Mud, mud, glor...... well not so glorious was the weather on this month's soggy stroll from the Red Lion at West Deeping. Fate had been tempted earlier by the remarks that our Sunday walks had been dry over the past 11 years other than 3 damp occasions.

The walk started off in comparative dry conditions but the first muddy field encountered was an indication of worse to come. Following a branch of the River Welland, the Maxey Mill was soon reached and several field paths crossed and then under the by-pass bridge. Here the mud paths, by the swollen river, turned to swamp and progress was slowed more by the onset of heavy rain.

It was reluctantly decided that there was no time to stop off at the Bull at Market Deeping, the planned halfway house - surely a first for the branch walks, as passing pubs without popping in is anathema to Camra members. Thanks to Nigel, Alan & Jill, some of the stragglers were helped on their way, and Heather, Jo and Ivan transported soggy folk from Market Deeping back to the Red Lion. The Famous Five trudged back under boot power for sheer b****y mindedness! Incidentally the Red Lion pub name round Lincolnshire indicates the badge of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, whose son, Henry IV, was born at Bolingbroke Castle.

With wet suits hastily discarded the trekkers were revived at the pub with pints of local brewery Hopshackle with their light beer Summarillo, Adnams Southwold, Hopback Zing, and London Pride. Swift service for a very tasty lunch completed the afternoon. The Chairman thanked the recce 3 for providing such a dry terrain route and a suitable toast was proposed! Walking will continue next month, assuming the gear has been dried out by then.