11 members met on Wednesday 21st July 2021 at Barton Marina for an 8 mile walk led by Mel Griffiths on a fiercely hot day. The marina is situated on the Trent & Mersey canal, and the overall site covers 90 acres, mainly woodland with many paths and bridges, and a retail area.

The route taken is known as the Silver Circuit, based in the National Forest. Leaving the marina the group headed into Barton-under-Needwood village, passing the the Grade 2 listed St James's Church built in the mid 1500's, and then towards Dunstall. This part of the walk enters into Needwood Forest, with areas of parkland and wood pasture., Both habitats are important for wildlife.

The walk continued towards Highlands Park Farm, down Cuckoo Cage Lane, into a green lane and then a bridleway to descend into Tatenhill, passing Battlestead Hill and then onto the National Forest Way.

This eventually leads to Tatenhill Lock, back on the canal. This is one of the 76 locks on the 93 mile Trent & Mersey canal, completed in 1777, and designed by James Brindley. The walk continued along the towpaths , crossing sides at one point, to eventually leave and return to the marina.

Many thanks to Mel for the detailed route of the walk and its major features.

 Gillian Gibbons