< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE WALKSamblers might be surprised at my choice of Wainfleet! Nevertheless this routeenjoys some fine views with much history along the way - and it’s all level, easywalking too!Wainfleet was an important port long before Boston, as a natural outlet forproduce from the Wolds – especially wool – at a time when the coast was much nearerthan today. It prospered throughout the Middle Ages and even after the Black Death thenby the early C16th decline set in, mainly occasioned by silting of the Steeping and the riseof Boston. Even so 200 years later Daniel Defoe on his “Tour Through England” mentioned“the fens at Wayneflete …. (where) the very ditches are navigable”. So there was someactivity even then! Defoe also mentions the booming of bitterns; but you don’t hear thoseany more! Today the river bears no visible sign of this part of its history.We begin beside the 1899 clock tower in Wainfleet Market Place which stands cheek byjowl with the town’s mediaeval market cross. The walk then visits (via a short detour) Williamof Wayneflete’s school founded in 1484 and brick-built in similar style to Tattershall Castle. (Itis glimpsed again from the riverbank.) William was born as William Patten around the earlyC15th. After education at Winchester and Oxford he quickly rose through the political andecclesiastical hierarchy to become the provost at Eton (newly founded by Henry VI) and thenthe Lord Chancellor of England. As well as founding his own school in Wainfleet, Williamalso founded Magdalen College, Oxford. He died on the 11th August 1486. Behind an imposing lytchegate the hedged approach to Wainfleet St Mary’s church has agarden-like quality. The interior is unusual in having a north aisle of five bays and a southaisle with four, but harmoniously mixes Norman, Early English and Perpendiculararchitectural styles. Inside too are carved heads above the pillars, a beautiful font and aRoyal coat of arms from the early 1800’s. Unfortunately the church’s remoteness meansyou are likely to find it locked. Nevertheless clear windows allow a good interior view.Fields surrounding St Mary’s contain the grassy earthworks of Old Wainfleet, especially in alarge meadow to the south and, more substantially to the northwest. As we head back towards Wainfleet (at Grid Ref 480592) we pass the site of a Quakerburial ground established in 1691. An information board gives a brief history; watch outcarefully for this in the hedge to your right.We then reach Crow’s Bridge where we cross the Steeping again. This was built to aEXPLORINGON FOOTWainfleet - Our December route from Wainfleet provides a varied,but fascinating walk for shorter winter days.A FAMOUSWAINFLEETLANDMARKRIVER STEEPING ATWAINFLEETCROW'S BRIDGELincolnshireR030-031:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:05 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY31LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSdesign of the famous Scottish engineer John Rennie, who between1801 and 1812 was engaged upon the drainage of some 40,000 acres ofthe East and West fens.As always – it seems - there is plenty of history about if you knowwhere to look!THE ROUTE:With your back to the Woolpack Hotel, leave theMarket Place from the far right-hand corner then go left into RumboldLane. (Before making this turn visit Bishop Wayneflete’s school 100yards ahead.) When Rumbold Lane bends left take the walled footpathahead, then keep forward over grass to the railway. Cross this andimmediately turn right along the winding riverbank eventuallyreaching a stile and gate. Now bear keep left into Havenside andcontinue to a road bridge. (Salem Bridge)Cross the river, then the road and go left along the pavement to akissing gate on the right just after the town sign. Walk ahead betweensome large trees and then veer slightly left to come alongside (and tothe right of) a fenced area. Look for a gap in the hedge with a kissinggate then keep ahead on a grass and hedged paths to a road.Cross into another enclosed footpath almost opposite. At open fieldskeep straight ahead (tractor track) over arable land to reach a waymarkat a dyke and from it continue ahead towards distant trees; the first 100yards is arable then on a grass track. At a track junction and anotherwaymark turn right (Abraham’s Lane) and continue for a quarter of amile to meet a road. (This section has good views to the Wolds!)Turn right through a double bend and then take the first left(Hallgate). Beyond a house, the surfaced lane becomes a track; follow itthrough several bends until, after a sharp right-hand bend, it reachesanother road with St Mary’s churchyard opposite. Enter and pass to theleft of the tower to a footbridge and stile in the churchyard’s back left-hand corner.Walk forward by ditch on rough headland to a hedge gap then zig-zag through continuing on the opposite side to a second footbridgebefore keeping ahead over a paddock, where we cross some of the oldtown earthworks, to a stile at a road.Turn right for half a mile, passing the Quaker cemetery to reachCrow’s Bridge over the River Steeping. Cross over and keep ahead atthe first junction. (It’s a more pleasant walk along the grassyembankment top.) After 400 yards take the signed footpath on the leftwhich passes behind houses to reach another lane. Turn left for 75yards then take the footpath going off to the right.This path crosses two footbridges eventually going to the right ofsome houses to reach the main road. Finally turn left over the railwaycrossing back into Wainfleet.by Hugh MarrowsFACTFILESTART: Market Place, WainfleetMAPS: OS Landranger 122 (Skegness) • Explorer 274DISTANCE: 6¼ miles • 10 kilometresREFRESHMENTS:Woolpack Hotel, WainfleetRed Lion, WainfleetBateman’s Brewery visitor centreWainfleet also has a chippy and several takeawaysSt MARY'S CHURCHWILLIAM OF WAYNEFLETE'SSCHOOLWAINFLEET CLOCK TOWERWAINFLEET'S TOWN SIGN030-031:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:05 Page 232 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONDecember is a time when fashionistas can really pushthe boat out and what better time to invest in a newoutfit? There’s soooo much to choose from thisseason: Georgette, sheer, lace, satin, silk, chiffon, andof course the luxurious feel of velvet. Cast your eyesover the next few pages and you’ll find a few of ourfirm favourites that’ll keep you in good stead rightthrough the party season…PHOTO: BASLER032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:40 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33FASHION032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:40 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:40 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY35FASHIONOpposite: BaslerThe pure and ultra modern lines of Basler shine through to provideuncompromising glamourTop Left: Noa Noa Sexy and sultry - set the mood with this Sophisticated & Elegant LongMidnight Blue Evening Dress from the Noa Noa collectionTop Right: Vera MontThis black cocktail dress epitomises the style of the 50s. New look femininecharms with fine crepe, lace in the chest area and a champagne-coloured waistband.Left: Vera MontPrepare to dazzle this festive season in this exquisite floor length eveningdress with sparkling sequins from Vera Mont. The natural choice for that allimportant party .032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:40 Page 436 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYExclusive women’s wearSituated within the historic Bailgate. 45 Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 1LUTel: 01522 536035www.lottiesatik.co.ukFabulous collectionsnow in store88c The Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3ARnoanoalincoln.co.ukFASHIONBianca Wrapping up for winterdoesn’t meansacrificing style forcomfort as thisflattering ensemblefrom Bianca showsBiancaBold colour is key tothis look - vibrant witha heavily texturedcollarless jacket inrustic shades032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:40 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37FASHIONJames Lakeland This faux fur fromJames Lakeland willcertainly keep thewinter chill at bay andits sophisticated edgeis perfectly designedfor the versatility of the21st century woman Betty Barclay Wrapping up for those cold frosty mornings?Keep it clean and feminine with this retrostyle coat from Betty Barclay – not only stylishbut cosy too! Betty Barclay This elegantensemblefrom BettyBarclay is fullof texture anddetail.032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:40 Page 6Check Out The Boots & Accessories & New Clothing Collection for Autumn/Winter at The New Look Chantal01522 538711chantalofbailgate@btconnect.comwww.chantalofbailgate.co.uk CHANTALSO CHICGuests joined Deborah and Tessa for a glass of fizz at the new lookChantal to introduce their new clothing gallery, complimenting theiralready established shoe boutique.Wanting a label that allowed them to help clients create a capsulewardrobe, they chose Oui and Set, it’s diverse, it’s versatile and so very stylish.To add glamour to this season’s festivities, their ‘cocktail’ collectionprovided by ‘Save the Queen’ will provide an edgy and classic look…38 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:41 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39FASHIONBasler Decidedly feminine andperfectly formed, that’sthe impression given bythis elegant dress fromBasler. Simple andelegant, the close-fittingshape short sleeves andwide round necklineaccentuate your shape.032-046:Layout 1 12/11/12 10:41 Page 8Next >