Minster Lovell and Crowley Circular

We walked the Minster Lovell and Crowley Circular with Jordan and Dave and baby George and Dave's parent, Donal and Jane plus the English cocker spaniel dogs, Winston and Isla. Winston is a relatively new addition to Dave and Jordan's household, now, just a year and a half. Isla's been around for eight years and not quite so energetic. George is about four weeks and likes to eat and sleep.

Before beginning our hike, we stopped for a terrific lunch at the fabulous old Swan Inn that specializes in beer and meat pies. Dave and I had the steak and ale, Jane, the haddock and spinach, Donal and Nicola the lamb and Jordan, the lobster with macaroni and cheese. Very Canadian.

After lunch, we proceeded up the trail through the churchyard of St. Kenelm's Church with tombstones that had long since lost their markings. Perhaps, the congregation still has a registry that identifies who's buried where. Otherwise, the article in the "Economist" about London cemeteries selling second-hand graves makes perfect sense.

Just past the church is the old manor house built in 1430 by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand. Unfortunately, the manor is in ruins but still commands a certain majesty with its size and grandeur.

From there, we meandered along the River Windrush, through farm fields and along old, ancient lanes to the village of Crawley and back to Minster Lovell.

George slept the whole time in his sling carried by Dave, waking only once along the lane just past Cowley. Dave changed his nappy and Jordan fed him and then we were off again. All in all, a very pleasant outing.

Lunch at the Old Swan Inn	Dave, Jordan, and George entering the old establishment
House in Minster Lovell	Another house
St. Kenelm's Church	Ruins of old manor
More ruins	Dave, George, and Jordan inside ruins
Rolling fields	More fields
Unscheduled stop	Stone fence built without mortar. Can you imagine?