Plane Spotters and Petrol Heads
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This walk starts near East Midlands Aeropark with a collection of 27 complete air frames on external display. There is a good view of East Midlands Airport with planes taking off and landing as we walk around the western perimeter fence. The airfield was originally built as a Royal Air Force station known as RAF Castle Donington in 1943, before being redeveloped as a civilian airport in 1965. The airport is now a hub for low-fare airlines, and it was the second-busiest UK airport for freight traffic in 2016, after London Heathrow.
The walk continues to Donington Park Motor Racing Circuit created between the First and Second World Wars. It has a capacity of 120,000, and hosted a single Formula One race in 1993, but has become the favoured home of the British round of the MotoGP motorcycling championship. It is also the venue of the annual Rock music Download Festival.
South of Donington Park, we descend to a disused railway track from Wilson towards Melbourne. The route back traverses fields and returns around the back of the racing circuit with a view of Donington Hall, a mansion house set in parkland built in 1790. The hall was requisitioned at the start of World War I by the British government and turned into a prisoner of war camp. While interned at Donington Hall in 1915, a German naval pilot made the only successful escape from Britain in either World War. The hall is the former headquarters of British Midland International (BMI) and the Norton Motorcycle Company.
There is an option to visit the Nags Head pub at the end of the walk for a drink (and food).
Distance 13 km (8 miles). Total ascent 174 m (571 feet). Approximately 4.5 hours.
Dogs
Well-controlled dogs are welcome but please keep dogs under control at all times.
All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
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What to bring
Given it'll be mid-winter, please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for cold and possibly wet weather - layer appropriately and bring wet-weather gear.
Below is a standard kit-list you may wish to draw from:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful. Demin jeans become heavy and cold in the rain and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs. A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack (with suitable capacity for your gear and lunch), allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for hay-fever, diabetes, or any on-going ailments or conditions.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch. Bring at least one litre of water and any preferred drinks, food and snacks to keep you nourished during the day.
We will eat packed lunch about halfway through the walk.