< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYt is at this time of year that we can still have somewarm days but the autumn colours start to appearreminding us colder and shorter days are on theirway. This means that you need to start to thinkabout getting your garden ready for the winter. Shapingyour garden should be high on the agenda with pruningalong with lawn care and maybe some planting.Pruning can be a daunting task as once a cut has beenmade the result may be irreversible, however there aresome principles of pruning which are simple and withsome common sense you can ensure that your pruningefforts will be beneficial. The first place to start is to knowthe growing and flowering habits of the plant you arepruning. For example, forsythia has their main flower onolder wood, so these will only need to be pruned once ayear at the end of winter, when the flowers have faded,rather than cutting it hard back in the spring to encouragenew shoots.Another thing to consider in respect to the timing ofpruning is bleeding from the cuts. Bleeding is when sap leaksfrom a wound or pruning cut on a tree, shrub or woodyclimber. It is usually not harmful but in some cases it can leadto loss of vigour and death of a tree or shrub. The sap of adeciduous plant decreases in autumn to early winter as theybecome dormant; however it rises again late winter to earlyspring. The sap of some trees and shrubs, such as birch andwalnut, rise very early and so they are vulnerable to bleedingif pruned in mid to late winter and spring. Once you are sure that the trees and shrubs you arepruning at this time of year will benefit from it then makesure you use well maintained equipment. Always take yourtime and stand back periodically from your pruning toensure the shape of the tree or shrub is good. With this month’s pruning done you can turn yourattention to the lawn. There are a number of things you cando such as aerate and top dress it. Your grass needs air andIt’s time to start getting your gardenready for winter as the chill ofautumn approaches bringing thesummer to a swift close, as Ed Fullerfrom Fullers Forestry andLandscaping explains. Here comesthe chill© Shutterstock / Still for StyleIHere comesthe chill30-31_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:37 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY31Specialised Servicesin Garden DesignLandscaping andTree MaintenanceBacked by a highly-skilledand experienced team,we’ve built our reputationon an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutionsFREE NO OBLIGATIONQUOTATIONSFULLERSForestry & LandscapingCall 01522 868717 or 07867 510544info@fullersforestry.co.uklwww.fullersforestry.co.ukwww.landscapinglincolnshire.comthe surface of your lawn can get compacted over the summerwith the constant use it has had, along with the cutting.Aerating your lawn with a fork pushed into the ground byabout 15cm at regular intervals will help to relieve thecompaction.Immediately after aerating you can top dress the lawn byusing a mix of three parts of garden soil to two parts of sharpsand. You spread this over the lawn and work it in with a stiffbroom or the back of a rake. This will help keep the aeratingholes open and revitalise the upper layer of soil. While you are preparing your garden for autumn and wintermake sure that you take time to enjoy the fading summer inthe evenings while it is still warm enough to do so.Around thegarden•If you have clay soil now is the best time to improve it withorganic matter and/or horticultural grit•Keep deadheading annuals and perennials to extend their performance•Prune any late summer flowering shrubs such as the rock rose•Prune climbing roses and rambling roses once they have finished flowering (unless they are repeat flowerers)•Raise pots off the ground for the winter by using bricks or ‘pot feet’ to prevent waterlogging•Clear pond weeds and net your pond ready for autumn leaffall•Divide herbaceous perennials•Pick autumn raspberries•Dig up remaining potatoes before slug’s damage them•Install water butts, and keep up with watering of new plants.© Shutterstock / Krisana Antharith 30-31_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:37 Page 2LincolnshireheritageexploredFrom an historic point of view the Viking Waymight be termed as “modern” heritage. It iscertainly now, after forty years, part of our countypsyche! Beginning at Barton-on-Humber it runs for147 miles (237 kilometres) to another waterylandmark – Rutland Water – to end in nearbyOakham. And only the last 15 miles or so areoutside Lincolnshire! This article concentrates onits route within Lincolnshire and looks at its historyand some of the memorable features seen alongthe way.Created by the County Councils through whoseterritory it ran the trail’s name was the brainwaveof the Rambler’s Association, chosen inrecognition of the ancient Danelaw kingdom thatonce covered much of eastern England in theDark Ages. Many place names, particularly innorth Lincolnshire, betray this Danish heritage.The spirit of the trail is captured in thedistinctive yellow and black Viking helmet usedas waymarks. The Viking Way was inaugurated ata ceremony on Sunday 5th September 1976 atTealby and it quickly became officiallyrecognised by the Countryside Commission asone of the country’s important long-distancewalks. Publicity and guidance for walkers wasinitially achieved through a series of eightsimple, but basic, black and white leaflets thatcost a mere five pence each. By the time its 21stanniversary arrived it was felt that a proper fullcolour, illustrated guide was needed and aspecial 63-page handbook was produced. Sinceits inception, over 40 years ago, there haveonly been minor changes to the original route.The Viking Way is an extraordinarily variedroute, not only in terms of landscape andgeology, and hence local architecture and landusage, but also of actual terrain experienced. Itbegins at the old coastguard building atBarton Haven overlooking Humber mudflatsand reedbeds before traversing the northernchalk Wolds with their underlying ironstoneSince 1976 the Viking Way hasbeen part of the warp and weftof the Lincolnshire landscape.This month we take an armchairjourney along it.32-33_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33interest along the way,beginning with the splendid HumberBridge; the world’s longest suspensionbridge when it was built. Bigby church isworth a visit and is followed by theRoman towns of Caistor - and later -Horncastle. Especially note the church atWalesby (the famous “Rambler’s” church,with its apt “ramblers window, and AllSaints Tealby with its Tennyson links.Around the Bain valley there are thesleepy villages of Scamblesby, Belchfordand Fulletby. After Horncastle the waybriefly follows the Spa Trail beside theHorncastle Canal after which the formerHorncastle branch railway, with its manyartworks, brings us to the only spa enroute at Woodhall. Don’t miss Southrey’sunique and intriguing little woodenchurch. (Just off route.) Bardney andBarlings Abbeys are close by as the trailheads for Lincoln and the heart of the oldcity with its magnificent cathedral, castleand more Roman remains! The next fewmiles follows the Lincoln Cliff taking usthrough several beautiful “limestone”villages – Navenby, Wellingore etc andthen along the “straight-as-a-die” RomanErmine Street. At Marston andstrata around the ruggedNettleton Valley and Claxby.Further south the gentler Woldsscenery of the Bain valleyeventually descends to flatterground at Horncastle, before usingthe Spa Trail to reach Woodhall Spa.From there it traverses the Witham valleyand enter historic, uphill Lincoln. Onceclear of the city there are more fine viewsfrom the South Common before the routeheads south once more first along thelimestone escarpment of the Lincoln Cliffand then a lengthy stretch along theRoman Ermine Street. After skirting northand west of Grantham it crosses the Valeof Belvoir to the Grantham Canal, wherethere are traces of long abandonedironstone railways. From Woolsthorpe itagain climbs onto higher groundcomprised of Jurassic limestones with theirextensive iron ore deposits that stretchsouth as far as Northamptonshire. The waythen continues along an old drove roadhugging the Lincolnshire/Leicestershireborder, crossing into the latter county nearSewstern, before ending up in Rutland. En route the Viking Way encountersboth pasture and arable land as it crossesthe Wolds and, just after Nettleton, itpasses just a field away from Lincolnshire’shighest point and soon afterwards throughour highest village at Normanby-le-Wold.There are riverside sections, the Bain andthe Witham near Fiskerton, some desertedmediaeval villages (notably Biscathorpe),old abandoned railways, a canal towpathand an ancient drove road. Many of thevillages and towns visited have welcominginns too.Over and above these scenic featuresthere is much of architectural and historicWestborough we see the River Withamonce more. Once over the A1 we joinSewstern Lane before a short stroll besidea pretty stretch of the Grantham Canalnear Woolsthorpe. Much of the remainingroute is also along Sewstern Lane, knownhereabouts as The Drift. This ancientdrover’s road, believed to have been inuse since prehistoric times, fell out of useonce the Romans arrived and built theirroads. However its heyday followed theintroduction of turnpike roads in theC18th because by using this route as asort of by-pass drovers could avoid payingtolls. There may well have been cattlefrom as far away as Scotland passing thisway towards London. This historictrackway is followed as far as Sewstern.Near there the Viking Way finally leavesLincolnshire to enter Leicestershire.Walking the whole distance may seem adaunting prospect but in fact almost all ofit can be easily appreciated in short, easystages. An hour or two’s stroll or half daywalk is possible almost anywhere along itslength and such time spent will be richlyrewarded.by Hugh Marrows32-33_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:19 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWe begin at St Mary’s church Horncastleand take in Coronation Walk, we explorewhat is left of the old Horncastle canal, andthe remains of a wind pump operated watersystem that would’ve once supplied water tothe nearby farm and what must surely qualifyas one of the prettiest villages in the locality;Thimbleby. For church aficionados there’s not one butfour, if we count the Wesleyan chapel, theoldest of which cost the princely sum of£1,587 to build in its day. All in all it’s a greatway to find out a little more about ourwonderful county so here’s the route foranyone wishing to try it:From the Market Place we walk throughthe churchyard, cross the by-pass and turnright along Coronation Walk beside the RiverWaring. Crossing two bridges near theswimming pool we then go left on either sideof the canal and head out of town and followthe canal to Thornton Bridge.Bearing right up the road until we meet theB1191, we cross to the pavement oppositeand turn left. (NB: The first right turn leads tothe church; visit and return) So, we continueto the junction with Ox Pasture Lane and turnright, shortly leaving to the right at abeaten trackOff theIn our quest to escape the hubbub of our busy liveseach month, we ask our intrepid reporter to switchoff their phone and swap their brogues for walkingshoes to explore some of the hidden gems that weall take for granted when dashing around in ourcars. This month takes us to the lovely village ofHorncastle where our trek affords extensive viewsto Lincoln and the Wolds. 34-35_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:21 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY35footpath sign near the first bend and passbehind a cottage along a farm track. 150 yards on, at a waymark, a footpathdeparts leftwards over a field, but thetrack is a permissive path and provideseasier going. It passes some woods beforeturning left by a hedge where the fieldpath rejoins from the left at a right handbend. The track continues to a farmyardentrance. Here we climb the stile to ourleft and keep forward past a barn andbetween fences to reach the road inLangton.Turning right and 200 yards beyondthe church, we climb the stile on the leftto cross an arable field and aim towardsthe right hand corner of woodland seenin the shallow valley ahead, offering someexceptional to Lincoln. We keep right ofthe trees cross a footbridge then walk upthe next field and along the short ChapelLane into Thimbleby; then, turn rightthrough the village.Beyond the church we cross the roadwhen the pavement swaps sides, pass theDurham Ox (after a swift half) and goover the end of Mill Lane. Just after thelast house, by Thimbleby’s villagenameplate, we take the footpath goingoff half right; enjoying views overHorncastle and the Bain Valley to theWolds beyond. Walking over two fieldsaiming down to a hedge corner near thehouses, we turn left downhill where afootpath behind gardens eventually meetsLincoln Road. A nice easy to moderate walk and agreat way to build up an appetite beforevisiting one of the excellent tea rooms oreateries in the area. FACTFILELength - 6.0 miles / 9.8 kmAscent - 50 feet / 15 metresGrade - easy/modStart - OS grid reference TF25969634-35_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:21 Page 2£425,000£375,000£345,00062 Louth Road, Horncastle An extremely well presented detached housesignificantly extended to provide extensive flexibleaccommodation with a well equipped kitchen andlarge family room. Accommodation includes:entrance porch, hallway, sitting room, family room,kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms,en-suite to master & family bathroom. Externallythere are attractive gardens and integral garage.27 Langton Hill, HorncastleThis spacious family home with an excellent range ofattractively presented living accommodation is locatedin the sought after area of the this Georgian markettown. Accommodation includes: entrance hallway,sitting room, dining room, conservatory, breakfastkitchen, cloakroom, four bedrooms, one with en-suite& family bathroom. The property benefits fromattractive landscaped front and rear gardens.8 Millstone Close, HorncastleA truly immaculate and superior quality detached fourbedroom dormer bungalow offering a substantialrange of extremely well presented and proportionedaccommodation situated within this sought afterlocation in a quiet cul-de-sac just off Langton Drive andbuilt by reputable local builder Shinn DevelopmentsLtd. The property benefits from an attached singlegarage and a further garage/workshop.46 Louth Road, HorncastleAn extremely well presented and spacious detachedfamily residence on an extensive plot originally datingfrom 1937 which recently has undergone a full schemeof extension and improvement. Accommodationincludes: hallway, sitting room, garden room, diningroom, breakfast kitchen, utility room, study, cloakroom,four bedrooms, one with dressing area & en-suiteshower room, further shower room & family bathroom.ROBERT BELL & COMPANYCHARTERED SURVEYORS • AUCTIONEERS • LAND & ESTATE AGENTSLINCOLN (01522) 538888HORNCASTLE (01507) 522222WOODHALL SPA (01526) 353333CONINGSBY (01526) 344434MAYFAIR OFFICE LONDON (08701) 127099£325,000www.robert-bell.org36-40_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:41 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37HORNCASTLEHorncastle may not have thesame acclaim as a major citylike Lincoln, but that’s part ofits charm – that of a townwhich seamlessly mixesmodern life and history.Horncastle is a small market town standingbetween the Rivers Waring and Bain, andgoes so far back as to have Roman heritage,though no-one definitively seems to know thename it was given at the time. Parts of theRoman walls are still visible today, and muchof the market town heritage remains in place,with two weekly markets selling fresh produceevery Thursday and Saturday. 39 ÁA truecountry town36-40_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:41 Page 2Ashby ParkLincolnshire’s best kept secretThe market town of Horncastle renowned for its antique and curioshops is only one and a half miles from the park. Other amenitieswithin two miles include indoor swimming pool and indoor bowls.Golf course and driving range less than one mile. Local pubs andrestaurants serve quality food at reasonable prices.West Ashby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5PPTel: 01507 527966 Email: info@ashbypark.co.ukwww.ashbypark.co.ukWe look forward to welcoming you toAshby Park, offering you a friendly andinformal atmosphere, peace, tranquillity,good walks a diversity of wildlife and achance to enjoy truly relaxing days awayfrom the crowd, a peaceful holiday retreat.•70 acres of unspoilt countryside•7 fishing lakes with no close season•Fishing pegs and disabled toilets• Touring and Caravans sites•Electricity hook-ups•Water Hookup for •Bottled Gas•Fishing for Guests•Laundry room•Public Telephone•Dogs AllowedNewLuxuryHolidayHomesfor SaleTheBluebell Inn & RestaurantMain Street, Belchford, Horncastle Bookings 01507 533602www.bluebellbelchford.co.ukOpen 7 days a week. Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 2.30pm & 6.30pm - 11pm, Sunday 12PM - 10.30pm. Lunch served 12pm - 2pm. Evening Meals 6.30pm - 9pmThe Bluebell Inn has a reputation for serving top quality food and drinkGood foodFine DiningGreatAtmosphere • Pagan suppliers • Tarot readings• Past life regression• Spell and tarot workshops• Hand-fastings • Naming days• Entity removal7 West Street, Horncastle LN9 5JEWeb: productofherimagination.co.ukEmail: flangeandprong@gmail.comTel: 01507 524188 | 07522 225106BACKGROUND: SHUTTERSTOCK/KJPARGETERFlange & Prongwww.briantoddhomesltd.com 01507 533 31525 North Street, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5DX. Telephone: 01507525926 Mobile: 07734007765 Email: horncakes@tiscali.co.uk www.horncastlecakeart.co.ukHorncastleZ Cake Art ZlAccounts lTax Returns lTax Planning lPayroll lBook-Keeping lAudits lBusiness AdvicePro-active, friendly and accessible serviceor your FREEConsultation contact ourHorncastle team:Tel: 01507 526071Email: horncastle@dextersharpe.co.ukWeb: www.dextersharpe.co.ukOffices in Boston, Louth, Lincoln, Spilsby,Sleaford, Skegness, Horncastle and BourneHelping your business growChartered CertifiedAccountantsBuilding business…beyond the numbers36-40_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:41 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39HORNCASTLEHorncastle was a flourishing town in theMiddle Ages and beyond, and historymight have been very different had OliverCromwell been killed at the battle ofWinceby, just four miles from the town.There are actually thirteen scythe bladeswhich hang on the wall of the southchapel of St. Mary’s Church, which locallegends claim were from the battle. In the 13th Century, the town receivedits market charter, and was most famousfor its annual horse fair in August. Thiswas so famous an event that it wouldgather international acclaim, and peoplefrom far afield would come to purchase.Nowadays, the town is more famous forits antiques, and is considered by many tobe a centre for the antiques trade.The intense hustle and bustle of suchtimes as the annual horse fair, and theimportance of Horncastle in militaryterms, has long passed, leaving behind apicturesque and beautiful town that has atrue country feel. St Marys Church is a dominatinglandmark in the town, but is certainly notthe only one. The Stanhope Memorialtakes pride of place in the centre of themarket place in memory of EdwardStanhope, MP. It’s a Grade II listedstructure, and not the only one inHorncastle, either. In fact, the heritage ofthe town can be seen in much of thearchitecture and the buildings that linethe roads. There is an eclectic mix, fromthatched roofs to tall and flat buildingsmore reminiscent of the Victorian era. There’s plenty to do in Horncastle, andlots of good reasons to visit. The foodyheritage shows itself not only in thefarmer’s markets, but also in theabundance of high quality eateries, andit’s certainly worth sampling some of thelocal cuisine. Much of the magic ofHorncastle of course, comes from itsrelatively small size, and how beautiful it isto walk around on foot. Winding andtwisting streets are as likely to lead youout onto a wooden jetty where childrenfeed ducks, as it is to send you towards abusy high street boasting manyindependent stores and businesses.There’s a certain mystery to it all whichencapsulates what it means to be apeaceful country town, as opposed to the40 Á36-40_Layout 1 14/08/2017 11:41 Page 4Next >