Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

With heavy rain forecast for tomorrow I decided that today was the time to get out for a walk. I need to start doing some longer walks because I am taking part in a 26-mile sponsored walk along The Grantham Canal for The Grantham Canal Society at the end of June and I want to enjoy it! https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/granthamcanalsociety

It was still a chilly day as I set off on my walk. My plan was to follow The Viking Way from Allington to Foston, passing through the villages of Long Bennington, Westborough, Foston and then return to Allington. Rain was forecast for midday so I got a shift on.

There was the odd glimmer of sun on the way to Long Bennington but there was cloud for most of my walk. I had my fingers crossed 🤞that there would be no cows in a field where they were last week – they had moved, so I was pleased about that. I crossed green fields from Long Bennington to Westborough and there, I crossed the river Witham.

I noticed that the fields were now quite dry on top so that was good for walking.

I headed across open fields towards Foston.

Along the way I met an elderly couple out walking their one-eyed black Labrador and we had a chat. The dog said hello too 😊.

In the fields it was evident that the endless rain had taken its toll on the crops with large sections that had been under water now barren.

Entering Foston, I passed the village hall and noticed that there were quite a few cars in the car park. In rural communities village halls tend to be very busy all week hosting all manner of activities. I think they are a great asset to their communities. The church in Foston has an unusual weather vane – a tractor, reflecting the rural location.

Leaving Foston I made my way across fields and a couple of bridges to Long Bennington. I was looking out for the Roe Deer that I had seen the other week but they were hidden.

I picked up The Viking Way and headed back towards Allington. The clouds were starting to look ominous.

Some fields have been spayed with weedkiller and have an orange/brown hue to them. Leaving the Viking Way I followed quiet country roads back into Allington.

I had walked 11.4 miles and enjoyed my walk. I just wish that it had been a warmer day.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️