This morning myself and Mick did a 9 mile circular walk from the Lincolnshire village of Fulbeck to Caythorpe and back.
We parked in the Sports Club car park, opposite the church, on a chilly morning.
Village war memorialLychgate for churchVillage sign
We set off through the village and soon we found a lane that led away from the village.
walking away from Fulbeck
There were lots of noisy small birds flying in and out of the hedgerows. Eventually the lane gave way to fields that were very boggy after the heavy rain overnight. Squelch, squelch, squelch we made our way across the fields.
‘Look over there!’ Mick said pointing to two Roe deer crossing the field. They looked at us nonchalantly and then bounded off.
Wet field
Leaving the fields we reached a road and headed up the hill that brought us towards Caythorpe village.
Nearly at the top of the hill leading to Caythorpe.
On the outskirts of Caythorpe we stopped for a cuppa on a welcome bench by the cemetery.
Walking through Caythorpe we saw some nice murals on a house.
Deer in the muralPaddington bear parachuting into Caythorpe
Having passed through Caythorpe we headed up a lane passing a farm. Mick spotted some new born lambs in a shed – they were a joy to see.
Little Lambs
Further along the lane we could see how wet the fields were.
very wet field
On our way back to Fulbeck now, we had an uphill section to walk.
Turn right past the trees
Passing a grand house we walked past three large ponds.
Agricultural ponds
On the way past the ponds Mick spotted 3 more Roe deer. They took to their heels and bounded away, white tails twitching.
We were close to Fulbeck now and soon we were walking through the village to pick up the car. It was a cracking walk and good that it had some ‘up’ sections. It was particularly nice to see the lambs.
This morning I met up with Mick and Chris and we did a 10 mile circular walk beginning in the small Lincolnshire village of Ropsley.
A nice wooden sign greets you in the village
We parked up on the high street and put on our walking gear. Chris was already in a mutinous frame of mind, saying ‘I didn’t sign up for this!’ referring to the drizzle mizzle that was enveloping us. It was also a chilly 7 Deg C.
I wondered what state the fields were going to be in and hoped (fingers crossed) that they would be passable.
Setting off down the high street we passed a cottage where Richard Fox, the founder of Corpus Christi college, Oxford had been born. There was a plaque high up on the wall.
I always feel a sense of history when walking in old villages like this – how many people had trodden the road before us?
Towards the end of the village we saw the footpath sign that led us up a drive between two houses. I worry when walking so close to other peoples property – it almost feels as though you are intruding. The path took us through a narrow lane, hedged either side, and eventually brought us into open fields.
It wasn’t long before we found out that the fields were still very wet and boggy. Oh dear! Good job I had waxed my boots yesterday.
We passed the first of a number of wooden bridges on the walk today.
Myself and Mick had walked this route back in the lovely sunshine of last August so I ‘sort of’ remembered the route. I say ‘sort of’ because we had reached a point where there was no clear path (at least in my mind) and confidently I said , ‘the route is this way’ and headed off over the field. Mick piped up that he was sure we were going in the wrong direction and we needed to be heading in a westerly direction. No yellow way markers were visible across the field. As is usually the case, Mick was correct, and after reaching the opposite side of the field, I ate some humble pie and said that Mick had been right – infuriatingly, he has the uncanny knack of remembering our previous routes!
Having got on track we headed across fields to reach the small hamlet of Little Humby.
Little Humby
We passed through an empty ford where we could see that there had been plenty of water recently.
Little Humby Ford with footbridge to the right.Little Humby Ford
Heading out of Little Humby along a tarmac road that was part of The Cross Britain Way, we passed a field where the sheep were enjoying a late breakfast (or maybe an early lunch!).
Along The Cross Britain WayLate breakfast or early lunch?
We reached a good farm track, with open fields either side that took us up towards Ingoldsby Wood. The light rain had eased off but it was still misty restricting long views.
Heading for Ingoldsby Wood
Through the woods we walked – slip slip, slide, slip slip, slide in a steady rhythm. The path was quite muddy. Lincolnshire is renowned for its muddy paths.
Ingoldsby Wood
After a mile or so we left the woods and entered more open country as we made our way towards Boothby Pagnell.
Out of the woods heading for Boothby Pagnell
There was a glimmer of blue sky in the almost grey vista and wondrously, all of a sudden, there was a rainbow. Things are looking up boy’s ! and we will soon be at Boothby Pagnell for a cuppa.
Walking at pace for our break at Boothby Pagnell
Along the way Chris was getting his binoculars out to check out the bird life – we were seeing red kites and other species that I cannot quite remember right now.
Arriving at Boothby Pagnell we sat on a wooden bench opposite the church and slurped some tea and some of us had a butty or two – Chris is being ‘good’ and trying to control his food intake so disappeared for a closer inspection of the church graveyard. Having seen nothing interesting he joined us on the bench, sat down, pulled out his flask and an extra large china mug and proceeded to enjoy a large cup of tea!
View from our bench
So far we had met only one other person – a jogger- along our route.
Leaving Boothby Pagnell we crossed some open fields and found ourselves walking along side Kirton Wood, once more along muddy paths. It is a bit like walking in platform shoes as the mud layers build up and then release themselves as gravity overcomes the stickiness.
Further on we had a good stone path for a while before returning to muddy fields.
Good stone path
I have noted that during our walks there seems to be a theme in the chatting. Todays was alcoholic beverages which was far better than the chat on our previous walk which was Death!
It wasn’t long before we were heading back into Boothby Pagnell where we met a friendly dog walker who enquired where we had been walking.
Nearly back at Boothby Pagnell
There was an interesting bell tower in the local school.
So, the three amigos arrived back at their cars with Chris on a mission to buy a breathable waterproof jacket in readiness for our next adventure. I think there was mention of him going for a swim followed by a sauna later- its all right for some!
If you have managed to read to this point in my blog thank you very much and I hope that you enjoyed it?
Following storm Isha at the weekend we had another storm overnight called Jocelyn – the 10th named storm of the season. The strong winds battered my house overnight and I was feeling slightly tired this morning after being woken by the strong gusts of wind during the night.
I should share with you the sunrise yesterday which was spectacular.
I met Mick at the Dirty Duck pub in Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and we did a 9 mile circular walk along good paths taking in part of The Viking Way, the old Ironstone Railway line and the Grantham Canal.
Start of the walk by The Dirty Duck pubSign on The Viking Way
After walking a short section by the canal we crossed over the canal via a bridge and headed uphill along The Viking Way.
Heading uphill along The Viking Way
There was still a stiff breeze blowing so despite the increased temperature it took a while to warm up. At the top of the hill we passed by the gates and a gatehouse for Belvoir Castle.
Passing by the Belvoir Castle estate
It was great to see little Snowdrops starting to pop up – a sign that spring is not far away.
Snowdrops
By this time the sun had made a welcome appearance as we strode along some nice footpaths.
Good farm track
There were plenty of broken branches strewn across our paths – the results of the overnight storm.
Broken branches
It was time for a quick stop for coffee and a scotch egg at a handy fallen tree😊.
A welcome break.
Revitalised, we continued following the old Limestone railway passing under a bridge and through tree lined vistas.
Bridge on the former Ironstone railway lineOur route along the old Ironstone Railway line
We made our way back to the canal and had a look at the work that has been happening at Lock 13 where it is planned to renovate the lock.
Crossing the canal.Lock 14A tranquil canal scene
Nothing much was happening at Lock 13 so we headed back to our cars.
Lock keepers cottage
We had enjoyed some fresh air, lovely scenery and had a good chat. Also, we agreed on next weeks walk. 🚶♂️
This morning I met up with Mick and Chris to do a cracking 8 mile circular walk beginning along a ridge overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, passing through Branston, Knipton and then past the Belvoir Castle estate back to the start.
I awoke this morning to a lovely sunrise – it was going to be a sunny day!
It was a chilly start and the ground was frozen solid as we set off on a good tree lined path along the ridge.
The ridge footpath
Looking to our right we could see way across the Vale and point out distant land marks.
Leaving the ridge we turned onto a deeply rutted track (Toft’s Lane ) and followed this to pick up the Jubilee Way for a short distance. The sun was shining and there were great views to take in.
Tofts Lane
Chris and Mick were pointing out various species of birds along the way, of which there were many – red kites, buzzards in particular wheeling, gliding and soaring majestically in the clear blue sky. The crunchy cracking of the ice in puddles as we walked along accompanied us.
Track on the way to Branston
At the end of the farm track we turned right onto the road to walk up a moderate hill into Branston where we entered a farm and passed through a field of sheep going down a hill and over a rickety/icy bridge followed by a steep climb up out of the valley.
This brought us to a field where we caught glimpses of Knipton Reservoir as we followed the clear path across.
Exiting the field brought us on to a road that had very little traffic. This would take us towards Knipton village. The road was white with frost so care was needed when placing your feet.
On the road to KniptonA view on the road to Knipton
We caught another glimpse of the reservoir along the road.
Knipton Reservoir at the end of the field
Myself and Mick have done this walk many times and tradition dictates that we stop at the village Post Office and buy a hot drink and maybe some snacks. We then sit on a bench adjacent to the lovely babbling brook and enjoy our purchases. Today, we both chose a hot Bovril and it went down very well I can tell you!.
Knipton VillageThe babbling brookA welcome cup of Bovril
Suitably refreshed we followed the road out of Knipton towards Belvoir castle soaking up more nice frost filled views.
I think we were probably aware that the weather is changing back to wet and windy over the weekend so it was nice to enjoy the sunny weather today. Soon we were back on the ridge and heading for the cars.
Back on the ridge
We all had enjoyed the walk and particularly being the in fresh air and the sunshine. The miles had passed very quickly with the chat speeding us along.
Today myself and Angela had a walk at Skipwith Common – a national nature reserve in North Yorkshire. It is an ancient landscape with 270 hectares of open heath, ponds and woodlands.
Nice path through the woodslowland heath
There are numerous paths through and around the common. Today there was plenty of water from the recent rain in evidence.
The heathland was formed at Skipwith about 3,500 years ago when settlers tamed the ancient woodland with fire. Their descendants grazed sheep and cattle preventing trees invading open areas thereby allowing heathland plants to thrive. Peat digging created many of the ponds on the common.
One of the many ponds
During World War 2 in,1942, the Common and some of adjoining Ricall Common was the site of RAF Ricall – a base for training aircrew to learn how to fly four engine Hadley Page Halifax bombers. There were 32 aircraft and almost a thousand men stationed there until the war ended in 1945 when the base was decommissioned. It remained as a storage facility until 1960 when the final off-Common parts were sold.
A memorial (based on a propeller) was raised in 2010 dedicated to members of RAF Ricall who lost their lives in accidents.
War memorialOne of the many bunded areas where former RAF buildings resided
We walked along some nice wooden walkways that led to wildlife viewing points.
We only had time for a brief but enjoyable visit.
Walking back to the carparkSilver Birch trees
All being well, myself and Angela should walk a new section of the Bridgewater canal over the weekend. I am looking forward to that.
Today myself, Angela and Mick took a 10 mile walk along the Grantham canal from Hickling basin to Cropwell Bishop and back.
The route
It was a sunny morning with very little wind as we set off along the towpath from Hickling basin towards Kinoulton.
On the way to Kinoulton
The towpath was in very good condition given all the rain we have had recently.
Arriving into Kinoulton
As we have come to expect along the canal we saw some swans. At one point two swans took off into the sky, with speed, and you could see just how powerful their wings are.
Leaving Kinoulton the sun was still shining and we were enjoying the views 😊😊.
The canal stretches ahead
Soon, the canal was noticeably more weedy and we reached a point when there were trees growing in it. For those who are not aware, the canal has not been used for many years and is currently being restored by the Grantham Canal Society – it is a very long term project but steady progress is being made.
Greenery in the canalA nice caravan on the opposite bank
When we reached Cropwell Bishop (our halfway point) we found a handy bench and had a cuppa and a butty. Refreshed we then began our return leg. A tree had been blown over across the canal recently – no surprises given the winds recently.
Tree blown over
It was a peaceful walk – we had hardly met more than half a dozen people.
Heading back to Hickling
Arriving back at Hickling basin we were surprised that the very popular café (The Old Wharf Tea rooms) situated by the basin was closed. Turns out it is closed until the 5th of February.
Yesterday we had a lot of rain from Storm Henk resulting in flooding because the rain falling on already saturated ground.
This morning myself and Angela made our way to Belton House to do a walk in the park. The gardens had been closed because of flooding we were informed on entry.
Belton HouseBelton House
Belton House is a National Trust property on the outskirts of Grantham.
The first mile in the park was through very boggy ground and surface water – it was raining.
As we reached higher ground we saw that a couple of trees had been blown over and the ground was less boggy.
We stopped for a cuppa taking in the nice view.
Time for a cuppa
Our route took us past Belton Woods Golf Course where we helped retrieve a wayward golf ball for a golfer. We crossed over a stream which was carrying much more water than normal.
As we walked along our route we wondered what the river Witham, which passes through the park, would be like. We found that it had burst its banks and was flooding the surrounding land (no surprise there!).
Angela inspecting the floodingRiver Witham in floodRiver Witham in floodRiver Witham in flood.
We soon found ourselves wading through more boggy ground to reach Belton House – the finish of our 4 mile circular walk.
It had been an interesting walk taking in the flooding and wondering when the wet weather will cease. Apparently, colder drier weather is forecast for next week so that’s something to look forward to.
This morning I met up with Mick and we did a 9 mile walk starting in Bingham and going via Newton and Shelford to reach Radcliffe where we picked up a bus back to Bingham. We were both keen to see what state the river Trent was in after all the recent flooding.
It was a dull day but thankfully we didn’t get any rain. After walking through Bingham we hit the busy A46 which we crossed via the pedestrian bridge.
Pedestrian bridge over the A46
We followed footpaths to bring us around the old RAF station at Newton with its iconic control tower, and headed towards Shelford.
Art Deco style control tower
On our way to Shelford we stopped for a cuppa and Mick produced some festive mince pies from his rucksack . A very nice surprise 😊.
We had to do a small detour on the way to Shelford because the field we should have crossed was badly waterlogged.
Waterlogged field near Shelford.
Having reached Shelford we turned right past the church (St Peter and St Pauls) and followed the road to reach the river Trent.
St Peter and St Pauls ChurchThe river Trent.
This section of the river has a grass embankment to walk on. The river height had dropped but debris along the bank was clear to see where the water had been.
Debris from the recent floods
There were many tree branches, bits of wood, plastic bottles and a life buoy stranded by the embankment.
The river Trent
I wonder whether the rubbish will get cleared up?
The walk followed the river towards Radcliffe where we ascended a hill and had some views of the river through the trees. We also passed numerous memorial benches along the footpath.
A weir across the TrentA nice railway bridgeThe footpath into Radcliffe with memorial benches.
We soon reached the centre of Radcliffe and a bus arrived after only 1 minutes wait – they run every 10 minutes which is a great service.
My Walking Journeys 