< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYbeaten trackOff theOn the strength of that report I went straightout and purchased a new set of golf clubs andguess what - they still look almost new.But, we all know that if we don’t make timefor ourselves we’ll be clogging up our arteries,and NHS beds. Which is where ‘off the beatentrack’ comes in - an excellent way to clear thecobwebs and learn a bit more about ourcounty, while you’re at it. This month we take a stroll around ThorntonAbbey and East Halton – an area which boastsone of the county’s finest preserved monasticsites.In fact, Thornton was originally a priory andwas only later granted “abbey” status, whichperhaps explains the confusion surrounding it. The nearby railway station takes its namefrom the abbey too. The line, which opened inMarch 1848 began life with a temporarystation at Thornton Curtis, where thestationmaster also ran an inn (it seems eventhen people were dual tasking), but the stationwas moved to its present location a few yearslater. We also take in an outpost of the former RAFNorth Killingholme, which was located to thesouth, from where 550 Squadron were basedduring WWII. Sadly, they suffered heavy losses -61 aircraft and over 300 personnel - in thatbrief time.East Halton is a pleasant village that appearsto have moved northwards at some point.Although it has an 1889 Wesleyan chapel, itschurch now stands a mile away to the south.NOTES. Thornton Abbey has an admissioncharge; English Heritage members free. Checkthe EH website for winter opening hours.THE ROUTEFacing the abbey gateway we turn left to theRemember thosereports, some 15years ago that,predicted, in tenyear’s time, we’d allhave so muchleisure-time on ourhands we wouldn’tknow what to dowith it? Well, clearlythey were about asaccurate as the Metoffice with theweather.PHOTO COURTESY OF ENGLISH HERITAGE30-31_Layout 1 15/11/2017 11:53 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY31road, keeping forward 50 yards to akissing gate on the right. Venturingdiagonally left over a paddock to anothergate on our right, we go over afootbridge and up the steps (the abbeymoat site) to keep forward along a fieldedge to a gate. From here, we bear left by a hedge toanother gate and then immediately rightover a footbridge to another footbridgeseen ahead. Continuing to another gatein some trees; we join a road and turnright.In 120 yards or so we turn right onto agrass track at a footpath sign and, in 400yards at another fingerpost, we go leftalong a wide grass headland. At Westfield Farm access track, we keepahead and when this goes left we keepahead on a grass track, passing the oldRAF site, to reach a road, then turn leftinto East Halton. At a road junction (Towles Corner) wego right and immediately left past theMillennium Green, walking through thevillage until we can turn left into KingStreet.At a left-hand bend we leave the road,keeping ahead on a fenced footpath.Underfoot this soon becomes grass andshortly turns right at a waymark; hereboth Thornton Abbey and the HumberBridge are visible in the distance. Onreaching a field corner we keep aheadover a footbridge in a hedge gap, and atthe next field corner go left onto a track.When this ends we enter some woodsand veer right past a pond to emerge onthe bank of East Halton Beck. We head right for 200 yards and thencross the footbridge on the left keepingleft round a field edge on an obviouswinding path. Beyond a house is awaymark at a lane end; we follow this to aroad junction.Keeping left/ahead for 100 yards to afootpath sign on the left by the entrance toBrantwood House, we walk past the houseand, when the drive bears left, go throughthe hedge gap ahead. Now we veer slightlyleft aiming towards a prominent hedgecorner with a footpath sign. From it, wecontinue on beside a hedge and, at thefield corner, we go left a few yards thenright beside a wire fence. At the nextwaymark we turn right and almostimmediately left before keeping aheadthrough a gate and scrapyard to the road.Finally, we go right and back to thestart.FACTFILESTART:Thornton Abbey carparkMAPS:OS Landranger 113 (Grimsby) • Explorer 284DISTANCE:61⁄2or 8 miles • 10.5 or 13 kilometresREFRESHMENTS: Drinks available at the Abbey • East Halton - Black BullPICNICS: Site at abbey carpark30-31_Layout 1 15/11/2017 11:53 Page 232 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONSamoonChristmas or New Years,whatever, you know you haveto dress to impress, and withthis stunning Samoon range inmidnight blues, you can resteasy knowing you’ll be thecentre of attention. 32-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:44 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33FASHION32-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:44 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONLeft: Noa Noa Noa Noa have released a dress that’s an artwork in its own right with the navy koi carp swimming against a backdrop of snow sparkles and stripped bare branches.Middle: BaslerWhatever the woman, chances are there’s a little black dress in your wardrobe. With this Basler number, you get so much more with its lace and bejewelled accents. Right: IchiAnimal print can still be upmarket in the hands of the right designer. Fortunately, Ichi know exactly what they’re doing asthis stunning number can attest. Photo: DK Company - ICHIOpposite: MasaiAdd a crescendo of colour to your winter wardrobe with this utterly divine Masai outfit which you can try on for size at Harmoni in Lincoln. 32-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:44 Page 332-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:44 Page 436 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONAbove: Marc Cain Deep azures and dark, near nightly blacks, are definitely a hallmark ofthe winter season, and should be in your wardrobe this Christmas.Marc Cain once again delivers a gorgeous dress that would impress ata dinner, dance floor or cocktail party. Tasteful, graceful and absolutelyessential. Top right: NumphThis stylish Numph number will sure to please with its quirky print andfeminine fit – available at Lottie’s Attic in Lincoln. Right: Taifun Who says you have to stick to dresses and skirts? Taifun show that the right trouser/top combo can look every bit as stunning, sexy and feminine. 32-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:44 Page 5Top: MasaiWhether it’s a more floraland flirty outfit orsomething a little morereserved, though no lesselegant, Masai have youcovered. You can pick upboth of these beautifuloutfits from Harmoni inLincoln.Right: LauRieLauRie are a little morereserved, offering a slylystylish and everydayelegance that will see you through all sortsof festive lunches andpresent shopping. NewWinterCollectionOpen from Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm100 Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LN. A short walk from BailgateTel: 01522 542085Findyour perfectChristmasgiftLINCOLNSHIRETODAY3732-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:45 Page 638 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION1It’s the most beautiful time of theyear, a chance to spoil others andshower loved ones with gifts, butwhy not reserve a little foryourself. After all, with all thoseparties, celebrations and shindigsto attend, you have to look yourbest now, don’t you? 1) Though Gant’s ensemble is a charmingand, dare we say, feminine spin on the cricketwhites, it’s truly brought to life with a couple ofaccessories, this case a clutch and matchingheels. 2) This Basler jacket needs no introductions; the gorgeousswirling pattern speaks for itself. All you need to know isthat it’s a must have.3) Classy and stylish, this Numph accessory can be a belt,a scarf or a headrest. It’s up to you how you use it. 4) With their black exterior and mirror-metal heels, thesedarling shoes from Gabor will work with almost anythingyour wardrobe can throw at them. 5) Face á Face, the last word in Parisian ocular fashion,have delivered another elegant and super stylish pair ofspecs – available from O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg.www.obriensopticians.co.uk. 6) Where would you be this party season without a clutchbag to hand? Whatever you’re wearing, a clutch is non-negotiable, and what a gorgeous specimen this Marc Cainoption is in salmon with gold accents. 7) This adorable lacy accessory courtesy of Ichi can give alacklustre outfit the edge. Try wearing over a black dressfor something truly special. Photo: DK Company - ICHI8) It’s Christmas, what more can we say? Celebrate inelegance with this jewel-encrusted stocking pendant fromPandora. 9) For almost four decades, Polaris has beenpioneering bespoke, luxury eyewear in theScandinavian way. You can pick up your ownpair from O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg.www.obriensopticians.co.uk. 32-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:45 Page 76Butcher Lane • Louth • LincolnshireTel: 01507 604029 • www.striacroft.co.ukLincolnshire Jewellers, Engravers & GoldsmithsEstablished 1978Wide range of high quality Diamond, Gold andSilver Jewellery, Watches, Clocks and Giftware.In house Jewellery Repairs, Engraving, Valuations and Insurance. Watch Repairs. Above all we ensurethe highest quality of productsand services. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39FASHION234578932-41_Layout 1 15/11/2017 12:45 Page 8Next >