A sunny day (following a shower or two), camping facilities, the promise of good beer and pubs - what more could the Fen feted feet folk find in favour? Well a good (shortish) walk actually.

Ivan lead the way from the Durham Ox through the village of Thimbleby and past the church. On then through a low crop field and views of Lincoln Cathedral in the distance, then down an old cart track where ringlet butterflies (and possibly meadow browns) were quite prolific in the damp grass and humid atmosphere. The track giving way to minor roads and eventually the town of Horncastle where the thirsty throng thrust themselves into the Thatch - otherwise known as the Kings Head - where XB, XXXB, and Yellabelly awaited. A breakaway group popped into the Bull Hotel across the road to sample Ringwood Bitter and Marstons (?) Sunbeam; also on offer were Pedigree and Black Sheep. A trip into the Ship, another Marstons house, revealed - Sunbeam - we think!

The return route was a shorter trip and the Durham Ox provided Thornbridge White Swan, and Adnams Ghost Ship, - both going down well, along with XB and Black Sheep. A tasty carvery (& veggie) lunch was taken and more ale dispensed. Thanks to Ivan for suggesting, reccying and leading this most pleasant saunter on the edge of the Wolds.

An expeditionary force of four fellows then took themselves off to Old Nicks Tavern in Horncastle - not just to sample the beer, Banks & Taylor Shefford Bitter, Dunstar Bridge Northern Storm, and Nottingham Robin Hood Ale, tasty as they all were, oh no. This was a scientific survey and a tour of the recently commissioned brewery by Ross and Sally Ellis, the owners, with daughter Elizabeth the brewster.

The pub itself has been recently refurbished and the landlord - a builder by trade apparently - is particularly proud of his urinals which are waterless and use Airflow! Tested by Richard (we do not have his comments to (in) hand)

Old Nicks Tavern has a tradition of live music - mainly of the rock and blues variety, but also featuring acoustic nights and jam sessions in their full programme. Opening hours are - Sat & Sun from 2pm to close, Mon- Fri 6pm to close. Brewing has commenced and the beers should feature at the Horncastle Squash / Cricket Club beer festival on 22nd and 23rd August in the Astro Bar.