Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today I was up early and travelled to Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire to enjoy a 6.75 mile circular walk.

Woodhall Spa is known as one of Lincolnshire’s prettiest villages and this was my first visit (and it won’t be the last!). It developed as a small health resort in the Victorian period and came about by accident in 1811, when a man named John Parkinson made several failed attempts to find coal. The enterprise was abandoned after the 1,000 ft deep shaft filled with spring water. It was then discovered that the Iodine-rich water had healing benefits. Spa Baths were built so that visitors could ‘take the waters’ and hotels followed.

As I drove to Woodhall Spa I passed old tractors and vintage cars along the way- there must be an event on somewhere I said to myself. Arriving into Woodhall Spa there were a lot more people about than you would normally find early on a Sunday morning – then I saw a sign and all became clear.

These days Woodhall Spa is a popular golfing resort. During World War 11 the village was home to some 5,000 servicemen. 617 squadron (the famous Dambuster’s) has strong associations with the village. After parking up I visited the memorial for those members of 617 squadron who have died whilst serving their country.

I paused for a while and reflected on their sacrifice.

Heading off I walked through the village and suddenly came across the site of the Woodhall Spa Show – the place was busy. My route along The Viking Way was barriered off so I asked one of the Marshalls, who was directing traffic, could I still use the path. Thankfully he replied ‘ yes, just move the barrier to pass through’. And so I did, the show was setting up in a large field. I stopped for a chat with another Marshall and he said the show is a big event for the village and later on, the fields for parking would be full.

www.woodhallspacountryshow.com

There was even a vintage tractor painted pink advertising the Lincolnshire Ladies Tractor Road Run on 20th July.

After I had passed the show grounds it became much quieter.

This is more like it I thought, the birds twittering in the trees and no one in sight. I admired a field containing Crimson Clover as I walked by.

The soil is quite parched at this stage of the current dry spell.

The white flowers on the Cow Parsley were bountiful.

I met a woman out walking her dog and we had a chat about the show and where I had come from today. After, I continued following The Viking Way across fields.

I spotted some beautiful flowers on a Horse-Chestnut tree.

I passed through a few fields containing sheep with lambs in tow. Bahhhh!

My route then took me along quiet tree- lined lanes.

As usual whilst walking along I was lost in my thoughts and then I came across a sign for luxury treehouse accommodation. ‘That’s very interesting’ I thought -I will check it out later. http://www.treetophideaways.co.uk

This is what I love about walking – coming across the unexpected.

The final part of my walk was through The National Golf Centre which is lined with golf courses. It was a lovely walk and I am pleased to report that I didn’t get hit by any stray golf ball’s 😊.

There were a few golfers out enjoying a game.

I walked past this bunker and wondered how many golfers had come a cropper in here?

The path was lined with Rhododendron bushes – lovely.

On my route today I came across a number of information boards about Wartime Woodhall – its a great idea I think.

Soon, I was walking back into the village and I popped into the co-op to get a coffee. The main street in the village is lined with cafes (busy!) and interesting shops including one claiming to be the smallest shoe shop in England- it was small!

I had loved exploring Woodhall Spa and will definitely be returning.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶