Peterborough to Shacklewell Hollow
After posting my parcel, I was ready to set off from Peterborough. It was exciting, knowing that my next rest day will be at home!
I left Peterborough along the River Nene. It was a lovely walk along the river. To top it off, it was another beautiful day, with no clouds in the sky.
Some of the catkins had started to puff up, which looked like yellow pom poms!
The River Nene took me to the rowing club. I sat and watched the boats for a while, whilst I had my morning snack.
I then took the cycle trail towards Ferry Meadows park. The trail was lined by hedgerows, which brought some nice shade. The birds were enjoying it too, singing and flying between the bushes.
At Ferry Meadows I was greeted by this sculpture. Each side had different birds and animals cut out of the metal. It was really beautiful, unfortunately the photo doesn’t do it justice.
From Ferry Meadows, I followed the Nene river and then the Nene Way to Sutton. It was lovely walking along the river. The clouds had started to come in, but it wasn’t raining, which is a win in my book!
Along the way, I stopped with a view of the wier for some early lunch.
In Sutton, I was greeted by a beautiful patch of bluebells. It has been really lovely to see them in full flower. I love the colour of bluebells, almost verging on purple, there isn’t another colour like it in nature.
I left Sutton via a lane to Southorpe. Along the lane, I started to have a slight incline and see some rolling hills. It has been an experience walking in an area so flat, and I have enjoyed it, but seeing the hills reaffirmed for me, that the hills are where I belong.
At Southorpe, I rejoined the Hereward Way. The footpath was really nicely signed, with yellow topped posts to follow along the route.
Along the way, I had a three tier stile. It was really nicely made, sturdy and easy to cross. I appreciated the workmanship.
I then left the Hereward Way and took a Bridleway to Easton on the Hill. Along the way, I passed the remnants of Wothorpe House. It was originally built in the early 1600s and was inhabited for 150 years, before it went into disrepair. It was still a magnificent building.
From Easton on the Hill, I headed to Tinwell, where I then took a series of footpaths to Shacklewell Hollow. This was a nice footpath, with a mixture of fields, views of the cement works and hedgerows.
I soon arrived at Shacklewell Hollow Scout Campsite, where I was met by the wardens Alan and Julie. They had very kindly agreed to let me stay for the night, with a bed and a shower! It was lovely to meet them, and I’m so appreciative of the stay.
During the day, my trousers had a little bit of a disaster. They had started to wear thin in a couple of patches. A mixture of constant friction and sitting cross-legged. As I got up from one of my breaks, I heard a rip, which worsened during the day, until it extended horizontally all the way along the back of one of my legs! With only one pair of walking trousers packed, I spent my evening making a repair with gaffa tape. The photos show the tape from the inside and a little bit on the outside. Hopefully it holds out for tomorrow, and I’ll be able to find a needle and thread to repair them a bit more successfully!
Leave a Reply