Two Deepings’ Walk

Fairfax House

Library across the Welland

High Locks

Starting at the footbridge over the river in Deeping St James, this is a circular walk of about 2 miles but you could join it anywhere en route. It’s suitable for families, pushchair do-able, and children’s bikes or scooters friendly, so take a drink and a piece of cake and stop for a picnic! Crossing the bridge into Deeping Gate and turning right, we pass Fairfax House, the original home of the Doctor in Deeping in the 1960s; his surgery was located behind the cream door in the single-storey building. Take in, too, the display board and find the mark on the bridge showing previous floods. Cross over the road and carry on along the tow path, passing High Locks and eventually coming out into the meadow. Things to look out for in the meadow include an excellent view, across the River Welland, of our lovely Library, War Memorial, and the Fire station. Keep on this path, crossing a small bridge picture leading to a narrowish, fenced-off track. Cross over the drive at the end and into the next grass field through the round footpath gate (look for the footpath sign), heading diagonally towards a large tree. The path is clearly defined. This tree has a huge girth – give it a hug as you carefully climb over its roots! At the end of this path turn left; you will see the sign welcoming you to ‘Peterborough – Creating the UK’s Environmental Capital’ (an impressive aim!) passing Maxey House on your left. There are some beautiful fresh, green horse chestnut trees along here, currently without the leaf blight disease – fingers crossed.

Turn left down Suttons Lane: a quiet, rural lane, with fantastic views across the fields. It was here, on the imposing tree stump on the left further down, we heard the most amazing ‘Woody Woodpecker’ drilling noise and saw the Great Spotted Woodpecker, a beautiful black and white plumaged bird with a red under patch, fly off. Approach quietly and you may be rewarded. The lane changes as you carry along, with the pink cherry blossom and

late evening sun on the oil seed rape adding to the tranquillity. Carry on along this lane and then turn left. Another lovely scene is before you as you walk back to where our walk starts, with The Bridge and The Bell coming into view. Take the path along by Fairfax House and you are back where you started. And be grateful we live in such lovely location where so many different walks are possible – as the saying goes, “I’d Rather Be in Deeping”!