Slow Ways Routes – Slemet one, Linmet one
Today was a slow start as breakfast was included at Jan and Ian’s Airbnb. Also I wasn’t in a hurry as it had rained heavily and it was still raining in the morning. I got my waterproof gear on and set off only to get into the centre of the village and deciding that the rain had stopped – taking it off. I stopped at a handy shop and got some food for later on at the camp site and found my Slow Way again and back on the trail. It was Sunday but as I passed the church in Ruskington I realised that there wasn’t a church service at the right time in the right place.
The centre of the village was quite picturesque, at least I thought so.
It was soon out into the fields. Today the route was continuing along the Spires and Steeples trail. I was a lovely route through fields and pasture from village to village and of course spires and steeples. This is the view approaching Dorrington.
The village of Scopwick was very attractive.
Just outside the village of Rowston I realised that I was almost at the campsite and it was only mid morning. It seemed crazy to waste almost a whole day’s walking so I message my contacts at Nocton who said I could still stay with them that night and cancelled my camp site. I hate messing people around but decided that this was the best thing to do. It turned out well as Peter told me I would be around for the village Harvest Supper. I walked on having decided to make the village of Nocton today’s destination. Here’s the church at Blankney.
Then over a village cricket pitch and through fields of corn.
I stopped in the village of Metheringham at the Co-op fro a drink and a sandwich. This was where I was mistaken for a thief, albeit only briefly. The person at the checkout began asking me what was in my backpack and then quickly decided I was genuine. It felt a bit surreal.
I knew I had plenty of time as I didn’t have that far to go so paused for a break and continued on. The paths were quite good leading into Nocton and I arrived at the village green and let my hosts know I was there.
Peter and Anny were wonderful hosts. They gave me such a warm welcome. There house was a lovely and quirky place. It is so good to feel relaxed and not feel like you are imposing on people. The church was holding a Harvest Songs of Praise Service that evening so I was especially glad that I was able to get to a service.
It was a lovely time of singing in the church. Afterwards everyone ended up at the village hall for a Harvest Supper. I was especially glad to be included in that too. This was a small village community who enabled me to experience a Harvest Celebration such as I hadn’t had since I was a teenager. The supper was wonderful and people who met generously gave donations too. As we left I remember glancing up at the sky and noticing a wonderful black white and grey cloudscape in the gathering darkness. The day just had one wonderful surprise after another.