Distance: 1 – 5 miles (plenty of options to make this longer or shorter)
Parking: At the Bull Head pub, Loughborough Road, Thringstone, LE67 8LR
Family Friendly: Yes
Pushchair/ wheelchair access: No
Facilities: None
This is a lovely place to visit, with many different routes.
From the Bulls Head car park, head under the bridge and then go left.
This will lead you through some woods, the paths are leaf litter and mud, so take care if it has been raining.
You will then come to a cross roads with a stream in front of you, I have seen some people walking through the streams with wellies on, so take care again if you choose to go in to the water.
Taking the left path will lead to the priory. The right path leads through some woods, which we did after going to the priory.
You will walk under the old train bridge, it is massive.
The path follows the stream and winds to the right. Taking your time along here there are plenty of fungi to find. Unfortunately on this occasion I did not photograph them all in detail, so I will go back and add the identification on here.
The priory will appear in front of you. It looms and is broken, but so interesting. You can walk around the buildings ruins and peer through old windows and door ways. There is a sign on the back of the priory to show what it would have looked like before.
HISTORY
The Priory dates back to 1235 where it was established as a place dedicated to God, The Trinity and St Mary (1). It was a nunnery and made very little money, with a very low financial value.
The nuns had a hospital onsite to care for the poor (2), their own animals and livestock and their own food was grown onsite. This was a lovely self-contained space that was dedicate to religious activities.
In 1536 the King called for Leicestershire to be surveyed for value and wealth. Due to the low value of the priory, and its classification as a lesser monastery, it was set for suppression. The priory was dissolved in 1538. (3)
This was then given to John Beaumont. It has remained privately owned and is currently cared for by a group of wonderful volunteers who seek to keep the priory open and accessible to all.
(1,2,3 – http://www.gracedieupriory.org.uk/)
We walked back the way we had come, but there is another route that takes you over some stepping stones. They are not flat placed stones, so take great care, they are wet and uneven, and move slightly when you step on them. My children did manage it, but it took some engorgement!
The woods are beautiful and again there are many routes you can take. All lead back to the bridge, that leads back to the pub.
I have to mention the pub is great to visit after a walk if you choose to. The food is fantastic, with vegan and dietary restrictions accounted for. It is not expensive and the portion size of very generous! They have a choice of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. They are a carvery, but also have a full menu, with a separate children’s menu.
If you do go, and you choose the bottomless sundae for dessert, please let me know if you managed to finish yours! 😊
