Best bits: cafe at Gibraltar Point
Worst bits: thumb injury, path closure
Distance: 16.5 miles
After a reasonable nights sleep, we woke to the sound of rain. The weather forecast was spot on with heavy rain forecast until 10 am. We had breakfast, packed up and set off for our next destination which was a lay-by just outside Skegness. Then it was back to Wrangle to start the day. We saw people picking cabbages by hand and throwing them into awaiting trailer. It was absolutely pouring down at that point.
As we arrived at my start point the rain was just subsiding and so I decided to take off my waterproof trousers and risk it.
The path was initially slippery due to the heavy overnight rain and lack of grip on my trainers. Lisa had brought my new trainers with her but I hadn’t changed them over today. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part.
There was going to be nowhere to stop this morning and I planned to walk along the seawall until our rendezvous point at about 10 miles in.
All was going well until I reached a locked gate which was at the point of the MOD firing range with an observation tower just beyond it. Looking at the map and surroundings I had to detour back to the main coast path. Off I went through a field, however, when I got to the end of it a channel of water separated it from the sea wall. I then had to retrace my steps back through the fields.
I watched a gang picking cauliflowers using large sharp knives on the stalks and then quickly slice it again to trim the top and bottom before placing it on a rotating carousel to the back of the trailer in the tractor. It looked absolutely backbreaking work and the knives looked lethal.
Not only is it harvest time for some crops it’s also replanting time for others. There were guys squashed on the back of a strange contraption feeding plugs of plants into a machine which then planted the crop in the ground in rows evenly spaced. Another person was following on behind checking and replanting any strays. It looks like awful work and in poor cramped conditions.
After my diversion, I walked back down towards the coast path and the Wainfleet bombing range which was used in 1943 by the 617 squadron (the Dambusters) to practice before heading out to Germany.
I was absolutely gutted when I got there and saw a sign saying “do not attempt to walk to Gibraltar point”. Apparently a bridge has been washed away and there’s no way across the river. The alternative route was vague and I even checked on the England Coast Path and council websites but they were even more vague. I looked for a Plan B and C.
It was unclear from all of the maps, including those online which bridge is actually down. Therefore, I didn’t want to walk all the way around to discover that I couldn’t to find a way across the river. I had no option but to walk back up to the main road retracing my steps once again.
Frustrated I stopped outside a pub and called Lisa. Plan B, I wasn’t prepared to walk on the busy road with no footpath for the next 6 miles or so. I decided Plan C was the best option we should drive to Gibraltar point and have lunch at the café.
It was a beautiful little café with an outstanding views across the saltmarsh. We had a cuppa and a long chat before I finally left to walk to Skegness.
There was a lovely little woodland path and the sun had finally come out to brighten up the afternoon. There are so many golf courses near the coast. Today was no exception and I walked alongside the golf course into Skegness.
It’s fascinating walking around the country listening to different greetings. Today as I said good afternoon I heard for the first time an ‘ey up’ and ‘Hi duck’ in response.
Skegness wasn’t as large or as busy as I remember from my childhood. It didn’t seem to take very long at all to get through it. It wasn’t very busy this Friday afternoon, even though the sun was out. I suspect it might be different tomorrow.
After what has felt like an age of walking on the sea wall and around the Wash at last I was back at the beach. This was a long stretch of sandy as far as I could see. I was very happy.
As the sun was now shining I stopped for an ice cream to celebrate.
This building caught my attention. It was Derbyshire Miners Convalescent Home. I’m sure it’s not now, that’s some history to explore.
Later while walking along a path a little fox popped its head out from the bushes, looked at me, decided I was far enough away and then shot across the path to the other side.
There was a strange collection of fresh and artificial flowers fastened along the railings all the way along the promenade. Each was dedicated to someone. It was rather surreal like the scenes of multiple fatal accidents.
As I entered Ingoldmells it was the start of large beachside caravan parks and Butlins. There was a huge fun park sticking high up over the rooftops of the caravans.
Lisa was waiting for me at Vickers Point and we made the short journey back to Priscilla. As I got out of Lisa’s car I had lots of stuff in my hands, I pushed the door shut. Agh. What was that pain? I looked down to see the end of my thumb trapped in the car door which was completely closed shut! I shouted to Lisa to open the door but she mistook my shouts for me pointing out something interesting. After what seemed like an age the door was open and I looked at the already bruised nail and pad and the tip which was now white!
I had a cool pack in Priscilla which unfortunately wasn’t very cold but I wrapped it round my thumb. I sat for a while to recover! Me smiling through the pain!
Then we went to charge Lisa’s car and I took the opportunity to get some ice. Let’s see what my thumb look like in the morning!
While we were there about ten ducks waddled at great speed through the drive through! That was very entertaining.
Once back in Priscilla the lay bye became a hive of activity. Cars pulling up and men getting out for a pee in full view from our vantage point! Another guy went behind us for other purposes which we didn’t want to consider! Another car was having engine issues and the bonnet was opened. Once it went dark we shut the blinds incase there was other late night activity taking place!
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