Walkers :- Dave, Danny, Anthony, John R
John W, Vic, Mike, Martin.
- After parking near a canal bridge we set off on an unremarkable but entirely pleasant walk on a sunny summer day.
Right alongside the cars was a short track down to the canal.
We were only on the canal for a short time before arriving at Nateby Hall Bridge. John R reached it first and awaited our arrival from it's parapet.
Nateby Hall itself (whatever it was ) was out of sight as we passed through the sprawling yard of Nateby Hall Farm.
Parts of which were of some antiquity.
Once through the farm we followed a long and arrow straight track through the fields.
As we approached the next farm the footpath seemed to disappear. We decided to have coffee whilst pondering our next move.
After negotiating a wire fence and an overgrown footpath we unearthed a somewhat dilapidated stile.
This took us into one of several large yards containing numerous new and used farm vehicles.
As we passed through the yard we wondered if Vic was feeling Tyred. (That is a dreadful joke !)
This was just a trailer wheel !
Vic's outfit had been borrowed from a cast member of the wartime comedy "It ain't 'alf 'ot mum".
Leaving this yard behind we took to the fields once more as we headed in the direction of "Island Farm" which would indicate that the area was once a waterlogged moss.
Before arriving at the farm a right turn took us once again across the fields.
Some gates were chained but our ex-fireman John R knew how to deal with them.
N.B. All gates were left as we found them !!!
Our way now led through a succession of fields . The warm summer sunshine had brought out a host of butterflies mostly meadow Browns (?) and Red Admirals. Although the one in the following photo is almost certainly a small tortoiseshell
As we battled our way through clouds of butterflies (I exaggerate) we came across a rather attractive dyke with electric blue damsel flies darting about and decided that this might be a more than acceptable lunch site.
Across the dyke was a recently ploughed field which was an obvious attraction for flocks of gulls.
Herring Gulls ?
With butties well bitten and flasks firmly fastened we quickly found ourselves on a narrow minor road which led to a rather cute little bridge.
The bridge in turn led to a super smart house and garden called...………… NOT what John W, it appears, would like
but...…… WHITTER'S HILL !
The well tended drive rose up to an even better tended garden and a very well appointed property.
The Hoi-polloi were redirected through a rough field to get past it.
Once past "Posh Palace" a large and rough field stretched before us. The grass was long and clinging and large areas were covered by nettles and thistles. Memories lingered of the last time we had crossed this field (several years before) when we were chased off by a "Marauding " herd of "friendly" bullocks.
Forging our way round the edge of the "rough" field. As we followed the edge we could see glimpses of the former Winmarleigh Agricultural College. This is now owned by PGL a company specialising in adventure experiences for youngsters..
To get out of this large "Dump" we had to pass through an incongruously pretty farm yard.
Now out onto the road and looking for our "Final Resting Place" the church at Winmarleigh.
"Final Resting Place" a graveyard ? Another silly joke. It was our last stop to finish flasks and other drinks.
Someone must have had a high opinion of themselves as amongst the more modest tombstones was this...
Which displayed a effigy of an apparently highly distraught child......mmmm !
Not far to go now. Down the road for a little while then once more into the fields.
One more large field to cross.
Then onto the road very close to the cars where Martin's welcome shandy was quickly dispensed.
A final shot of Danny collecting the "Empties".
The Hoi-polloi were redirected through a rough field to get past it.
Once past "Posh Palace" a large and rough field stretched before us. The grass was long and clinging and large areas were covered by nettles and thistles. Memories lingered of the last time we had crossed this field (several years before) when we were chased off by a "Marauding " herd of "friendly" bullocks.
Forging our way round the edge of the "rough" field. As we followed the edge we could see glimpses of the former Winmarleigh Agricultural College. This is now owned by PGL a company specialising in adventure experiences for youngsters..
Behind John, in the distance, is the tower of the former Agricultural College.
There were some civilised bits of the "Rough" field. Here's Mike looking longingly down the "Yellow Grass Road". Anybody seen a Scarecrow, a Lion and a Tin Man ? Not to mention a dog called Toto.
At the far side of the "Rough" field was an equally rough yard full of rusting farm vehicles and implements. At least somebody here had a sense of humour.
Now out onto the road and looking for our "Final Resting Place" the church at Winmarleigh.
"Final Resting Place" a graveyard ? Another silly joke. It was our last stop to finish flasks and other drinks.
Someone must have had a high opinion of themselves as amongst the more modest tombstones was this...
Which displayed a effigy of an apparently highly distraught child......mmmm !
Not far to go now. Down the road for a little while then once more into the fields.
A gentleman we passed told us to look for the bridge under the tree's umbrella. A nice turn of phrase. Sure enough there it was and here we are heading for it.
Then onto the road very close to the cars where Martin's welcome shandy was quickly dispensed.
A final shot of Danny collecting the "Empties".
THE END
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