My Walking Journeys

Picturesque 9-Mile Circular Walk from Colsterworth

Aug 13th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today myself and Angela enjoyed a 9- mile circular walk beginning in Colsterworth and passing through North Witham, South Witham and Gunby then back to Colsterworth.

After finding a spot to park the car and opening the boot, I was dismayed to find that I had left my walking boots at home – good job I was wearing my trainers! (not ideal, but ok for this trip).

It was quite a hot summers morning as we set off across crop laden fields towards North Witham.

Angela setting the pace

We passed through a ford which only had a trickle running through it today – I expect its different on a rainy day. Angela took the bridge to cross the ford and we were soon heading into North Witham.

Crossing the ford

We passed through the grounds of the church of St Mary – we noticed the roof was in poor shape. Apparently, in 2019 the lead was stolen and the roof damaged. The interior is now vulnerable to the elements. No attempt or plans exist to repair the roof which is a great shame.

The church of St Mary, North Witham

Leaving the church cemetery the path took us across the river Witham (whose source is close to South Witham). We were dodging nettles and brambles for most of the walk today.

Crossing the river Witham

We crossed numerous good wooden bridges across dykes and more fields of wheat. Two of fields that we crossed had cattle in, but they were not bothered by our presence.

One of the numerous wooden bridges on our route today.

Arriving into South Witham, we took a stroll into the pretty village. The church – St John the Baptist, sits opposite the pub.

St John the Baptist church South Witham

On our route into South Witham we had passed over a site that was once a Preceptory of Knights Templars. There was a notice board with info about this by the church but it was in poor condition. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witham_Preceptory

Moving on we had a chat with a helpful woman who gave us instructions on how to get out of the village and then met a dog walker who we also had a nice chat with.

We headed for the village of Gunby. The temperature was rising so we paused numerous times to take on water.

Gunby was a tiny village and we were soon headed out of it towards Colsterworth.

Wading through a field

Freshly ploughed field

Arriving into Colsterworth I stopped at a shop and grabbed a white chocolate Magnum – it was just the ticket on such a day 😊.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Summer Countryside Walk: Escaping COVID Isolation

Aug 9th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Having successfully avoided catching COVID through the pandemic years I was somewhat miffed to have recently fallen foul of the current summer wave. Well, I suppose I was fortunate in having avoided COVID for so long and it was inevitable that it would catch up with me at some stage. I can’t complain.

So, I have been isolating for a week to avoid transmitting to anyone else. I am on the other side of COVID now, feeling ok but awaiting my sense of smell/taste to return.

Today, I enjoyed a 6 mile countryside walk taking in the views as the farmers begin their harvesting of crops. It was great being out walking.

Following paths across fields and along hedgerows on a balmy summers day was just the tonic I needed.

A field of peas

I had a great walk and I didn’t meet a soul.

Happy Walking ! 😊🚶‍♂️
Charming Walk from Hose to Harby: Grantham Canal Towpath Adventure

Jul 31st, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, myself and Angela met with Mick and we enjoyed a 6.5 mile circular walk in the Vale of Belvoir.

Our route

We started at Dove Cottage Tea Rooms, followed paths across fields to Hose, then, after walking through Hose, joined The Grantham Canal towpath towards Harby. We walked through Harby and re-joined the towpath taking us back to the start. It was a lovely summers day and a joy to be out walking.

Heading to Hose

Onwards to Hose

Arriving into Hose Mick had a chat with some curious cattle 😊.

We passed the church of St Michael & All Angels.

St Michael & All Angels Church

Walking past a cottage with some lovely flowers displayed in window boxes we stood and admired them.

Leaving Hose we walked down a lane to join the Grantham Canal towpath and headed West towards Harby. Along the way we encountered a swan family and the male swan began hissing at us and raising his wings. His six signets trotted into the canal. We managed to get past safely without upsetting Mr Swan too much.

Signet’s

Along the good towpath towards Harby

We walked through Harby looking at the nice cottages and pub, then headed past the village church to pick up a path across fields leading back to the canal. We saw a nice display of roses along the way.

Walking through Harby

Heading back to the canal

A half mile walk along the towpath brought us back to our starting point. The temperature was increasing so we were pleased to have completed this short walk. Plenty of water was drunk along the way.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Exploring Culverthorpe Park: A 6-Mile Circular Walk in Lincolnshire

Jul 30th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Having returned from our Scottish adventures of last week, today, myself and Angela did a 6 mile circular walk at Culverthorpe Park in Lincolnshire.

Culverthorpe Park is home to Culverthorpe Hall – a grade 1 listed building of the Palladium style. The walk is one designated by North Kesteven District Council as a ‘Stepping Out’ Walk.

Culverthorpe Park

Signs in the car park

Arriving early at the designated car park we set off passing one of the lakes on a fine summers morning.

The lake at Culverthorpe Park

Our route would take us along fields and across ditches. The contrast between the flat agricultural landscape of Lincolnshire and the rugged mountainous landscape of Glen Coe was striking.

Within minutes of setting off we had seen two deer and a hare darting across a field. Wonderful!

Church spire in Heydour village visible

Angela crossing one of the stiles on the walk.

Quite a few of the crops in the field’s looked as though they were ready for harvesting and others had already been done.

Arriving into Culverthorpe we couldn’t help but notice a large sign directing traffic to the walks car park.

We passed through gates leading to Culverthorpe Hall and the route took us away from the hall (private land) and down to the lakes where we saw some lovely brown cows that looked hot in the sun.

Gates to Culverthorpe Hall

A brief glimpse of the Hall

Soon we were back in the car park. It was an easy walk and we had avoided the heat of the day.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Scenic Walks in Western Highlands: Meall Mor Summit, Glen Coe Views, and Ballachulish Bridge

Jul 29th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

On a couple of our days in the Western Highlands we explored the area from Ballachulish.

A visit to the old slate mine workings was interesting. The slate quarry was a major employer in the area – at one point employing 620 people. One of the reasons for the closure was that the slate contained iron impurities which would leave brown stains on the slate. Towards the end, the quarry used to reject 75% of its production so it was uneconomic.

Slate Quarry

After visiting the visitors centre in Ballachulish – worth a visit- we headed to St Johns Church where we had fine views of Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe.

We then headed upwards following the forest trails of Gleann a Chaolais getting more nice views.

Loch Linnhe

Moss was abundant in the forest

Dragons tooth mountain

We passed over the Ballachulish Bridge and got more views of Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe.

The Ballachulish bridge

Loch Leven

On another day we had a 10 mile walk up Meall Mor where, between rain showers, we again enjoyed lovely views. It was a steep ascent to the summit through very wet and boggy ground. We had gusty winds so didn’t linger long at the top.

Meall Mor

Looking down on Ballachulish

A nice view into Glen Coe

Returning back to Ballachulish we had a very steep descent on a muddy path during which I slipped twice – no damage done!

Loch Leven and Linnhe

We had a great week in Glencoe. It was busier than we had seen in previous years so it would seem its popularity is growing. I expect it will suffer the same fate as many other places being overrun with tourists. Maybe I am a tourist ???

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Nature Walks in Scotland: From Highland Cottages to Bellgrove Lead Mines

Jul 28th, 2024

Hello and Welcome back to my Blog 😊.

Today, I thought that I would share with you some more of the walks that I did in The West Highlands of Scotland.

A visit to the Glencoe visitor centre was very informative with a particularly good film about the history of Glen Coe (once an active volcano). The Scottish National Trust run the centre and have built a super replica of a traditional Highlanders cottage.

Highlanders cottage

Highland Cows

There is a good café, an excellent souvenir shop and a couple of cute Highland Cows. We took a walk through woodland paths from the visitors centre to the village of Glencoe, visited the scenic ‘Hospital Lochan’ and then on to the famous Clachaig Inn for a pint (£6 a pint!). It was an 8 mile walk. The Wee Beasties i.e the Midges were not too active on this holiday which was good.

On another day we took the Corran ferry across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour peninsular. Starting from the village of Strontian we ascended an ancient coffin-carrying route to Bealach nan Cairn. The ground was very boggy and we had rain but nice views between the swirling mist.

Loch Shiel

Great scenery

We descended passing through the long-abandoned Bellgrove lead mines before passing through the Ariundle Nature Reserve.

Our final stop was at the Tea Shop in the Ariundle Centre – a nice spot.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Exploring the Hidden Valley and Glen Coe in the West Highlands of Scotland

Jul 27th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog😊.

It was a lovely sunny morning as myself and Angela set off for the Hidden Valley in the magnificent glen of Glen Coe in the West Highlands of Scotland.

A view along Glen Coe

The valley was used by Clan MacDonald as a hiding place for stolen cattle and as a refuge for those who escaped the 1692 Massacre of Glen Coe.

Half way along the A82 that runs through Glen Coe there is a reasonably sized carpark – we were there early, and I was glad that we were because it was nearly full when we arrived.

We followed the path from the car park, climbed down some metal steps, crossed a wooden bridge over a stream and then a steep uphill section across boulders.

Angela climbing the boulders

As we continued upwards through the gorge we had rocky paths, a scramble and a stream crossing until, after about 1.5 miles, we reached our destination and what a lovely sight it was, surrounded by high peaks.

The Hidden Valley

I do wonder about the story of cattle being kept there because I cannot imagine cattle getting up the gorge to reach the valley.

In the Hidden Valley

Angela entering the Hidden Valley

Angela took the opportunity to have a paddle in stream to cool her feet. We had some lunch then headed back down the gorge, being very careful with our footing.

Arriving back at the car we decided to visit The Glencoe Ski Centre and after a couple of coffees took a ride in the chair lift (£17 per person).

The ride was great fun and after reaching the top we did a 15min walk to get some more views. We had magnificent views across Rannoch Moor and in the distance could see the peaks of the Nevis range, including Ben Nevis (usually shrouded in mist).

View across Rannoch Moor

The return trip on the chair lift gave us some more lovely views. What was also nice was that the Ski Centre was not too busy.

It was a great day out.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Exploring West Highlands of Scotland.

Jul 21st, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today finds me in the West Highlands of Scotland, near Glen Coe and on a break with the Walking Company, HF Holidays https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/. I started a walk with a group today but after getting to the top of the first stage of ascent decided to change to another group because I was holding the group back -clearly I am not fit enough for mountain hikes having done very little hill walking this year.

The walk started part way along Loch Leven and ascended steeply up the hill through the very boggy ground. The walk would eventually take us to Kinlochleven along the West Highland Way.

View back to Loch Leven

The steep ascent

Having decided to change groups I waited for the new group to arrive in a stone shelter, sheltered from the cold wind, eating an early lunch.

In my stone wall shelter awaiting the arrival of the new group

Angela was walking with the new group so it was good to see her again. Our route would take us downhill to the valley bottom where we would have to cross a stream – we got wet feet!

view from my stone wall shelter

Having crossed the stream we met the West Highland Way and followed that to Kinlochleven.

Descending down the valley to reach the stream

Walking on The West Highland Way

A derelict house on The West Highland Way

View of Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe

Soon we were arriving into Kinlochleven where we had a quick pub stop before getting the coach back to our accommodation.

Happy Walking!🚶‍♂️😊
Skillington Circular Walk: Historic Saltby Airfield and Scenic Landscapes

Jul 12th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊

This morning myself and Mick did a 7-mile circular walk from the South Lincolnshire village of Skillington. It was a walk that we had done earlier in the year and Mick fancied doing it again. The other Amigo, Chris, couldn’t make this walk due to an incident involving Covid – yes, its still about!!

Yesterday was very wet so we were expecting wet conditions underfoot and we weren’t disappointed. This morning there was no rain forecast so we were grateful for that – it’s a very disappointing Summer so far, but we live in hope for a better August/September.

After finding parking in Skillington (it was busy this morning) a car I didn’t recognise pulled up behind me and as I got out of my car Mick shouted up ‘Good Morning!’ and surprised me with his very nice new car 😊.

Walking through the village we found our intended path and we set off along it- the path ran at the side of fields of beans.

Leaving Skillington

After crossing a number of fields we crossed a wide concrete road that followed the path of a dismantled railway line – Melton Mowbray line?

Nice concrete on the old railway line

Crossing the concrete road we walked along a good track past a nice looking barn at Mere Barn farm and headed towards Saltby Airfield.

Mere Barn Farm

Our route took us into a field containing wildflowers including some colourful blue flowers – reference to my ‘Seek’ App indicated that the flower was Chicory.

Wildflower rich grassland

We continued along to a spot for a short refreshment stop on a track called The Drift’ which is on ‘The Viking way’ and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest containing some of the rarest wildflower rich limestone grassland in the country.

On The Viking Way

I had enjoyed eating my scotch egg and we resumed our journey to Saltby Airfield – site of Buckminster Gliding Club. We walked past the end of the runway.

Runway at Saltby Airfield

Gliders

During the Second World War the RAF handed the airfield to USAAF 9th Troop Carrier Command who were involved in preparation work for the D-day landings and then subsequent active service.

Memorial to those who served at Saltby

Mick spotted a sign for an air-raid shelter so we followed the path and found it. Carefully descending the stairs the mobile phone torch came in handy – inside it was dry and in good condition.

Mick entering the Air-raid shelter

Inside the Air-raid shelter

Coming away from the Air-raid shelter Mick spotted a cute tiny snail sitting on a nettle leaf.

The miniscule Mollusc

Leaving Saltby Airfield we followed the very rutted Drift track for about 1.5 miles. It was very wet in places and both of us nearly came a cropper slipping on the muddy embankments. Both of us had wet feet by the end of the walk.

Walking on muddy embankments to avoid the floods

Typical flood on The Drift

We had to remind ourselves that it was the middle of July and not April.

A drier section of The Drift

We were glad to leave The Drift and headed across pasture land to pick up Buckminister Lane which brought us nicely back into Skillington.

Buckminister Lane on the way back to Skillington

It was quite a tricky walk in places, with having to watch where you put your feet continually along The Drift, but enjoyable all the same, and nice to see the countryside and animals along the way (Hares and Muntjac deer)

Happy Walking!😊🚶‍♂️
Scenic Countryside Adventure: Exploring Osbournby, Aswarby, Swarby, and Aunsby

Jul 10th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

My eyes opened at 05:40 this morning and I thought to myself ‘ I will get up in a minute’ and then Hypnos (Greek God of sleep) must have said – not yet! – because it was 07:00 when I next opened my eyes 😊.

I had planned a walk for this morning so I got a shift on and headed to Osbournby, Lincolnshire. The walk was recommended to me and found in a book by Clive Brown, who has written many such excellent books.

The 7-mile route would take me from Osbournby to Aswarby, Swarby and Aunsby before returning to Osbournby. I wondered why a lot of the villages in this area ended in ‘by’ – turns out, we have to thank Viking settlers who first settled the land, its the basic Norse word for a farmstead or small village.

I parked by the church in Osbournby where there was plenty of parking.

Osbournby Village

St Peter and St Paul church in Osbournby

Finding my way out of the village I followed a path uphill passing fields of what looked like wild flowers .The purple crop was striking.

Heading out of Osbournby

I used my ‘Seek’ App which told me it was Lacy Phacelia.

Screenshot

The path was wet from the recent rain and, because the grass was long, my boots/trousers were soon pretty wet. It took me past woods to reach the A15.

Heading towards the A15

A short stretch along the A15 led to the turning for Aswarby and a nice tree lined lane leading to the church which was unusual in having many windows.

The lane into Aswarby

St Denys church, Aswarby

I took a bridleway past the Aswarby sawmill and then found a path across a large open field.

Heading out of Aswarby

After crossing a dyke I followed the Dyke along an overgrown path to cross the A15 again. Walking along that path there were dozens of small butterflies fluttering hither and tither which was wonderful to see.

Overgrown path by a dyke

After crossing the A15 I followed a lane into Swarby village, passing the church – St Mary and All Saints. A small building resided on a green by the church- maybe an old well?

Arriving into Swarby

St Mary & All Saints church Swarby

Old Well in Swarby

The next part of the walk took me across farmland and I was pleased to see clear paths across the crops. One field containing wheat also contained daisy’s and I though this must be planned ?

Daisy’s mark the path across the field

More Daisy’s

I stopped on one of the many wooden bridges crossing ditches to have a scotch egg (my favourite walking snack) and a drink. Refreshed I continued on passing wheat fields where I stopped, mesmerised, watching the wheat wave about in the breeze.

Soon, I arrived at Aunsby and the route took me swiftly away across more fields. At one point I entered some boggy ground and, with no way around, ploughed through and got some wet feet! Not a happy chappy.

Leaving Aunsby

I was now on my last leg of the walk heading back towards Osbournby. I had not met anyone on my walk – not surprising really.

Panoramic views heading for Osbournby

Arriving back in Osbornby I admired the nice houses thinking what a nice village but then I realised I had not seen a pub, so maybe not such a desirable village?

It had been a lovely walk, definitely one to do again sometime.

Happy Walking!😊🚶‍♂️