18 Fen folk including friends met up at the Cattle Market, Stamford before donning boots and following Jim and Judy across a tributary of the River Welland. Judy had passed out copies of a walk pamphlet that also provided local information such as the old Roman crossing point, on a direct line with Ermine Street.

The traffic noise from the A1 became more evident as the group approached the tunnel under the road and then the Stamford Oakham railway line (fortunately silent) was traversed. Many of the fields had barley growing (most apt) and among the wildflowers burdock, meadow sweet, greater knapweed were spotted, along with lords and ladies (in our party !?). A few blackberries were sampled and the eagle eyed identified damselflies - but were they the azure or the common blue?

The Blue Bell at Easton on the Hill was reached just in time for opening where Digfield Tipple (4.2%), Slaters Original (4%) - wot no Top Totty of MP fame?!, and Grainstore Rutland Osprey (4%) were eagerly supped in the spacious beer garden.

Woodland paths and footpaths set between hedges of holly and beech led the intrepid imbibers back to Stamford and eventually the Tobie Norris where Mordue Panda Frog (5.5%), Star Brewery Comet (3.8%), OZP Australian Pale, Oudle Nene Valley and later Mad Goose from Purity, were all sampled to some acclaim. Platters of various pizzas were eagerly consumed in the 2nd floor room and washed down with the various ales. Thanks to Judy and Jim for organising and leading a splendid walk and day out.