A Walk Across the Wolds

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I took the opportunity of a pleasantly mild and sunny November afternoon to take a walk across part of the Lincolnshire Wolds ; a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. This walk would take in the two tiny villages of Bag Enderby and Somersby. The latter was the birth place of Alfred Lord Tennyson, one of the 19th century's finest English poets. His father, the Reverend George Tennyson, was rector of both village churches.



My walk began in the village of Hagworthingham, situated on the busy A158. The walk began by the George & Dragon pub; a great place to end the walk too but more about that later!

Walking through the pub car park, I headed straight past a couple of houses down a short stretch of grass covered footpath. Having crossed the field, I reached a narrow lane and turned left to follow the lane which would take me deep into the heart of this wonderful countryside with superb views of the Wolds. The lane takes you past two brooks but thank fully both of them have crossing points via footbridges so you don't need to get your feet wet! The second brook you cross is known as Tennyson's Brook in dedication to its famous local resident.



After approximately 2 miles, you reach the tiny village of Bag Enderby. The church of St. Margaret's is well worth exploring. Here you will find a magnificent 14th century font with brilliantly detailed carvings including one of a hart licking a tree and what looks like a saint playing a banjo.





Leave the churchyard heading down the lane ahead of you. At the end of the lane you will see a thatched cottage on the left and agricultural buildings to the right. Walk down a narrow footpath in between them and eventually you'll see a white farm house in the distance. Head towards this over several stiles. There are more wonderful views to take in. Walk through the farm yard and you've reached the tiny village of Somersby .



Along the lane opposite the church (another St. Margaret's) you'll see two magnificent houses. The house on the right is where Alfred Tennyson was born in 1809. The font where Alfred was baptised remains in the church. You'll also see a superb bust of the poet carved by Thomas Woolner in the 1870s. The Rev George Tennyson is buried in the churchyard.





I simply made the reverse journey back to Hagworthingham taking in the beautiful Wolds as I went along. The round trip was approximately 5 miles in length and would be moderate in terms of walking difficulty.

The George and Dragon pub , is a great place to round off a successful afternoon's walking either with a well-earned pint and/or meal. The staff are very friendly too.
This was my first visit to this part of Lincolnshire but I'm eager to return again. I hope you will also be tempted to visit this beautiful part of the world.

#day_trips
#escape_the_city
#travel
#walks
#weekend_escapes
%wnhertfordshire