No.19: The Lincolnshire Wolds 'Black Death' Challenge Walk

Over the last 45 years, John Merrill has walked over 200,000 miles - the equivalent of 10 times around the world. He has completed a remarkable and unequalled number of marathon walks, including being the first person to walk around Britain - 7000 miles - in 10 months. He has walked across Europe, Africa, India, Nepal, Asia, America, and along the great trails of America and Canada. He has also completed many Pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, Canterbury, Walsingham and Tronheim in Norway.

He has written more than 340 guidebooks to his walks. The Lincolnshire Wolds 'Black Death' Challenge Walk is one of these routes.

The route starts and finishes at Louth's 'Cathedral of the Wolds' - St. James church - and takes in North and South Elkington, Kelstern, Burgh-on-Bain, Donnington-on-Bain, Withcall and Raithby. Rich in history, the route also passes the sites of 7 Medieval villages, mostly depopulated as a result of the Black Death.




Saturday 30th June, 26 miles 

Ready for the off at St. James'...

...with some welcome company

Can't see the water for the trees

Welcoming Committee

A picture of Summer, South Elkington

Full of wood

Out of North Elkington

Good running to Kelstern

Rolling hills

On the Loop towards The Viking Way

Threatening skies

The road from Girsby Top

Brightening up

Ey-up Belmont!

Postcard

Field path to Biscathorpe

La-La Land

Hop on

Under surveillance, Stenigot

Antenna

The long road to the spire...

...goes on and on

Leaving Withcall

Almost back

Over the Lud in Hubbards Hills

Pleased as punch

No.18: Spires And Steeples Arts and Heritage Trail

The Spires and Steeples trail, from Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys' Church, Sleaford, brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies. The name refers to the Spires of the churches being the landmarks to which visitors make their way and to the rural sport of Steeple chasing. It is also recognition of the important part they have played in the lives of these communities as well as how they are a reflection of the times, families and cultures that created, altered and rebuilt them.



Sunday 17th June, 25 miles

By the Witham, Lincoln

Sluice Gates

Following the finger posts

Moo

Bench, Washingborough

Crossing the tracks, part 1

Meadows

Overgrown field paths

Big Sky County

On yer bike! Branston

Crossing the tracks, part 2

Struggling through rape fields

Through the hedge

The Water Tower, Potterhanworth

Post Office, Nocton

Crossing the tracks, part 3

Half way at Metheringham

Across the cricket pitch, Blankney

Muddy tracks to Scopwick

Scopwick village centre

Poppies

Clouds for company

Steeple or spire?

Main road, Digby

'Under the arch, across the stone clapper bridge'

Good paths to Dorrington

The Dorrington Demons

Crossing the tracks, part 4

Beside the Sleaford Navigation Canal

Waterside

Over the bridge to the end.