On Sunday 9th of February, 19 brave souls met in Billingborough. Unusually we congregated in a public car park, so no photo below a pub sign this time. We all put on as many layers as we could as although it was fine it was blowing a gale.

We set off along the road out of the village and then turned onto a bridleway which led us through a small holding. We stopped to admire the sheep and piglets that were tucked up inside a stable. We left the bridleway and followed single file along the hedgerows, talking was impossible as the wind quickly whipped our words away.

Reaching Sempringham Church which stands alone amid the fields on the site of the priory founded by Gilbert of Sempringham in the 12 century, we stopped for a while to chat and enjoy the beautifully kept graveyard and church. Some went to look at the Holy Well which is associated with Gilbert and believed to have healing qualities. This must be the only place in England at the moment that is dry!

Onward along narrow muddy paths, we eventually reached the road to Birthorpe. Through the village we once more joined muddy paths and slipped and slid our way back into Billingborough.

Some walkers drove straight to Horbling and others tried the 2 pubs in Billingborough before 12 of us had an excellent lunch and, of course, a few beers to wash it down with at the Plough in Horbling. Thanks to the licencees Jon and Su for their hospitality.