Monday, October 17, 2011
The Spires And Steeples- Event Report
The weather looked promising for the day and indeed it was- this is another event which always seems to attract good weather. I got up at the unearthly hour of 5:30am- on a Sunday- to drive through the dark to Sleaford. No wonder people think I am mad!!
As usual, I overestimated how long it would take me to get there, so had half an hour to kill, luckily the Hub was open so I could use the loo before getting settled on the bus. After a few minutes of waiting, one of the event officials boarded and told us there had been a bit of a snag; there were to be two buses to take us all to Lincoln- a larger one for the runners and a smaller one for us walkers- and the wrong one had turned up! So we had to traipse off and wait for the smaller one to come...
Of course, this meant we left Sleaford late, and for reasons I can't understand our driver took us through all the villages rather than pick up the main road... still, at least we got there and registered. There is a choice of two distances- 26 miles starting from Lincoln and 13 miles starting from Metheringham. The 26 mile walk starts in the Castle grounds, and it was quite atmospheric with the towers of the cathedral peeking through the early morning mist.
Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Castle- The Start
As we were set off, I glanced at the time on my phone- 8:36am. The start of the walk is spectacular- we descended down into the city, through ancient narrow cobbled streets, gradually giving way to wider thoroughfares with increasingly modern buildings.
The Start
A Church Passed En Route To The Centre
The route by passes the centre of Lincoln, and leaves the city by way of a track along the river, which eventually leads to Boston. Just before that there is a high bridge over the dual carriageway which gives a particularly impressive view back to the cathedral;
It was starting ot warm up as we walked the 2 miles along the river. On the other side of the track was typical fen scenery- flat fields and ditches with the mist gently rising into the sunshine. For some reason, on this event, the walkers don't really seem to spread out until the first checkpoint, which must have been a nightmare to any poor cyclist who had the misfortune to fancy an early morning ride to Boston.
Sculpture
Crossing The South Delph Drain
After a couple of miles, we left the river to walk through the village of Washingborough- there were officials on hand in most villages to signpost the way, but to be honest the route is quite easy to follow as it is way marked as well.
I noticed this lovely carved seat that I seem to have missed before;
We had some field walking before Branston, and the first check point. It clouded over at this point, and was quite chilly in the shade. Just before Branston the first of the runners, who left at 9:30am, came past with a cheerful greeting.
There were proper bottles of water on offer this year, rather than water in cups, which was a nice touch but possibly a disadvantage for the runners as I saw a trail of discarded bottles in fields all day (along with empty gel sachets... I'm sure there is no need to discard these in the countryside!!)
After the checkpoint the walkers spread out quite a bit, so I had a little bit of a jog, prompting one of the runners to ask if I wish I'd entered as a runner! I remembered this bit quite well, fairly easy field walking before Potterhanworth and its water tower.
Potterhanworth
It was still quite dull, but dry and fairly warm, the next village on the agenda was Nocton- there are quite a few artworks here including a carved snail which I didn't find! I did see the Dandelion Sundial though for the first time...
Dandelion Sundial
... and the rather impressive cow made by schoolchildren from parts of old farm machinery found in nearby fields;
After passing through Dunston, I was almost at the half way point- Metheringham- and had mentally promised myself some coffee from my flask when I got there. There is a bit of road walking to the checkpoint and as it was slightly downhill, I jogged it. As I reached the checkpoint I saw a load of kids holding out bottles of water to me amidst choruses of 'well done!' and 'keep going!'. It suddenly dawned on me that they thought I was a runner, so I felt to embarrassed to stop and break out the flask as I didn't want to disillusion them!
I looked at the route description and noticed that it was only anothe 2 1/2 miles to Scopwick with its lovely beck and decided it would make a lovely coffee stop, so marched on. The route from Metheringham to Blankney is very easy- along one straight path- but the route from Blankney to Scopwick seemed much longer than the 1 1/2 miles it was supposed to be. The sun came out and lit up the fields, and I was so eager to reach Scopwick and enjoy it I jogged most of this stretch.
Scopwick was just as lovely as I remembered, and I sank onto one of the benches near the beck, and enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee and a '9' bar, watching the ducks sleeping in the October sunshine.
Scopwick Beck
A man and woman jogged past, wearing the flourescent yellow jackets of event officials, and rather bizarrely asked me if I had set off from Metheringham. I answered no- Lincoln and the went off, seemingly satisfied. Considering the walkers and runners had started from Metheringham at 9:30am I would have racked up an impressive 2 1/2 miles in around 3 3/4 hours!!
I reluctantly heaved myself to my feet and resumed my journey to Sleaford and the next point of call- Digby. After an initial foray through fields, there is a fair bit of road walking through Rowston to get to Digby.
Rowston Church
I had meant to take today quite easy, but I must admit, I have a bit of a competitive streak in that if I have passed people I hate to be passed by them later! This made me jog most of the way to Digby and the next checkpoint.
Digby is a lovely village- I passed a rather impressive old Manor House;
Digby Manor
Before leaving the village by way of an ancient clapper bridge to fields (I'm sure I have taken a picture of this before so if you want to see it search past event reports!)
Digby
There was some more field walking to Dorrington- which was surprisingly hilly. I ran the downhill parts but was feeling my legs at this stage I sat on the stone bench in front of the Dorrington Demons statue and had another coffee.
Dorrington Demons
The path to the next village- Ruskington- was more of the same really. I noticed a strange group of sculptures on the sky line- almost like metal half arches- and remembered seeing them from the bus on route to Lincoln. I don't think the photo really does them justice as they were some distance away.
The sun had come out to stay by now and it was very warm. There were milky way type chocolate bars on offer at the Ruskington checkpoint, given out enthusiatically by children- it was great to see them getting so involved. Ruskington is quite a large village, and my legs were feeling quite tired at this point.
The route crosses over the railway using a quaint blue bridge- we had to detour last year as the path was being worked on.
I passed a couple of walkers shortly after this, and managed a shambling job down to the main road crossing. The last part of the route follows the river and then a 'navigation' (an existing waterway which is used for transportation rather than created like a canal) and always seems endless. I passed a couple of runners walking with an event official, all of whom appeared to be in good spirits.
Priory Ruins
Last year there was a checkpoint just before the path along the Navigation, but it wasn't mentioned on the route description so I wasn't sure if there would be one or not- I conserved some water just in case, but it turns out there was one.
The last three miles is the toughest I think as it basically follows the path beside the Navigation back to Sleaford. I passed quite a few people and felt the compulsion to run, so set off on my usual slow, shambling jog. God knows what I looked like!! Unfortunately a local walking group had chosen to walk this exact same path and their members had decided to string out across the entire path, so passing them was a bit entertaining!
The Navigation
After what seemed like an age, I reached Sleaford and picked up the path back to the Hub with its lovely mosaics.
Navigation Path Through Sleaford
I looked at my phone as I crossed the finish and was quite surprised to see it was 3:36pm exactly- giving a time of 7 hours. That is quite quick for me, especially given my current (lack of) fitness and quicker then I had done it before, although last year doesn't really count as I had done the Dave Lewis the day before. I think there are three reasons why this event is quite a quick one; 1) it's quite flat and easy to follow, 2) the route is measured from church to church and I'm not convinced it's actually 26 miles- I think it's probably nearer 24 or 25, but I could be wrong, and 3) as there is only really water on offer at the checkpoints I tend to pass through them without stopping.
I collected my medal and certificate and joined a fellow finisher on a bench to drink the last of my coffee. His wife came over with a flask of hot chocolate and gave me a cup, which was really nice of her.
It was a good day out- I enjoy this event. When I got home I found snall blisters on the sides of several toes, and feel a bit stiff today, but apart from that I feel fine. Next event is the Brecon Beacons Ultra- although I don't think I am fit enough to attempt the full 45 miles...
As usual, I overestimated how long it would take me to get there, so had half an hour to kill, luckily the Hub was open so I could use the loo before getting settled on the bus. After a few minutes of waiting, one of the event officials boarded and told us there had been a bit of a snag; there were to be two buses to take us all to Lincoln- a larger one for the runners and a smaller one for us walkers- and the wrong one had turned up! So we had to traipse off and wait for the smaller one to come...
Of course, this meant we left Sleaford late, and for reasons I can't understand our driver took us through all the villages rather than pick up the main road... still, at least we got there and registered. There is a choice of two distances- 26 miles starting from Lincoln and 13 miles starting from Metheringham. The 26 mile walk starts in the Castle grounds, and it was quite atmospheric with the towers of the cathedral peeking through the early morning mist.
As we were set off, I glanced at the time on my phone- 8:36am. The start of the walk is spectacular- we descended down into the city, through ancient narrow cobbled streets, gradually giving way to wider thoroughfares with increasingly modern buildings.
The route by passes the centre of Lincoln, and leaves the city by way of a track along the river, which eventually leads to Boston. Just before that there is a high bridge over the dual carriageway which gives a particularly impressive view back to the cathedral;
It was starting ot warm up as we walked the 2 miles along the river. On the other side of the track was typical fen scenery- flat fields and ditches with the mist gently rising into the sunshine. For some reason, on this event, the walkers don't really seem to spread out until the first checkpoint, which must have been a nightmare to any poor cyclist who had the misfortune to fancy an early morning ride to Boston.
After a couple of miles, we left the river to walk through the village of Washingborough- there were officials on hand in most villages to signpost the way, but to be honest the route is quite easy to follow as it is way marked as well.
I noticed this lovely carved seat that I seem to have missed before;
We had some field walking before Branston, and the first check point. It clouded over at this point, and was quite chilly in the shade. Just before Branston the first of the runners, who left at 9:30am, came past with a cheerful greeting.
There were proper bottles of water on offer this year, rather than water in cups, which was a nice touch but possibly a disadvantage for the runners as I saw a trail of discarded bottles in fields all day (along with empty gel sachets... I'm sure there is no need to discard these in the countryside!!)
After the checkpoint the walkers spread out quite a bit, so I had a little bit of a jog, prompting one of the runners to ask if I wish I'd entered as a runner! I remembered this bit quite well, fairly easy field walking before Potterhanworth and its water tower.
It was still quite dull, but dry and fairly warm, the next village on the agenda was Nocton- there are quite a few artworks here including a carved snail which I didn't find! I did see the Dandelion Sundial though for the first time...
... and the rather impressive cow made by schoolchildren from parts of old farm machinery found in nearby fields;
After passing through Dunston, I was almost at the half way point- Metheringham- and had mentally promised myself some coffee from my flask when I got there. There is a bit of road walking to the checkpoint and as it was slightly downhill, I jogged it. As I reached the checkpoint I saw a load of kids holding out bottles of water to me amidst choruses of 'well done!' and 'keep going!'. It suddenly dawned on me that they thought I was a runner, so I felt to embarrassed to stop and break out the flask as I didn't want to disillusion them!
I looked at the route description and noticed that it was only anothe 2 1/2 miles to Scopwick with its lovely beck and decided it would make a lovely coffee stop, so marched on. The route from Metheringham to Blankney is very easy- along one straight path- but the route from Blankney to Scopwick seemed much longer than the 1 1/2 miles it was supposed to be. The sun came out and lit up the fields, and I was so eager to reach Scopwick and enjoy it I jogged most of this stretch.
Scopwick was just as lovely as I remembered, and I sank onto one of the benches near the beck, and enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee and a '9' bar, watching the ducks sleeping in the October sunshine.
A man and woman jogged past, wearing the flourescent yellow jackets of event officials, and rather bizarrely asked me if I had set off from Metheringham. I answered no- Lincoln and the went off, seemingly satisfied. Considering the walkers and runners had started from Metheringham at 9:30am I would have racked up an impressive 2 1/2 miles in around 3 3/4 hours!!
I reluctantly heaved myself to my feet and resumed my journey to Sleaford and the next point of call- Digby. After an initial foray through fields, there is a fair bit of road walking through Rowston to get to Digby.
I had meant to take today quite easy, but I must admit, I have a bit of a competitive streak in that if I have passed people I hate to be passed by them later! This made me jog most of the way to Digby and the next checkpoint.
Digby is a lovely village- I passed a rather impressive old Manor House;
Before leaving the village by way of an ancient clapper bridge to fields (I'm sure I have taken a picture of this before so if you want to see it search past event reports!)
There was some more field walking to Dorrington- which was surprisingly hilly. I ran the downhill parts but was feeling my legs at this stage I sat on the stone bench in front of the Dorrington Demons statue and had another coffee.
The path to the next village- Ruskington- was more of the same really. I noticed a strange group of sculptures on the sky line- almost like metal half arches- and remembered seeing them from the bus on route to Lincoln. I don't think the photo really does them justice as they were some distance away.
The sun had come out to stay by now and it was very warm. There were milky way type chocolate bars on offer at the Ruskington checkpoint, given out enthusiatically by children- it was great to see them getting so involved. Ruskington is quite a large village, and my legs were feeling quite tired at this point.
The route crosses over the railway using a quaint blue bridge- we had to detour last year as the path was being worked on.
I passed a couple of walkers shortly after this, and managed a shambling job down to the main road crossing. The last part of the route follows the river and then a 'navigation' (an existing waterway which is used for transportation rather than created like a canal) and always seems endless. I passed a couple of runners walking with an event official, all of whom appeared to be in good spirits.
Last year there was a checkpoint just before the path along the Navigation, but it wasn't mentioned on the route description so I wasn't sure if there would be one or not- I conserved some water just in case, but it turns out there was one.
The last three miles is the toughest I think as it basically follows the path beside the Navigation back to Sleaford. I passed quite a few people and felt the compulsion to run, so set off on my usual slow, shambling jog. God knows what I looked like!! Unfortunately a local walking group had chosen to walk this exact same path and their members had decided to string out across the entire path, so passing them was a bit entertaining!
After what seemed like an age, I reached Sleaford and picked up the path back to the Hub with its lovely mosaics.
I looked at my phone as I crossed the finish and was quite surprised to see it was 3:36pm exactly- giving a time of 7 hours. That is quite quick for me, especially given my current (lack of) fitness and quicker then I had done it before, although last year doesn't really count as I had done the Dave Lewis the day before. I think there are three reasons why this event is quite a quick one; 1) it's quite flat and easy to follow, 2) the route is measured from church to church and I'm not convinced it's actually 26 miles- I think it's probably nearer 24 or 25, but I could be wrong, and 3) as there is only really water on offer at the checkpoints I tend to pass through them without stopping.
I collected my medal and certificate and joined a fellow finisher on a bench to drink the last of my coffee. His wife came over with a flask of hot chocolate and gave me a cup, which was really nice of her.
It was a good day out- I enjoy this event. When I got home I found snall blisters on the sides of several toes, and feel a bit stiff today, but apart from that I feel fine. Next event is the Brecon Beacons Ultra- although I don't think I am fit enough to attempt the full 45 miles...
Labels: Spires and Steeples Challenge
