Cadney to the Cathedral Day 5

Horncastle to Bardney – Thursday 30th July

What a wonderful day today has been, two of my lovely fellow lady Howsham residents had both in touch about coming with me, but didn’t know each other.

Karen and Deb and I have walked and talked all day while the miles were gradually put behind us.

Today’s route is really easy to follow, the spa trail part along the old railway is pretty, but flat and easy to walk. We enjoyed finding the sculptures on the trail. We stopped to talk to few people who we told about what I am doing, and said they were going to look for the page, so if that was you. Welcome, and good to meet you today.

We started back at the centre of Horncastle, at St Mary’s church, where I finished yesterday. It is only a short walk before you are out into countryside again. We soon spotted the familiar Viking way signposts as we started on our way.

We soon joined the spa trail, it is interspersed with wonderful metal sculptures, which are great to look out for as you walk along. The spa trail lasts about 6 or 7 miles and takes you all the way to the golf course in Woodhall spa. There are signs reminding you to look out for golf balls as you walk right through the centre of where the golfers are playing.

Once we were past there, we entered Woodhall Spa, spotted the church, no. 19, and went in for a visit and to sign the visitors’ book. We next spotted a sign for a café. We found a lovely café right at the back of the Broadway centre, they had a great outside area, and we all ordered a drink, with cake and ice cream to accompany it. We asked a staff member to take a photo, explaining, what we were doing, and a few minutes later another staff member came out, asking who was doing a sponsored walk, and said the café would like to make a donation. They kindly gave me a £20 donation.

After our break, we carried on through Woodhall spa, then back out into the countryside for a few more miles, until we reached the River Witham, and the old railway line. The sign for Stixwould station is still there. We stopped for a late lunch break, and to check how our feet were bearing up.

The path follows the River Witham until you reach SouthWold, which has a wooden church, we could see the door open as we approached and several ladies inside. They were holding a knit and natter session. Someone kindly offered us the use of the toilet, a compost loo, just like we have at Cadney. I signed the visitors’ book, church no. 20.

Past the church, and soon into open countryside again, we were soon in sight of the outskirts of Bardney. We reached Bardney church at about 5pm, having set off at 9am from Horncastle. The church was locked, so I will try to sign the visitors book when I return in the morning.

It was over 16 miles today, but with another day of good company it has been a WONDERFUL day again.

Friday is shorter, Bardney to Fiskerton.