Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today, Angela and I enjoyed a 9-mile circular walk from the interesting and popular Lincolnshire village of Woodhall Spa. The village became famous quite by chance when, in 1811, an Industrialist sunk a 1000 ft hole in search of coal. He found a spring, which made mining unviable, and he abandoned the venture. Some years later, in 1834 a chap named Thomas Hotchkin had the water analysed and discovered that it was rich in Bromine and Iodine, ideal for spa water. In Victorian times spa baths were very popular, so, he built a hotel and baths and the village thus became a popular destination. The arrival of the railways increased its accessibility and popularity.

Hotels and guest houses designed by a man called Richard Adolphus Came ensured the village would have nicely designed properties along wide, tree lined roads – just how it remains today.

Arriving into the village we passed a nice village sign, one of four different ones around the village. Definitely, a nod to its history.

The weather has cooled following the recent heatwaves so we were looking forward to the walk. We arrived early, parking in the car park adjacent to the war memorial. The village has a close tie with the RAF having had an airfield nearby during World War 2, with many of its personnel stationed in hotels etc within the village. We paused by the memorial for those who died from 617 squadron (the famous dambusters) and then walked through the village.

People out early on a Sunday morning greeted us with a ‘good morning’ as we made our way to grab a coffee. Angela commented – ‘what friendly people’.

We passed a fabulous wall painting on the side of a shop.

As we continued we passed a nice property so I took a photo.

We passed a sign for a tea shop which was very apt for Angela (she likes cake!).

Much of our walk would be through woodland where the affect of the drought could be seen on the trees. It was peaceful in the woods.

We were headed towards the village of Stixwould crossing parched fields now.

Arriving into to Stixwould we admired the church of St Peter.

Further along the road we found the village hall, previously the village school.

The blue plaque near the door commemorates one of the founder members of the SAS who was born in Stixwould.

Continuing onwards we followed the Viking Way and passed over a bridge on the former railway line through Stixwould and Woodhall Spa – now well overgrown.

A drainage drain was a vibrant green with algae.

As we neared Woodhall Spa we encountered more people out running, cycling and walking. We passed the famous Petwood Hotel and Jubilee park before arriving into the centre of the village. It had been Angela’s first visit to Woodhall Spa and she had enjoyed it.

I popped into the excellent book shop called ‘The Book Fayre’ and came out with three new books to read.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶