The cold sunny November weather encouraged a good crowd to turn out to meet at Horncastle, and a quick count of the cats herding numbered 20.

After a photoshoot devoid of pubs Nigel led off the trekkers towards Horncastle Canal and the Viking Way. On reaching the footbridge our brave leader stopped to consult with map and Little John. It was decided on a route with dryish paths (for those who had forgotten boots) and so on tramped the twenty. Halts were taken to read the various information boards illustrating local railway and its workers, also the Spa Trail. Crossing the small road bridge the party wended its way back along the opposite bank and back to town.

The Black Swan not yet being open most of the Fen Folk made their way to the Thatch to sample XB and Red Baboon, from Blue Monkey, an excellent dark beer of flavour, and to enjoy the pie offerings. The Bull Hotel across the road offered a range of Marston beers - the Razor Back from Ringwood not being too sharp, but the prawn bagette filled the void admirably. Old Nick's Tavern opened at 2pm and offered 4 of their own brewed ales with Nightstalker a splendid flavoursome dark strong mild.

All in all a grand day out, a sunny walk with beer and pub sampling, and meeting up with "old" friends of Fenland not seen for some time.