My Walking Journeys

A windy walk in Rutland

Mar 24th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Mick and I enjoyed a 10.6-mile circular walk from the village of Exton in the county of Rutland. Due to a glitch on the OS maps route, Mick thought that it was a 5-mile walk, so he had quite a shock, when he arrived to pick me up, to find it was in fact double that length!

We would pass through the village of Whitwell and visit Rutland Water – a large reservoir that serves the East Midlands.

We have walked the Hambelton peninsular at Rutland Water on a few occasions but this was a new walk for us.

Discover the Beauty of Hambleton’s Peninsula Trail

Having found a place to park in Exton village we set off admiring the thatched cottages along the way. It was an overcast, blustery day and cooler than recent days.

Thatched roofs in Exton village

We passed the Grade II listed Town Pump house, once a vital source of water for villagers.

Pump house

We followed a lane through arable fields and woodland towards Fort Henry Lake in Exton Park – a large country estate which has been home to the Noel family for over four centuries.

On the way to Fort Henry Lake

We could just about get a glimpse of Fort Henry on the far side of the lake.

Fort Henry Lake

Our route then took us adjacent to the lower lake, and through a boggy field to pass a trout hatchery.

Lower lake

Continuing on beside a brook we reached a dilapidated wooden bridge where we gingerly crossed the brook. It was most definitely in need of repair.

The Brook

Bridge in need of replacement

Joining The Viking Way we were on the path towards Whitwell.

Whitwell village

Interestingly, we found that we were also on the ‘Rutland Round’ route – a 65-mile walk around the county of Rutland. We might try this out this year. https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Rutland+Round

Shortly, we arrived into Rutland Water. It was very quiet with hardly a soul about. We found a bench and took a break. I was ready for my scotch egg. I noticed that one of my walking boots was badly split so hoped it would last for the remainder of the walk (it did!) . We didn’t linger to admire the views because it was perishing cold in the wind.

Rutland Water

Rutland Water

We followed the path that runs around the reservoir, occasionally passing through woodland.

After leaving Barnsdale we had a boring road walk back to Exton. We found a detour to avoid the traffic on our original route. We passed a nice Lodge close to Exton.

Finally, we arrived at the village green close to where we had parked the car.

Exton village green

I think we were both glad to get out of the cold wind. It had been a good stretch of the legs!

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring Southwell: A Scenic 6-Mile Walk

Mar 19th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

There was frost on my car first thing, but it was a sunny blue-sky day, so it didn’t take too long for the sun to work its magic. Today, Mick and I visited Southwell, a market town in Nottinghamshire and enjoyed a 6-mile circular walk in the rolling countryside surrounding Southwell. We had not been to Southwell previously so it was a voyage of discovery for us.

We parked in the free long-stay car park close to the leisure centre and followed footpaths into town. I was looking forward to seeing Southwell Minster – it is one of the least known of English cathedral’s. Founded in 956 it was one of three collegiate churches in the vast York diocese ( the other two were Ripon and Beverley) and it was only raised to cathedral status in 1884.

Southwell Minster

School children were making their way to school through the grounds- it was nice to see them walking instead of arriving by bus or car.

We walked through the town and, at once, it stuck me as a really nice town. We passed the market square where it was market day and stalls were being loaded with fruit and veg. Further on we passed what was left of the House of Correction – built in 1808 it was used as a prison until 1880 when it closed.

The House of Correction

Shortly we passed a really nice railway themed pub called ‘The Final Whistle’. I noticed that it was Nottinghamshire CAMRA pub of the year 2025 – so it sells great beer.

We passed through the archway to unexpectedly find a short section of track and platform one!

The pub is adjacent to the old railway line that ran from Southwell to Rolleston. The dismantled line is now ‘The Southwell Trail’ and we started along this after admiring what was once a large warehouse, a fine example of Industrial architecture- now residential housing.

A nice former warehouse

The Southwell Trail

After about a mile we left the trail and followed lanes to arrive into Norwood Park Golf Club where a noisy group of golfers were assembling – we guessed for a competition.

Wedding & Events Venue in Nottinghamshire | Norwood Park

As we continued through the park we got glimpses of the fine Georgian manor house.

We were enjoying the sunny weather as we left the park and made our way up Cundy hill following the Robin Hood Way trail. We were starting to get glimpses of Southwell and the cathedral in the distance.

Our next port of call was Brackenhurst College – part of Nottingham Trent University. It is an Agricultural college and the walk took us through the modern campus. A large new building was nearing completion.

New building

Halls of Residence

We passed through a farm which clearly was used by the college. We noticed some students were having Tractor driving lessons.

Shelter for the cows

Leaving the campus we continued across fields and enjoyed views over Southwell. After following a muddy path across a field (not appreciated but could have been worse) we descended into Southwell and found our way back to the car park.

Distant views of Southwell

It had been a lovely day out and I made a note to visit Southwell again. I would like to look inside the cathedral and also visit the National Trust Southwell Workhouse which is of historical interest. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/the-workhouse-and-infirmary

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Discover Sandilands Wetlands: A Coastal Walk Experience

Mar 8th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today myself and Angela enjoyed a 13.5-mile walk from Chapel St Leonards to Sandilands and back. It is a fabulous walk which we have enjoyed previously. Angela wanted to do it particularly to see the progress made by the National Trust in creating wetlands at Sandilands.

It was a beautiful sunny blue-sky morning as we set off quite early from the long stay car-park in Chapel St Leonards. Because it is early March there were very few tourists around. Walking along the promenade we passed the pretty beach huts on the way to the North Sea Observatory.

Beach huts

We would be following the England Coastal Path most of the time.

We reached the architecturally impressive North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point. Opened in 2018 it is marine observatory but mainly a very popular café.

North Sea Observatory

As we walked along the deserted beach I looked behind and saw my footprints – I couldn’t resist taking a photo.

Having walked the beach for a while we headed up to the coastal path through the sand dunes.

Angela in the sand dunes

We reached Anderby Creek which is a favourite spot of ours to visit – especially the lovely cafe there. We stopped for a coffee. Well, it would be rude no to 😊.

We also took a look at the Cloud Bar- opened in 2009 it allows visitors to take a moment and appreciate the overlooked beauty of the sky above us. I have always appreciated the variety of clouds in nature. On the roof there are concrete cloud gazing chairs and tilted mirrors that facilitate looking at the sky.

The Cloud Bar at Anderby Creek

However, without a cloud in sight we could not check out the facility on this occasion. We continued onwards along a deserted beach.

Looking back at Anderby Creek

How truly wonderful it is to enjoy the beach and watch the waves rolling in and not be disturbed. There was definitely heat in the sun as well and it was a reminder that spring had arrived after a miserable winter.

Before long we reached Sandilands.

A wetlands is being created with a footpath running through and sometimes, even across the water ponds. There are plenty of benches along the way where you can sit and watch the birds.

One of the wooden walkways

shrubs are planted

We passed the visitors centre/cafe – this is still under construction and hopefully will be open for summer. It will be interesting to see how the site matures in years to come.

Having left Sandilands we joined the coastal path and headed back to Chapel St Leonards.

As we passed by the beach huts we noticed several were being cleaned out and painted ready for the summer season. In the town itself most of the shops were still closed.

Arriving into a quiet Chapel St Leonards

It had been a lovely walk and we set off home a tad tired, but happy.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
A ruined castle in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Mar 7th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today’s 6.9-mile circular walk began in the lovely Lincolnshire village of Bolingbroke. In medieval times Bolingbroke castle was a seat of the powerful House Of Lancaster and the birthplace, in 1366, of Henry IV- first of the Lancastrian kings. The castle is now a ruin and is looked after by English Heritage.

We would visit the castle ruins then head up Keal hill to eventually reach the village of East Keal. Passing through East Keal we then walked through Keal Carr Nature reserve on the way back to Old Bolingbroke.

We parked in the layby outside the church and followed the road left to reach the castle ruins.

Ruins of Bolingbroke castle

The castle is surrounded by a large moat. Inside there are numerous information boards which give ample information about the various parts of the castle.

View of the moat

Having had a good look around the ruins we continued through the old world, charming village. We passed a house that certainly was a nod to the history of the village.

Leaving the village we started the steady climb up Keal Hill. As we climbed upwards we should have been able to have great views of the surrounding countryside but the morning mist still hadn’t burnt off so views were limited.

Leaving the village

We entered a field and were surprised to find the way marked by white carboys. There were other parts on the walk where we found the same white carboys – it is certainly a good guide to your route when crossing a field.

White carboys mark the way

Shortly, we entered East Keal and at the church stopped for a break.

Angela enjoying a break in the sun

Refreshed we continued on shortly arriving at a ploughed field. Thankfully, the farmer had marked the path by driving his tractor across so we followed in the tyre tracks. We felt it was a thoughtful thing for the farmer to do.

We reached Keal Carr Nature Reserve and followed the trail through the woodland. Angela was delighted with all the species of trees present.

We followed field paths and descended back towards Old Bolingbroke enjoying the views and especially the sunshine along the way. Arriving at the church I was met by a lovely friendly cat – I thought he was coming home with me!

St Peter and St Paul Church

Having completed the walk and finding ourselves close to the town of Spilsby I was keen to view the statue of Sir John Franklin, a very famous son of Spilsby. His ill-fated attempt to traverse the North West passage in 1845, where the ships became ice-bound, is a remarkably tragic tale. I was pleased to have seen the statue.

Statue of Sir John Franklin in Spilsby

Finally, it was such a glorious day, we decided to a visit to the National Trust property Gunby Hall, also near Spilsby. we had a walk through the gardens and visited the cafe. We will visit the house on another visit.

Gunby Hall

Rear of Gunby Hall

It had been a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Happy Walking😊🚶
Sometimes, a walk on the beach does not turn out as expected!

Mar 6th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

On todays walk myself and Angela set off from the East coast seaside resort of Skegness with the aim of walking along the beach to Gibraltar Point (A National Nature Reserve).

It was a blue-sky afternoon as we set off walking along the promenade. Because it’s early March there were very few people about, which was just perfect.

We passed the remains of Skegness Pier. The pier opened in 1881 stretching 562 m, however, a severe storm in 1978 caused significant damage reducing the length of the pier to 116 m.

Skegness Pier today

The wind farms are not far off-shore and clearly visible. They are a blot on the landscape and you do wonder why this particular spot was chosen.

We were enjoying the solitude on the beach and the tide was way out. You could smell the seaweed although it wasn’t green but a brown colour.

Gibraltar point in the distance

As we progressed towards Gibraltar Point we started to find more creeks of water running out to sea. Initially, they were quite shallow but soon they were quite wider and deeper.

Angela negotiating a small creek

I was aware that the King Charles II coastal path was up in the sand dunes and, if we were on that, we would avoid crossing the creeks. However, as we turned inland, to see if we could reach the sand dunes, we were thwarted because there was a wide creek running between us and the sand dunes. In addition, the ground underfoot was getting muddy and potentially dangerous.

As far as we dare go

At this stage we decided to turn around and head back to Skegness.

Our route

A wide creek

On our return leg we passed a warning sign pointing out that high tides and strong winds have eroded the coastline and creeks are altering their courses.

Angela checked the tide times to make sure we would not get trapped by the tide. High tide was a few hours away so all was good. As we neared Skegness the beach was still very quiet.

Reaching Skegness we went in search of the Jolly Fisherman statue – the Jolly Fisherman skipping across the sandy beach is an iconic figure, first painted in 1908 by John Hassall for the Great Northern Railway for use in an advertising poster promoting Skegness as a destination.

The second thing we wanted to see was the Clock Tower erected in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Jubilee Clock Tower

We had enjoyed an 8.8-mile walk, mostly on the beach so we were quite tired at the finish.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Enjoying Spring Walks in the UK Countryside

Feb 24th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

The weather in the UK for the last few months has been very wet which has meant that countryside walking has not been possible. In fact, its been the wettest winter that I can recall. Today, however, the forecast was for a dry day with some sunshine, so the Three Amigos met up for an enjoyable 8.5-mile walk.

Starting by Terrace Hills, on the escarpment above the Vale of Belvoir, we passed the villages of Branston and Knipton along the way. There were definite signs of Spring which were much appreciated.

Walking along the escarpment

We passed a stone cairn that marked the spot of a beacon used to warn of the possible invasion by the Spanish Armada in 1588. From here we had extensive views across the Vale of Belvoir.

The Armada beacon site

As we walked along the top of the escarpment, between the trees, we glimpsed more views.

A swing with a view

Inevitably, the path turned boggy but we were prepared for this.

Chris wondering how much more Mud there would be

Leaving the escarpment we joined a wide track (Toft’s Lane) on the Jubilee Way. We picked our way along avoiding the muddy bits. The sun was out and shining warm on our faces – it was glorious after the grey cold winter.

We followed the track down to a road and then along another track that brought us to the edge of Branston village. There we had a steep uphill road walk into the village where we knew there was a bus shelter with a seat – an ideal spot for a cuppa and a scotch egg.

Next we had a section of road walking to Knipton village – the traffic along the road was light. We spotted some flowering Crocuses – this was great to see. The sun was on our backs and warming us up.

A passing tractor

The biggest pleasure was seeing new born lambs in the fields.

We had a nice downhill section of road beside Knipton reservoir that brought us into Knipton. Predictably, this was followed by a long uphill section taking us towards Belvoir! Yes, it was an undulating walk.

Walking down towards Knipton

From Knipton we were headed for the Belvoir estate and, after what seemed a short walk, we left the road and followed a grassed path towards the escarpment. I had anticipated mud but it was not too bad.

Heading towards the escarpment

Again, we enjoyed views across the Vale of Belvoir.

Vale of Belvoir

Shortly, we arrived back at our cars. It had been a most enjoyable walk and filled us with anticipation for future walks in nice sunny weather. Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself here but it is nice to have things to look forward to after the miserable winter months.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring the Grantham Canal: A Perfect Walk in Nottinghamshire

Jan 30th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning the Three Amigos met at a car park for Cotgrave Country Park in Nottinghamshire. It was forecast rain all morning so we donned our wet weather gear. We enjoyed a 7-mile walk to Gamston, and back, along the towpath of the Grantham Canal.

We were looking for a walk where the footpath would not be too muddy and I think we found that with the canal towpath.

The Country Park and adjacent housing estate are a legacy from the coal mine that existed here from 1963 to 1993. Over that period the mine produced 1.2 million tonnes of coal and employed 2,000 people. The Country Park opened in 2000.

The Country Park is well used by the local community and particularly dog walkers. The Grantham Canal, which runs through the park, is a Restoration Canal that runs 33-miles from Grantham to Nottingham. The Grantham Canal Society are gradually restoring the canal. https://granthamcanal.org/

Lock 7 Hollygate Lane Lock

After walking through the Park we crossed Timms bridge and joined the towpath heading past the former Locksmiths Cottage at Skinners Lock .

Former Locksmiths Cottage at Skinners Lock

It was raining as predicted and it was cold. Cyclists and runners passed us by bidding us good morning. We saw some Swans along the way.

Beautiful Swan

We came across a goose that had perched high on the branch of a tree – quite a surprise.

Goose sitting on a tree branch

Mallard Ducks were also at home on the canal.

Mallard Ducks

Before long we reached the edge of Gamston and our turnaround point. We stopped for a quick hot drink.

The rain had eased off so we were happy with that. It was odd walking past Tollerton Airfield and not hearing aircraft taking off and landing. The airport was closed to make way for a very controversial, vast housing estate.

Along the canal there were many flooded fields – more evidence of our changing climate. We spotted geese in one of the fields.

We arrived back at the carpark and felt pleased with ourselves for making the effort on a grey day.

Happy Walking 😊🚶
A Beautiful Circular Walk Through Rospley and Beyond

Jan 20th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Chris and I met up in the Lincolnshire village of Rospley and enjoyed a 7.5-mile circular walk, across open countryside and through woods, passing through Scotland ( a remote hamlet) and the small village of Humby. It would turn out to be lovely little walk.

I strolled down the hill in Rospley to find Chris at his car strapping on walking gaiters – a wise decision, as we would soon find out. It was a grey start, and we were hoping to avoid any rain, as we walked past St Peters church.

St Peters Church, Ropsley

Leaving the village we followed a path through a field then into a golf course. Crossing over the course there were no golfers out today and we were soon through the course and into arable fields.

Heading towards Kirton Wood

We came across a sign for the Danelaw Way – a walk I was not previously aware of. Some investigating revealed that it is a 60-mile walking route from Lincoln to Stamford- interesting!

https://www.lincolnshireramblers.org.uk/walk-books-leaflets/287-danelaw-way.html

In the woods there were some tree felling operations underway but they did not affect us as we walked on past.

Next, we crossed more arable fields heading to Ingoldsby wood.

Entering Ingoldsby wood we found the path very muddy and it required care not to slip over. To slip into the mud would have been a disaster.

After a careful walk we eventually saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

Leaving the wood we then encountered a pool of water on the path – we managed to skirt around the outside. All signs that it has been another very wet winter. The gaiters were proving beneficial.

We were soon in the small hamlet of Scotland where we passed some topiary trees that looked nice.

As we were walking across another field we saw deer prints in the mud- we thought it was interesting that the deer were following the path. As we were talking I spotted a herd of deer on the horizon ahead of us.

Shortly we were passing through Great Humby and Little Humby. We passed an interesting front garden containing railway memorabilia.

Continuing across fields towards Ropsley the mud was sticking to the soles of our boots and dropping off in clumps. Typical Lincolnshire walking conditions I would say. We had a sense of remoteness along the walk along with nice open views. Before long we were arriving back into Rospley – I could feel in my legs that the walk had been strenuous.

The weather forecast for next week is looking grim – hopefully the Three Amigos will manage to get a walk in.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Winter Walk: A Three Amigos’ Scenic Adventure

Jan 14th, 2026

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning, the Three Amigos met up for our first walk of 2026. We met in the village of Branston having driven along narrow country lanes covered in black ice- not recommended for nervous drivers! Our 8.5-mile circular walk would take us to the villages of Croxton Kerrial, Harston, Knipton and then back to Branston.

We walked through Branston and then climbed across our first stile into a field- the stiles would all be covered in ice so some care was needed.

The sun was rising above the horizon and the fields were frosty – it all looked very scenic. We continued up a slight incline which certainly got the blood pumping and warmed us up. Chris was setting the pace.

Chris setting the pace going uphill

Looking behind gave us lovely views to appreciate.

Having reached the top, we crossed over the A607, and then headed downhill, again with extensive views.

We have had a lot of rain recently but the frosty conditions meant we were not trudging through mud.

After reached the bottom inevitably our route took us uphill – we were on an undulating walk! Just the thing to help burn off those extra calories from Christmas.

We soon arrived into Croxton Kerrial passing the church of St Botolph – a grade II listed building, which sits opposite the site of a ruined Medieval Manor House. We had explored the site on a previous visit so did not stop today.

We were headed for Harston and were enjoying the chat and catching up after the festive break.

This has to be one of my favourite local walks. I certainly get the sense of walking in nature which is good for the soul. Belvoir castle was visible high on its hill in the distance.

We passed parts of the old ironstone quarries which permeate this area.

After reaching Harston we had some road walking to do to reach Knipton – it was all downhill so that was easy. We were ready for a cuppa when we reached Knipton. We sat in the bus shelter where there was a wooden bench. All three of us had chosen Bovril to fill our flasks today- must have been something to do with the weather. I tucked into my Scotch Egg – the food of Gods! Someone said ‘I can hear horses’ next thing some hounds and a couple of horsemen were passing by – I forgot about my Scotch Egg and rushed to take a photo. They were probably part of the Belvoir Hunt.

After the break we noticed snowdrops in a garden – an early sign of spring and warmer days to come. We followed the road to Branston and after navigating a boggy field we arrived back at our cars. It had been a delightful walk.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶
Exploring a Scenic Belvoir Castle Walk

Dec 10th, 2025

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today the Three Amigos enjoyed an 8.4-mile circular walk from Woolstorpe-by-Belvoir, taking in views of Belvoir Castle and The Grantham Canal.

It was the day after Storm Bram so we were expecting some wet conditions underfoot. We parked by ‘The Duck’ pub early doors and headed along the Grantham Canal. It was going to be a blue-sky morning. A flight of noisy geese passed overhead – it was lovely to see. We observed that the canal has plenty of water in it following weeks of rain.

Shortly, we left the canal towpath, crossed Longmoor bridge and headed uphill following The Viking Way. The morning sun was just rising.

We passed through a short wooded section and then a beautiful vista opened up in front of us with Belvoir Castle on the left and the Vale of Belvoir in front-its moment’s like this that make walking a joy.

We headed downhill towards Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir village taking care on the slippery path. Passing through the village we crossed over the River Devon and then headed slightly uphill across open fields containing sheep. Belvoir Castle got closer and we were enjoying the views. Chris collected some rubbish that had blown into the field with the aim of disposing of it elsewhere – well done Chris!

We started to notice some cloud and soon we spotted a rainbow – rain was imminent.

Before long before it was raining. We were passing Belvoir Castle Retail Village so we took advantage of a wooden hut to shelter from the rain and have a cuppa. This also gave Chris an opportunity to put on his new wet weather gear.

It was still raining after we had finished our break so we continued onwards down a road to reach the turn that would lead us back to the Grantham Canal. The rain didn’t last much longer and blue skies returned once more.

After easy walking along good towpath, as we neared the end of the walk, we encountered some very boggy conditions which were hard going.

We all could feel in our legs that it had been a good walk. It had been a therapeutic walk – the sun makes all the difference.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶