Sat navs were set, maps consulted and memories searched - and this was just to find our starting point, not the walk itself !

A dozen and a half made their way in blistering sunshine to Jim and Judy's at Holbeach St Matthew where the hosts provided welcoming pre walk drinks. Judy passed round printouts of details of the Fen landscape and its drainage.

Following the regulation photo shoot the trekkers set off along the grassy track that led to the pumping station and the road running along the sea bank with its many warning signs of MOD bombing site and marsh. Wildlife spotted on the way included Essex Skipper, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and clouds of large and small white butterflies, Cinnabar moth caterpillar, oyster catcher, egret, hare, buzzard, kestrel, and marsh harrier (possibly male). Wild cherries being picked by some of the strolling wildlife. Walkers were then given the option of returning to the Coastguard Station or carrying on for a further mile or two.

The weary, warm walkers all met up again on their return and were once again provided with cooling drinks of beers etc.. It was lovely to see Wendy again - she had journeyed up from the South coast to catch up with old, and new, Fen folk friends. There was a Wallace and Gromit incident when the Wrong Trousers had to be changed into shorts and a ladies sun hat provided cover for any shortcomings!

The party then made their way by car to the Bull's Neck at Penny Hill where a good range of ales, including Elgoods Bull's Neck, Osset White Rat, Speckled and Golden Hen and IPA were downed by the thirsty walkers then lunch taken in the pleasant dining room. Thanks were given to Jim and Judy for their hospitality and the walks, and also to Heather and Rosemary who organised the pub and lunches. A grand day out.