No.13: The Wanderlust Way

The Wanderlust Way is a popular twenty mile circular route, starting and finishing at Bradley Woods, to the west of Grimsby. Originally called 'The Bradley 20', the route was renamed in 1990 to commemorate the life and work of James Neville Cole (1916 - 1989), who co-foundered the Wanderlust Rambling Club. 'Nev' devoted his life and energy to walking and ensuring the footpaths and bridleways in the area were well maintained, a legacy for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.
The route generally follows field edge paths, tracks and some minor roads through the Lincolnshire Wolds and takes in a number of stunning villages and hamlets.



Sunday 1st April - 20 miles

Blue sky beckons at the starting point, Bradley Woods.

Away on the good path.

Following WW.

Spring has sprung.

Peaceful isolation on the Irby track.

Approaching Beelsby.

Valley road to East Ravendale.

A beautiful day.

That burning feeling, Wold Newton.

Hidden church, Wold Newton.

Blossom.

Through the arch into another land.

Leaving primary colours behind.

Essence of The Wolds.

Right angles.

Tunneling out of Brigsley.

Black sheep.

The colour of Spring.

Full circle to Bradley Woods.



                                        *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *


Shortly before I set off for this run, I learned about the death of Micah True. Despite never having met him, I shared a deep affinity for the role that running had in his life. A couple of years ago, my brother, Dennis, travelled to the Copper Canyons in Mexico to run the Copper Canyons Ultra-Marathon and to meet the legendary figure he'd read about in 'Born to Run'. On returning to the UK, it was obvious that Micah had made a tremendous impression. In a brave move, he gave away much of his former life and started on a path that he considered more true to himself. Such was the impact that this humble, kind, selfless man had made on him.

As I ran around The Wanderlust Way this morning, I couldn't help but be uplifted by the arrival of Spring. The weather was glorious. The Earth was alive. The beat was strong. And yet my mind kept returning to Micah True. Through a deep sadness, I half-remembered a paragraph in 'Born to Run' that had left such an impression on me when I'd first read it:

' "When I get too old to work, I'll do what Geronimo would've if they'd left him alone," Caballo said. "I'll walk off into the deep canyons and find a quiet place to lie down." There was no melodrama or self-pity in the way Caballo said this, just the understanding that someday, the life he'd chosen would require one last disappearing act.'

Keep running, Caballo Blanco. And run free, amigo, run free.