Fulbeck and Caythorpe

The Walk: I started at Fulbeck, but you could start at Caythorpe. Both villages are served by a frequent bus between Lincoln and Grantham, so this can also be a public transport walk. The basic route is under five miles, but it's well worth a wander around both villages which could easily make it five or six — perfect for a half-day stroll.

The walk first climbs across the fields to Bleak House, passing on the way a section of hedge covered in pure white blossom, not a trace of green leaf to be seen. Two new lakes have been constructed since my Ordnance Survey map was produced and still look stark on the sloping ground. The view over to Caythorpe church is good, and the tall slender spire reminds me that this was, and perhaps still is, a wealthy area. The path has been diverted around Bleak House, but it's well waymarked. It's not clear if our path has a connection to Pottergate Road before it doubles back; I suspect there is no link.

Close to the house is another man-made water feature, more a pond than a lake. Then the house comes into view through a gap in the enclosing hedge. It's not bleak at all — it's three storeys and three gable-topped bays in London brick. The windows are surrounded by dressed stone and the central door has an arched fanlight. The terraced garden is walled in local dry stone, giving a rustic appearance in contrast to the precision of the house.

As I walked back down the hill a lichen-covered concrete fence post had me fooled — at first glance it looked like a yellow-topped waymark post! The sound of children having great fun drifted over from Caythorpe Court. This Grade II listed mansion house is now a PGL centre which offers thrills, challenge, and adventure for children, and by the sound of it they know how to make it fun.

The lane to Caythorpe has little traffic until we reach the disused railway bridge which once crossed the line between Grantham and Lincoln. The site of Caythorpe station is now a materials recycling facility, so the sign says. From here we have the benefit of a surfaced footpath keeping us safe from the traffic using this section of the lane.

There was much activity on Caythorpe sports field — coaching for some youngsters while a small road roller moved slowly back and forth preparing the ground for that English village essential: cricket. I passed the footpath back to Fulbeck to do a loop of the village and discovered a flower shop, hairdresser, and two inns, plus a nursing home that could well be mistaken for another public house.

Wandering around these attractive, tranquil, and desirable villages it's difficult to imagine the furore back in 1986 when there was a plan to dispose of nuclear waste locally. There appears to be less concern today about plans to store up to 7.5 billion cubic feet of gas under Caythorpe where the geology and geological structures are suitable for gas to be stored in naturally occurring underground storage reservoirs.

Crossing the fields back to Fulbeck the skylarks offer their song from above, but I wonder where on the ground they can nest among the bare weathered ridge and furrows of last year's potato crop. On your return you might like to visit Manor Stables Craft Centre where the ubiquitous tearoom offers an alternative to the Hare and Hounds.