Deeping St James, Keal Lodge CL (N52.670112 W0.279909) Contd 2.......

 Tuesday 9th May 2023

Light cloud, 14c. The forecast says a high of 18c, and, rain from lunch time on.

After yesterdays cycling, we take our chances with the weather and set out walking.

No real destination in mind, the idea is to. explore the immediate area, and, have our lunch out.

Kathleen even volunteered to pay for lunch.

Finding somewhere serving food turns out to be more difficult than we thought, the nearest pub, The Waterton Arms, doesn't do food, although, the very pleasant bar maid, directs us to Market Deeping, where she assures us we will find a choice of eateries.

The first pub we come to, in Market Deeping, The Bull, does food, but, not on Mondays and Tuesdays, at this rate I will be drunk before we find our lunch!

The barman in The Bull, directs us to The Stage Hotel, just across the road, where we have a very enjoyable lunch in very pleasant surroundings.

The weather forecast has turned out to be totally wrong, and we walk back to Keal Lodge in full sunshine.

It does eventually end, a thunderstorm at 17:00, but, by that time, we are back at Keal Lodge, with over 12 miles walked!

Wednesday 10th May 2023

Sunny, 14c, rising to 17c.

Back to the cycling.

The plan is to cycle approximately 10-12 miles, and check out a couple of possible pubs/eating places, as suggested by the lady owner of Keal Lodge.

We cycle from Deeping St James - Northborough - Glinton - Peakirk - Newborough - Crowland - Deeping St James. 24.75 miles, taking in sections of NCN21, NCN12, Peterborough Green Wheel, so, a little more than the planned 10-12 miles!

At Glinton, we find one of the recommended pubs, The Blue Bell, and, a rather pretty Church (St Benedict's).

A brief rest, and on to Peakirk. 

As we exit Peakirk, we are presented with an unexpected choice, three miles, to "The Deepings", or, 5 miles to Crowland, via NCN12.

There is a pleasant little seating area, beside the village sign, where we meet a really elderly

gentleman (looked much older than us, 85-90 was our guess), still peddling his Specialised Hybrid. 

He advised us against taking the section of NCN12 to Crowland. 

I should have listened. The track is in very poor condition, suitable for a Mountain Bike, perhaps.

Kathleen refused to continue it was so wet and rough, taking us on. a much longer route via

B1443, and then, even more of a diversion to avoid the very busy A16.

Hence, we clock up 24.75 miles, rather than the planned 10-12 miles.

The good news is that the forecasted lunch time rain does not material, instead, warm and sunny lasts until about 17:00, when we do get a downpour.