Was it the threat of windy wet weather, Fen folk away on hols or with other commitments, the change of date?

Well whatever the reason it was the Famous Five set off from the White Hart Inn at Tetford for an early start, clad in multi layers of wet weather gear. Well the weather forecast turned out to be a bit of a damp squib - just a few showers encountered, along with a strong breeze.

Field tracks and minor roads led to South Ormsby with its parkland of huge oak and beech trees, and offering glimpses of the hall and lake. Swallows swooping low for tasty insects and inquisitive cattle were the Five's only other company on the walk. The ETA at the halfway house hadn't take into account the extreme fitness of the Famous Five Fen folk - hence arrival at the Massingberd Arms, South Ormsby, was 25 minutes before opening time. This surely is a first, even for Fenland! Some of the time was passed by scoffing beef pasties supplied by the member for Dorrington.

Eventually the doors were open where orders were placed at the bar for Thwaites Original and Tom Woods Lincoln Gold, both in very good form. The Massingberd Arms, named after the local lord of the manor, retains its country pub feel with its wood panelling and tiled floor etc. and gives that unchanged ambiance.

This friendly and welcoming pub proved difficult to tear away from but the Five eventually made their way down the road, past the picturesque low thatched Bishop's Cottage, the empty old school, and the delightful gardens of the old School House, and wound its way up to St Leonard's church. After a brief tour of the church the walkers meandered through the parkland and its cattle eventually joining a minor road, then crossed wheat and beet fields and the playing field at Tetford.

The White Hart, a previous venue twice for Fenland walks over the last 10 years, did not disappoint with its old country charm of small rooms, wooden settles, friendly welcome, and of course its ales. The Rev James and Oldershaw's Heavenly Blonde were popular choices. The Desert Rat had reached the end of barrel, and had given in!

A tasty carvery was served with smiles and more beers were dispensed with gusto.