The village of Thurlby in South Lincolnshire lies astride the A15, the Roman Road known as Ermine Street that connected Lindum Colonia (Lincoln) with The Fens and Durobrivae (Water Newton). On the ground it’s geography is so typical an example of a ‘linear village’ type, I cannot fail to hear my geography teacher in my ear. What is unusual is however, the modern linear alignment is at right-angles to the A15, not alongside it. The High Street becomes Station Road then Swallow Hill. I suspect the medieval church beside the A15 belies the ancient village centre and not the westward leading roads we walked in early June.
Jo designed the walk for us. A circular route through the village, up the hill, past many lovely homes and gardens, looping around and down across fields with views back into the village by a hidden track. It’s always a treat to be part of a ‘led walk’. It allows me the opportunity to observe and take in every aspect, insect and plant along the way. I really enjoyed this unexpected route Jo – and right on my doorstep.
From the top of Swallow Hill we could see out towards Toft and Grimsthorpe before Jo led us into a tree-canopied unexpected lane that emerged onto the opposite aspect overlooking the western edges of Bourne, the woods and Spalding power station on the horizon. A parched, cultivated field beneath our feet, we traversed down towards the A15 through an enormous field of Field Beans (miniature broad beans) hearing skylarks on high.
Without knowing it our return to the village was in fact in Northorpe which adjoins Thurlby making a loop. We squeezed down a hidden (but signposted) path bordering some very lovely properties and gardens – ablaze with June colour.
Of course our exercises concluded in a café. This time it was Watersides Garden Centre Café at the junction of old King Street and the A15. It’s a place I usually avoid – out of sheer prejudice (my theory being: it is full of old retired people). However, I was so impressed with the café; I have to confess I went back solo after the trial walk in Helpston later in July. I will give the café a deserved favourable rating on Google in due course and book an Afternoon Tea which looks totally amazing!
