Stamford and Easton on the hill (6 miles) 11/02/20

Attendees: A Sear, A Dulson, A Walton, P Cotterill, M Simmonds, H Jones R Jones, M Farkas, D McDonnell, S Farrell, B Elliot, R Wilcox

Following storm Ciara over the previous weekend conditions were always likely to be challenging, and so it proved. However in general, apart from strong winds and some threatening clouds, the weather stayed dry and quite bright.

Starting from Stamford station shortly after midday we soon found ourselves following the river Welland upstream. The river was running high after all the rainfall and the foothpaths muddy. Turning southwest we crossed the railway line at Tinwell. After all the mud it was good to be on firm ground for the gentle climb towards Easton on the Hill. Fine views of the surrounding countryside and the Ketton cement works were visible now, and a few stopped to take photographs. Turning once again towards the village Adrian went to investigate a walled memorial garden by the church. It had benches and afforded some shelter from the wind, so a quick decision was taken to have our lunch stop there rather than at the other side of the village. After lunch we passed the church and went through the very pretty village. After crossing the busy A43 we were now back heading in the direction of Stamford. Initially walking beside fields we then passed through woodland and then by the abandoned Wothorpe Hall. A few more fields and under the A1 we were now on the outskirts of Stamford. Due to building work taking place the footpath was diverted which added a minute or two to the walk. Time was now of the essence as we knew a train was due at Stamford at 15.07 and the plan was to catch it and alight at Oakham for refreshments. It was even more important for Adrian who had been at work at 04.10 that morning and needed to get home to get some sleep before his next shift. We arrived with a few minutes to spare. Adrian headed home, Andy W went into Stamford, and the rest of us retired to the Grainstore at Oakham.

Andy Sear