind us of these events.
Thirty three people welcomed Jean to the party. Barbara Ball gave the congratulations speech. Sheila Heap had made a birthday cake, decorated with a camera and calendar on to celebrate Jean’s photography and aa a reminder of her many photographs published in the DFWI calendars over the years. Jean took home with her many birthday cards, a planter full of plants that will last all summer and the cake to share with her family. 
Walk reports
11January 2018
Chris led the 4.7 mile walk from Conkers car park, taking fourteen members along easy tracks with no stiles. We walked round the Mushroom Lane pond and through Gresley and Tunnel woods, following Sustrans route 63 for some of the way. We returned beside the railway line to Spring Coaatge and back into Conkers. We. then drove the short distance to Lakeside tes Rooms at Short Heath water for lunch. As usual the hospitality and food was excellent.
13 July 2017 Dovedale circuit
Overseal Health Walking group.
Some WI walks have been jointly organised with Dot Morson. She leads regular walks on a Tuesday for the Overseal Health Walking group.