North Kesteven Walking Festival 2017

8th - 22nd July 2017

Back and better than ever! Two weeks full of walking and family fun for all ages.

Join us and step out in to the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside. From themed walks to exploring our Stepping Out network, you’re bound to find something for you. Make sure to look out for those longer walks too. See inside for details.

FREE EVENTS INSIDE Find us on Social Media

Get your boots on‌ North Kesteven is privileged to have a vast and beautiful countryside and has picturesque villages and exquisite medieval churches, a living landscape steeped in history and rich in wildlife. The North Kesteven Walking Festival is a celebration of the countless walking opportunities available within the District and we want you to celebrate with us too!

We have lots on offer; take a look at our programme, you’ll be sure to find a walk for you.

KEY Easy walk Moderate walk Energetic walk

Distance Start point Walk leader

P Parking Cost of walk Wheelchair / Pushchair accessible Cattle present Stiles Heritage

All walks are bookable and can be done so by contacting the events team on 01522 694353 or email countrysidenk@1life.co.uk

Bring packed lunch Refreshments available after walk Toilet facilities Dogs welcome

PROGRAMME OF WALKS 1. Spires & Steeples Arts & Heritage Trail Part 1

3. Out Of The Danger Zone

Saturday 8th July, 9am

A hike from Beckingham around the ‘Danger Zone’, there should be plenty of wildlife to spot and possibly gunfire if the troops are practicing! The Black Swan pub will be open after the walk to wet your whistle.

Discover the rich history and heritage of North Kesteven along the Spires & Steeples Arts & Heritage Trail. Finishing at Lincoln Castle, why not take the opportunity to discover the infamous Domesday Book!

(Charges apply). Cost includes travel back to Metheringham.

13 miles (allow 6hrs) Metheringham Playing Fields Car Park, LN4 3DE

Mike Lock

£5

Saturday 8th July, 9:45am for 10am start Join local medical herbalist, Hannah Sylvester, for an enlightening and interactive stroll. Identify wild flowers growing in the area and learn about their rich history. Price includes an informative handout and a chance to try a herbal tea foraged en route.

The Old Cemetery, Station Road, Bracebridge Heath, LN4 2ND

Pete Ashmore

11 miles (allow 5.5 hrs) All Saints Church, Chapel Street, Beckingham, LN5 0RH

P Free on street Free

P Free

2. Bracebridge Heath Herb Walk

2 miles (allow 2 hrs)

Saturday 8th July, 10am for 10:30am start

Hannah Sylvester

P Free on street £5

“discover the rich history and heritage of North Kesteven”

4. An Introduction To Bloxholm Wood Saturday 8th July, 10:30am Join Volunteer Ranger, Paul Spencer, as he guides you through a timeline of conservation works carried out at one of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s newest Nature Reserves. Look out for birds, animals and wild flowers unique to the area.

2 miles (allow 1.5 hrs) Bloxholm Wood Western Entrance layby, Ashby de la Launde, Sleaford, LN4 3JJ

Paul Spencer

P Free, Stepping Out Car Park LN4 3JJ Free

PROGRAMME OF WALKS 5. Medieval Brauncewell

7. Templars On The Heath

Sunday 9th July, 10am for 10:30am start

Monday 10th July, 10am for 10:30am start

A ramble in search of the medieval village and church of Brauncewell with open skies and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. Livestock present but can be avoided.

11 miles (allow 5.5 hrs) Stepping Out Car Park, Peacock Lodge (nearest post code LN4 3JJ)

Pete Ashmore

P Free Free

6. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Sunday 9th July, 10:15am for 10:30am start We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one, we’re not scared! Join us for a family fun trail around the Millennium Green, see if you can spot all the teddy bears hiding, and then join us for a teddy bears picnic overlooking the lakes. BYO picnic and favourite teddy bear.

1 mile (allow 2 hrs) Millennium Green, off Station Road, North Hykeham, LN6 9FF

A circular hike up on the heath to the Temple Bruer Tower and Brauncewell Horse Gin returning via the Roman Ermine Street, the road linking London to Lincoln constructed during the conquest period.

Jade Oliver

P Free at Memorial Hall, LN6 9RY Free

“a picturesque walk to Daisy Maid for ice cream!”

Pete Ashmore

8.6 miles (allow 4.5 hrs) St John the Baptist Church, Temple Bruer, LN5 0DE

P Free by church Free

8. Bimble On The Barff Tuesday 11th July, 6pm for 6:30pm start A bimble on the barff and along a section of the Roman Car Dyke, looking out for birds and wildlife along the way in the low summer sun.

Also, visit the RAF Metheringham Memorial.

Pete Ashmore

6.3 miles (allow 2.5 hrs) The Old Airfield, Metheringham (nearest post code LN4 3BH)

P Free parking on Airfield Free

9. Ice Cream Wednesdae!

Wednesday 12th July, 10am A picturesque walk through Whisby Nature Park and Doddington Village to Daisy Maid for ice cream! The walk then continues through the beautiful Skellingthorpe Wood and back to Whisby. (Charges apply)

10 miles (allow 5 hours) Whisby Natural World Centre, Moor Lane, Thorpe-on-the-Hill, LN6 9BW

Dean Reed

P £2 Free

10. When In Sleaford, Arts & Heritage Trail

12. Martin & Metheringham Barff

Wednesday 12th July, 6pm

Thursday 13th July, 6:45pm for 7pm start

Join us for a family fun evening walk through Sleaford following the bronze roundel’s trail to discover public artworks, historical buildings and interesting places to visit in the town. Walk includes an interactive map.

A second chance to enjoy the panoramic views surrounding Metheringham. Starting in Martin village, the walk will continue through Linwood Moor, catching views at Metheringham Barff before returning along the Car Dyke.

3 miles (allow 2 hrs) Cogglesford Watermill, East Gate, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ

Mike Lock

4.5 miles (allow 2 hrs)

P Free

Martin Stepping Out Car Park, High Street junction, LN4 3QJ

Free

11a. Dunston Mish Mash Thursday 13th July, 1:30pm for 2pm start A mish mash of regular and alternative Stepping Out routes encompassing beautiful countryside and fine examples of local artwork and sculpture. Why not join us after for the Nocturnal Nocton walk!

7 miles (allow 3.5 hrs)

Pete Ashmore

The Green, Dunston, LN4 2HE

P Free on street

A collaboration of the local Walking for Health groups, suitable for all the family.

A picturesque circular route encompassing the villages of Branston and Heighington following the meandering course of the Sheep Wash stream. Enjoy panoramic views, quiet lanes and open countryside.

Thursday 13th July, 6pm for 6:30pm start Join us for an evening wildlife stroll around Nocton Wood. Keep your eyes peeled for Marsh Harriers, known to frequent the area, and catch a glimpse or a hoot from evening birdlife.

The Green, Dunston, LN4 2HE

P Free on street Free

Donations

Friday 14th July, 10:15am for 10:30am start

11b. Nocturnal Nocton

Pete Ashmore

P Free

13. Sheep Wash Saunter

Free

6 miles (allow 2.5 hrs)

Shirley Thompson

7 miles (allow 2.5 hrs) Branston CafĂŠ, Rectory Lane, Branston, LN4 1NA

Nick Grimshaw

P Free Free

PROGRAMME OF WALKS 14. Dog Agility & Behaviour Walk

16. Woods & Wildlife 1

Friday 14th July, 2:15pm for 2:30pm start

Saturday 15th July, 10am for 10:30am start

Join the Dog Adventure Centre with your four-legged friends for a lesson in dog agility and behaviour. Learn key socialisation skills and even attempt countryside obstacles such as stiles and gates. It doesn’t matter how old your dog is or what your experience or training level is, you’re bound to learn something new.

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise! A pleasant hike in the countryside and woodland with plenty of bird life, and who knows, maybe a bear or two.

Jade Oliver

3.4 miles (allow 2 hrs) Peacock Lodge Stepping Out Car Park, Bloxholm, LN4 3JJ

P Free Free

Saturday 15th July, 9:45am for 10am start Another chance to join local medical herbalist, Hannah Sylvester, for an interactive stroll through Heighington. Learn how to identify wild flowers and how you can grow your own at home to use medicinally or in cooking! Price includes an informative handout and a chance to try a herbal tea foraged en route.

Gateway to Station Road Recreation Ground, Station Road, Heighington, LN4 1QJ

St Marys Church, Church Street, Carlton le Moorland (nearest post code LN5 9HR)

Pete Ashmore

P Free on street Free

17. Nocton Trail Saturday 15th July, 10am for 10:30am start

15. Heighington Herb Walk

2-3 miles (allow 2 hrs)

13 miles (allow 6 hours)

Hannah Sylvester

P Free on street £5

“enjoy panoramic views, quiet lanes & open countryside”

A pleasant and gentle walk following the Nocton Trail. Perfect for both local residents and visitors wanting to know more about the village’s history. Enjoy a series of artworks and way markers produced by local’s to share their special heritage and stories.

1.5 miles (allow 2.5 hrs) Nocton Village Hall, Main Street, Nocton, LN4 2BH

Nick Jones

P Free Free

18. Coleby Circular

20. Branston History Walk

Sunday 16th July, 9:30am for 10am start

Sunday 16th July, 10:15am for 10:30am start

A walk along the Jurassic Ridge known as the Lincoln Edge, taking in four villages along the way, including a number of interesting features. Suitable for all the family, this walk also includes an informative complimentary leaflet.

7.7 miles (allow 5 hrs) The Green, Coleby (opposite The Tempest pub), LN5 0AG

A short but informative walk around the village of Branston for all the family to enjoy. There will be an ongoing talk about the fascinating history of this pretty village. Afterwards, relax with a cuppa either at the Wagon and Horses pub or Branston Café, walker’s choice!

Brian Holman Karen Wood

1-2 miles (allow 2 hrs)

P Free on street Rectory Lane Free

Branston Café, Rectory Lane, Branston, LN4 1NA

P Free Free

19. Beckingham Village Circular

21. Stiles, Gates & Bridges

Sunday 16th July, 9:45am for 10am start

Sunday 16th July, 10am for 10:30am start

Circular walk through villages mentioned in the Domesday Book. From Beckingham Church the walk follows the beautiful River Witham to Barnby in the Willows. The walk then heads for Claypole and Stubton villages before returning via Fenton and Sutton.

Please park in the village and walk round to meet at the church.

Are you up for the challenge? 22 stiles, 4 gates, 10 bridges and 1 squeeze gap! The walk will take us through Ancaster Valley nature reserve, across countryside fields and paddocks to a Manor House and round lakes.

11 miles (allow 6 hrs) All Saints Church, Beckingham, LN5 0RH

Keith Thompson

P Free on street Donations

12 miles (allow 6.5 hrs) Ermine Street (opp. Ancaster B&B), Ancaster, NG32 3QJ

Pete Ashmore

P Free on street Free

22. Stiles, Gate & More Bridges Monday 17th July, 10am for 10:30am start More stiles, more gates and you guessed it, more bridges! With 37 countryside obstacles in total, are you ready for the challenge? This time the walk explores alternative Stepping Out routes around Bassingham and Aubourn.

11 miles (allow 5.5 hrs) High Street (outside Five Bells pub), Bassingham, LN5 9JZ

Pete Ashmore

P Free on street Free

PROGRAMME OF WALKS 23. Wellingore Area Wander

25a. Scopwick Stroll

Monday 17th July, 6:15pm for 6:30pm start

Tuesday 18th July, 3:30pm for 4pm start

A wander around the Wellingore area before proceeding to Navenby along the Lincoln Edge, with spectacular views across the Trent valley. Learn about the village’s rich history in the village Open Space, with chance for post-walk refreshments at any of the 4 village pubs!

6.5 miles (allow 3 hrs) The Venue, Grantham Road, Navenby, LN5 0JJ

Ray Holloway

P Free Free

24. Stepping Out Into Heckington Tuesday 18th July, 10am Be the first to try the new Stepping Out walk through Heckington village following the Car Dyke around Star Fen. Learn about Heckington’s rich history and keep a look out for bird life along the canal.

A gentle late afternoon stroll around Kirkby Green and Scopwick. See the babbling beck and The Seated Lady, a sculpture adopted by ArtsNK. Why not join for walk 25b!

Stepping Out Car Park, Vicarage Lane, Scopwick, LN4 3NT

Nags Head Inn, 34 High Street, Sleaford, NG34 9QZ

Susannah Willis & Gina Johnson-Hirt

P Free, Village

Green opposite Nags Head Inn Free

P Free Free

25b. A Bimble To Blankney Tuesday 18th July, 6pm for 6:30pm start Part two of a Scopwick double bill takes us in search of the Lancaster Propeller Memorial.

Using regular and alternative Stepping Out routes, there’ll be plenty of wildlife and friendly horses along the way.

6.2 miles (allow 2.5 hrs) Stepping Out Car Park, Vicarage Lane, Scopwick, LN4 3NT

6.1 miles (allow 2.5 hrs)

Pete Ashmore

4 miles (allow 2 hrs)

Pete Ashmore

P Free Free

26. Welbourn Wander Wednesday 19th July, 1:30pm for 2pm start A gentle afternoon wander around the low fields below Welbourn following Honington railway line, with open skies and hopefully lots of bird and wildlife to spot. There’ll also be opportunity to visit the former forge and Blacksmith’s workshop, giving you chance to step into history.

6 miles (allow 3 hrs) Welbourn Village Hall Car Park, Welbourn, LN5 OLZ

Pete Ashmore

P Free Free

27. A Waddington Rake

29b. Rauceby Round Part 2

Thursday 20th July, 10am for 10:15am start

Friday 21st July, 2pm for 2:30pm start

Be the first to walk ‘Ridges and Furrows’, a new trail celebrating cultural heritage from Sleaford to Whisby. Join ArtsNK on a ramble featuring stories, music and memories emerging from the project with historian Dave Reeves.

Part 2 of the Rauceby round takes us through the South Rauceby countryside in search of local artwork, wildlife and picturesque views.

Watch out for birdlife including Buzzards, Barn Owls and RAF Cranwell aircrafts.

5 miles (allow 2 hrs) Dave Reeves

6 miles Redwood Community Centre, Waddington, LN5 9BY

P Free Free

Church Lane, North Rauceby, Sleaford, NG34 8QS

Pete Ashmore

P Free on

Church Lane Free

30. Evening Bat Hunt

28. Whisby Pie Night

Friday 21st July, 9:00pm for 9:30pm start

Thursday 20th July, 5:30pm

Join Hill Holt Wood’s Head Ranger, Ben Wilson, on an evening bat walk through the woods at Hill Holt. Bat detectors in hand, listen out for their unique ‘echolocation’ calls and learn how to identify the species.

Perfect for the whole family.

A 1.5 mile or 3 mile gentle circular walk around the lakes at Whisby Nature Park.

The walk will conclude at the Boardwalk Bistro in the Natural World Centre for pie and peas. Booking essential!

Jade Oliver

1.5 or 3 miles Whisby Natural World Centre, Moor Lane, Thorpe-on-the-Hill, LN6 9BW

P Free

1.5 miles (allow 1 hr) Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney, LN6 9JP

£5

Ben Wilson

P Free Free

29a. Rauceby Round Part 1

31. Spires & Steeples Arts & Heritage Trail Part 2

Friday 21st July, 10am for 10:30am start

Saturday 22nd July, 9am

A ramble around the North Rauceby countryside, passing a medieval village site which on a clear day will include views of Boston Stump. Why not join for part 2 in the afternoon!

Discover the rich history and heritage of North Kesteven along the Spires & Steeples Arts & Heritage Trail. Starting in Metheringham, the art trail will lead you to Sleaford, finishing for refreshments at the NCCD. Cost includes travel back to Metheringham.

5.5 miles (allow 2.5 hrs) Church Lane, North Rauceby, Sleaford, NG34 8QS

Pete Ashmore 13 miles (allow 6 hrs)

P Free on

Church Lane Free

Metheringham Playing Fields Car Park, LN4 3DE

Mike Lock

P Free £5

PROGRAMME OF WALKS 32. North Hykeham Herb Walk

34. In Search Of Queen Eleanor

Saturday 22nd July, 9:45am for 10am start

Saturday 22nd July, 1:45pm for 2pm start

A final chance to join (or re-join!) local medical herbalist, Hannah Sylvester, for an enlightening stroll around the beautiful Millennium Green in North Hykeham.

Learn how to identify the flowers, trees and weeds growing wild in the area and how to use them medicinally. Price includes an informative handout and chance to try a herbal tea foraged en route.

2 miles (allow 2 hrs) The Marker Stone, Entrance to Millennium Green, North Hykeham, LN6 9FF

Hannah Sylvester

P Free on street £5

Join North Kesteven’s Social Strollers on their special saunter to uncover the little known and wonderful story of the remarkable woman behind England’s greatest medieval king, Edward I. The walk will include a stop for refreshments at The Bottle & Glass Harby, followed by a full insight into Eleanor’s tragic demise delivered by local history buff Richard Croft. Also chance to stop at Doddington Hall on the return journey.

7.5 miles (allow 3.5 hrs) Skellingthorpe Community Centre Car Park, Skellingthorpe, LN6 5UT

Nick Grimshaw

P Free Free

33. Woods & Wildlife 2 Saturday 22nd July, 10am for 10:30am start If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big slice of cake on your return to the Natural World Centre’s Boardwalk Bistro at Whisby Nature Park. No woodland walk would be complete without cake to celebrate this year’s NK Walking Festival.

(Charges apply)

7.4 miles (allow 3.5 hrs) Natural World Centre, Moor Lane, Thorpeon-the-Hill, LN6 9BW

Pete Ashmore

P £2 Free

“learn how to identify the flowers, trees and weeds growing wild in the area and how to use them medicinally”

NK SOCIAL STROLLERS, HEALTH WALKS Monday

Wednesday

Billinghay, 10am Childrens Centre, Fen Road, LN4 4HU

90 minutes

North Hykeham, 10am ONE NK, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, LN6 9AX

60 minutes

Whisby Visually Impaired Walk, 10:30am (Alternate Mondays) The Natural World Centre, Whisby Nature Park, LN6 9BW Branston, 10th July only, 11.30am (Alternates with Heighington walk) Branston CafĂŠ, Rectory Lane, LN4 1NA

60 minutes

60 minutes

Washingborough, 12th July only, 10:30am (bi weekly) Community Centre, Fen Road, LN4 1AB

60 minutes

60 minutes

Whisby, 11:30am The Natural World Centre, Whisby Nature Park, LN6 9BW

60 minutes

Ruskington, 1:30pm All Saints Church, Manor Street, NG34 9EL

60 minutes

Thursday

Heighington, 17th July only, 11:30am (Alternates with Branston walk) Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington, LN4 1JS

60 minutes

Tuesday Heckington, 10:30am Sports and Social Club, Howell Road, NG34 9JF

60 minutes

Leasingham, 11am Village Hall, Chapel Lane, NG34 8LB

60 minutes

Sleaford, 1:10pm National Centre for Craft & Design, Whisby Nature Park, NG34 7TW

Refreshments available after walks

Bassingham, 10:30am Fives Bells of Bassingham Pub, 17 High Street, LN5 9JZ

60 minutes

Toilet facilities

Waddington, 10am Doctors Surgery, Mere Road, LN5 9NX

60 minutes

Skellingthorpe, 11am Community Centre, Lincoln Road, LN6 5UT

90 minutes

Sleaford, 1:30pm Leisure Centre, East Banks, NG34 7ET

60 minutes

Friday Navenby, 10am Doctors Surgery, Grantham Road, LN5 0JJ

60 minutes

Metheringham, 10am Sports Pavilion, Prince’s Street Playing Fields, LN4 3DE

90 minutes

Saturday North Hykeham, 10am ONE NK, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, LN6 9AX Wheelchair/ Pushchair Access

60 minutes

WALK INFORMATION

HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME!

• You are required to book on all of the walks you wish to take part in by using the contact details below.

North Kesteven has much to offer for visitors and residents alike! It is an ideal place to explore, with many local attractions, bustling market towns and charming villages, plus much more.

Whether you’re new to North Kesteven, or taking the opportunity to get out and about in your local area, we hope that your walk is just the beginning!

• A leader will be present at each walk, whatever the weather. Please stay behind the leader at all times. Please remember our leaders are volunteers and should be treated with respect at all times.

• Walk durations are approximate. We recommend you over estimate this duration if paying for parking.

For more information visit www.heartoflincs.com

• Walks start PROMPTLY at the times stated in the programme.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK…

• Please wear suitable clothing for the weather, including suitable footwear for muddy paths and rough terrain. We also recommend you bring a drink with you, especially for longer walks.

• Any bus fares, Car Parking or entrance fees need to be paid for unless otherwise stated.

• Parking a vehicle is done so at your own risk.

• Whilst we make all our walks safe and enjoyable, any event attended is done so at your own risk.

• In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Events Team reserves the right to change or cancel a walk without prior notice. Individuals booked on to said event will be informed.

• Under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult.

The North Kesteven Walking Festival is now in its fourth year and has established itself as a regular event!

To help us continually improve what we do, we would be grateful if you could complete the feedback form that your walk leader will supply at the end of each walk, or get in touch with your comments!

THANK YOU! With great thanks to the walk leaders and volunteers who work tirelessly before and during the North Kesteven Walking Festival. Their time and efforts are gratefully appreciated be all!

Share your photos with us using the hashtag #NKWF17

For more information or to book on to a walk, contact the events team: t 01522 694353 e countrysidenk@1life.co.uk Visit www.1life.co.uk/nkwalkingfestival to find out more. @NKWalking NK Walking Festival NKWalking Leisure in the Community Ltd working in partnership to develop and deliver high quality leisure services in North Kesteven District.

1Life.co.uk