Slow Ways Route Gaisax one
Today I timed my departure from the camp site to coincide with the opening time of the cafe in the village where I stopped for breakfast.
I was back on my Slow Way again now so I made sure I went to the railway station as this was yesterday’s finish and today’s official start.
The first part to Sturton by Stow is all road walking and though it was quite busy it was easy enough to step on to the verge when cars were approaching. I was walking at my usual pace and don’t think I could go much slower.
I noticed these sheep who were grazing on what was left of the previous crop.
I arrived at the village of Sturton by Stow and decided it was time for a break so I got a drink and snacks at the Co-op. I walked through the village then across fields to the village of Stow.
The village of Stow was much smaller than Sturton by Stow and the next village of Willingham by Stow, but it’s age and importance was demonstrated by this beautiful church which was not open when I passed.
From Stow it was a series of tracks, paths and pasture to the village of Upton.
I had hoped there would be a shop in Upton but if there is I never found it. I had forgotten to fill up my water bottle so I finished what I had while I had a sit down. On this walk I have noticed how different communities have repurposed old telephone boxes. I had passed several mini libraries/book exchanges and the odd defibrillator. Upton’s was almost an art installation advertising their Chatterbox Cafe at the church.
From Upton to my destination of Gainsborough the going was much tougher. The paths seemed to all be going diagonally across fields. I was just too late in this part of the world as the farmers had cultivated and ploughed the fields after harvesting their crops. I didn’t enjoy this section.
I battled on and reached the town of Gainsborough. I had booked an Airbnb in a room above a pub so I quickly made sure I had completed the route before I checked in.
The pub itself showed that appearances can be deceptive. It looked a bit rough and when I was shown the room you went though a room with loads of junk and decorating stuff. It was obviously a work in progress. The room though was great, I had my own bathroom and plenty of space to get my tent dry. I had a great night’s sleep.