18 walkers met up outside the Red Lion, Spalding, eager for the off, whilst a further 2 non trekkers were eager for the shops. Heather and Rosemary led off the troupe down several backstreets stopping at various landmarks in the town including the now boarded up old Johnson Hospital. On then down a grassy track alongside the Vernatt's Drain, and crossing the railway line (no local passenger trains on Sundays). The Fen folk were able to see the new Spalding Hospital across the other side of the drain. A pleasant track flanked by hedgerows then led back to the outskirts of town where a few showers surprised the unwary non waterproof wearer.

Liquid refreshment was found in Prior's Oven where 2 Austendyke beers were on - Bakestraw (4.1%) and Brexit (5%), along with Nobby's Virtue (4%), Moonshine Challenger (4.1%), Tydd Steam Piston Bob (4.3%) and the powerful Baz's Bonce Blower weighing in at a hefty (12%). All served by gravity direct from the barrel. The Red Lion had a welcoming drop of Bass along with Bombardier and Abbot.

Thanks to Heather and Rosemary for an excellent walk and talk which fitted the conditions.