Trig Walk 37: Historic Villages & Countryside Adventure – Old Dalby to Longcliff

Описание: Join me for Trig Walk 37: Historic Villages & Countryside Adventure – Old Dalby to Longcliff, a scenic journey through Old Dalby, Nether Broughton, and Upper Broughton, exploring historic villages, medieval churches, woodland trails, Belvoir Angels, and the beautiful Longcliff Hill trig point. Discover history, folklore, and a few ghostly tales along the way on this Leicestershire countryside hike!

Hi — I’m Bryan, and welcome to another episode of Hiking With Me! This is Trig Walk #37, an immersive adventure through the heart of Leicestershire’s countryside. Along the way, we uncover centuries of history, hidden angels, dense woodlands, and scenic footpaths, finishing with panoramic views from Longcliff Hill and another trig point bagged for the series.
Route Highlights:

St John the Baptist Church, Old Dalby – We start at this 13th- and 14th-century church, featuring recumbent effigies of Sir Andrew Noel and his wives, carved in alabaster behind the altar. Keep a lookout for apotropaic marks, burn marks, and an old Ordnance Survey benchmark — tiny historical details that reveal centuries of local life.

Old Dalby Railway Line & Airshaft – Following the historic Midland Railway, later the Old Dalby Test Track, we encounter the iconic airshaft and learn about the famous 1984 nuclear flask crash test, where a Class 46 diesel locomotive smashed into a derailed wagon carrying a nuclear flask to prove transport safety. The tunnel and track carry an eerie history and make for a unique walking experience.

Marriott’s Spinney & Crompton’s Plantation – Wander through dense woodland, where shafts of sunlight highlight hidden details, and the sense of centuries of footsteps linger among the trees. Perfect for exploring woodland trails and imagining the lives of those who walked here before.

Queensway – This long, straight track back toward Old Dalby feels older than it looks. Once perhaps an estate drive, it evokes images of horsemen disappearing into the distance, adding a subtle sense of history and mystery to the walk.

Moat Farm & Nether Broughton – St Mary the Virgin – Past Moat Farm, named for its medieval moat, we visit St Mary’s Church. Here, the Belvoir Angels, carved from Swithland slate in the 18th century, quietly guard the churchyard. Inside, the bells ring gently, adding atmosphere to this historic village stop.

Upper Broughton – St Luke – Crossing into Nottinghamshire, we visit St Luke’s Church, a Grade I listed medieval building featuring old graffiti, memorials, and another light ring of bells. This stop continues our signature Hiking With Me exploration of history, folklore, and architecture.

Longcliff Trig Point – OS flush bracket S4786 marks the summit of Longcliff Hill, providing sweeping countryside views over the Wolds. Bagging this trig point is the highlight of the walk, rewarding our journey through villages, woods, and historic landmarks.
Ghostly Tales & Folklore:

As we explore, the villages and landscapes carry whispers of the past. At St John the Baptist Church, the medieval effigies seem to silently watch over the living. The woods of Marriott’s Spinney and Crompton’s Plantation are said to hold lingering footsteps, adding an eerie edge. Near the Old Dalby Test Track tunnel and airshaft, local ghost stories add intrigue, blending with the history of the 1984 nuclear flask test. And in the churchyards, the Belvoir Angels feel like quiet guardians, watching over both past and present. These tales add a little shiver among the beauty of the countryside.

Why Watch This Video:
This episode of Hiking With Me blends history, folklore, countryside walking, and scenic views. Whether you’re here for medieval churches, Belvoir Angels, woodland trails, OS trig points, or ghost stories, Trig Walk 37 offers a rich, immersive experience of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Join the Adventure:

Subscribe to Hiking With Me to follow the trig walk series and never miss a historical hike. Like, comment, and share your stories — whether about haunted churchyards, hidden historical details, or your own walks. Let’s explore the beauty, history, and secrets of the countryside together!
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