06/01/24 - On the Trail of Richard III

 Leicester by Day

With the pubs ticked off by night, I'm pleased to say my opinion of Leicester has improved in the daylight.

A mixture of Adventure Lab Caching (ALC) and an out of date "Battlefield Walks of the Midlands" book shows me the history of the town. Walk 11 is on the trail of Richard III in Leicester. The City where he was killed in a nearby battle in 1485. The book was written in 2004 and much has happened to the story since.... we now know that his bones were not thrown in the River Soar and lost forever. They have, of course, been found under a council car park and interned into Leicester Cathedral.

This is a super walk to show more of the hidden parts of Leicester. Away from the chaos of deliveroo cyclists and boy racers that terrorise the streets at night.

Adventure Lab Caching makes the start of the walk at De Montfort Square - with New Walk providing a delightful entry into the City. Pedestrianised and through some fine Georgian Architecture.

Beautiful Georgian Square

Leicester Museum along the pedestianised New Walk

The ALCs switch focus to Medieval Leicester and I explore Magazine Gateway and the Castle Grounds. Little remains, yet commerce is alive and well. The Micro pub through Turret Tower called "The Castle".

Magazine Gateway - Freestanding reminder of the City Walls

Turret Tower in the morning sunshine

After a visit to Newarke House Museums to collect ALC clues from the mock up of the Jolly Anglers pub - complete with terrifying motion activated soundtrack - I head for the River Soar. I honestly expected to have to abandon the walk at this point but if there were post Storm Henck floodwaters, they have abated. Even Abbey Park is accessible.

Along the River Soar - Over Weirs, along Canals

A full circuit of Abbey Park

Cardinal Wolsey - with a visited cafe behind

Back into town, to find the Guildhall, Town Hall and the Cathedral.

Cathedral poking out behind the Guildhall

Finding Richard III in the Cathedral

I had saved the JDW as a final Good Beer Guide Tick of the weekend. With the ALC's draining the phone battery, I am hoping to find a nice comfy seat, next to a socket and let the app take the strain.

I hadn't factored in Leicester Tigers being at home. No room at the inn, with every table taken by punters in a uniform of green, white and red stripes. I'll save my shekles for Britain's newest Sir for another day.

First dubious tick of 2024, but there was a Cask Marque Scan

Walk Details

Distance - 6 Miles

Geocaches - 31 ALCs and 1 Traditional

Walk Inspiration - Battlefield Walk in the Midlands, Walk 11