Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today ‘The Three Amigo’s’ did a 9.6 mile circular walk starting at the Lincolnshire village of Wellingore and visiting Navenby, Boothby Graffoe and Coleby. These attractive villages lie along the three mile limestone ridge of Lincoln Edge.

The route descends from the ridge at Navenby, continues across fields at its foot, climbs back up to it at Coleby and then follows the Viking Way along the ridge back to the start. There were extensive views west from the ridge across the plain of the river Trent.

It was a relatively mild and breezy morning when we met in the car park of Wellingore Memorial Hall. We were anticipating a muddy walk because we have had a few days of continuous rain. Gaiters were donned. Leaving the car park we were soon walking along the slippery, muddy footpath along the ridge.

A loud plane could be heard and then, suddenly, WOOSH, four planes swept past – it was part of the Red Arrows display team 😊. They are based in Lincolnshire and were obviously having a practice day. They passed us numerous times during our walk. It was great to see them!

Leaving the ridge at Navenby we headed down a narrow path, passing a house displaying some old modes of transport. There was also a large very noisy dog barking at us – I was glad he was behind the wall!

Reaching a tarmac road called The Smoots we followed the road along the plain. Chris was happy because we were now out of the mud and, although we did have to contend with vehicles using the road, the consensus was that this was better than slip-sliding on muddy paths. Its an unusual name for a road and I wondered where it originated?

We crossed a bridge over a disused railway line.

Soon, we were in sight of Somerton castle – built in 1281 by a bishop of Durham but only a tower survives from this medieval building which is incorporated into the present 17th century farmhouse.

We left the tarmac road following a farm track across fields.

As we walked along there was all manner of discussions going on and the current state of the country lamented. I was navigating to ensure we were on the right side of the numerous ditches in the fields. Leaving the fields we reached a tarmac road once again.

We met the disused railway line at another bridge and stopped for a break on the bridge – there was a distinct lack of benches on this walk. Refreshed we headed up the hill towards the village of Coleby.

Reaching Coleby we joined the Viking Way and walked along the ridge enjoying the views and the Red Arrows!

Some sections of the ridge were very muddy leading Chris to exclaim ‘The mud’s not done with us yet lads’!.

Apparently, on a good day you can see Sherwood forest and the Peak District but visibility wasn’t great today.

Soon, we arrived back at the cars. We all had very muddy boots. It had been a nice walk and we could definitely feel it in our legs.

Till the next walk,

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️