A1133
Martin and Metheringham
B12 0
2
58
4 A1
B1 19 0
3
34
B1
178 B1
B1178
91
1 B119
10
8
3 A15
5 A1
B1429
7
B1395
A607
91 B11
B11
07 A6
9
8 18 B1
15
4
12
2 19 B1
14
02
Barff Walk
11
13
02
B1190
B1190
2
89 B11
B 12
B12
20
8 18 B1
2
Haddington
A 15
6
East Heckington A17
A153
16 B6 4
03
North Kesteven District Council Heart of Lincolnshire
A52
Distance 6.3 miles/10.1 kms
A52
7 A60
For more Stepping Out walks, further information on local attractions or accommodation, please call or visit: Sleaford Tourist Information Centre, Money’s Yard, Carre Street, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7TW Telephone: 01529 414294 Email: tic@n-kesteven.gov.uk www.heartoflincs.com Download all the Stepping Out walks by visiting www.countrysidenk.co.uk www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk www.visitlincolnshire.com
12 Walk
ECS7044RT 2009
Whilst great care has been taken in compiling this information into this leaflet, North Kesteven District Council cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or alterations contained within it. The inclusion of an establishment within this leaflet does not imply any official recommendations by North Kesteven District Council.
A15
Stables Cottages 94 High Street, Martin Lincoln, Lincs LN4 3QT Telephone: 01526 378528
A1
1
17
5
00
A1
The Manor House Stables Timberland Road, Martin Lincoln, Lincs LN4 3QS Telephone: 01526 378717
Many of the paths have been provided by the goodwill of local landowners. These are marked by Highways Act signs. No special permission is needed to use these paths, but walkers are asked to help to ensure a continued welcome by only using the waymarked paths and keeping dogs on a lead. Where paths cross pasture young stock may be present. If you have a dog with you please make sure it is under firm control in these sensitive areas.
A1 5
Introduction
Stepping Out
B1398
The Stables Studio 94 High Street, Martin Lincoln, Lincs LN4 3QT Telephone: 01526 378528
Martin Village Shop The Royal Oak, High Street Martin, Lincoln Lincs LN4 3QT
0
Chaplin House B&B 92 High Street, Martin, Lincoln Lincs LN4 3QT Telephone: 01526 378795
The Royal Oak High Street, Martin, Lincoln Lincs LN4 3QT
19 B1
Accommodation
Refreshments
B1241
Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor Metheringham, Lincoln LN4 3BQ Telephone: 01526 378270
Go Stepping Out!
A46
Places of interest to visit nearby
www.countrysidenk.co.uk
The Lincolnshire dialect word ‘barff’ means a hill running parallel to lower ground. A ‘barff’ runs most of the way from Timberland Delph, south of Martin, to Plough Hill at Branston Booths. This low ridge (some 18 metres above sea level) marks the dividing line between the dip slope of the limestone escarpment and the Witham Peat Fens. Made up of clays, silts and sands it is never more than a few miles wide. Through it the Romans cut Car Dyke, while monastic houses at Linwood and Nocton took advantage of its higher ground and fertile soil.
The slopes of Blankney Barff, built in Tudor times, still have a lot of woodland and are well enclosed in stark contrast to the fenland panorama that opens to the east and beyond. In the far distance, the Wolds rear in a shadowy wave that winter occasionally crests with snow. On these walks, from many points along the ‘barff’, the great Tattershall Castle is clearly visible on the southern horizon, rising from the flatness of the fens like a giant sandcastle. While to the north, Lincoln Cathedral dominates the skyline from its limestone crag.
Walk Facts
Walk Location
A walk through Martin, along the old Metheringham airfield, following a section of the Car Dyke.
Starting Points
Martin Car Park (Grid Ref: TF 129 600).
Parking
As above, alternatively park on the old Metheringham airfield (Grid Ref: TF 112 615).
Public Transport
For information call the Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/busrailtravel
Walk Length
6.3miles/10.1kms which should take 2½ hours at a leisurely pace. Alternative shorter routes are available.
Type of Walk
A circular walk around good tracks and footpaths. This walk has stiles on it.
Ordnance Survey maps
Explorer 272, 261 and 273 and Landranger 121.
1.1
2.2
From the Stepping Out Car Park, walk to the road and turn left, to walk through the village of Martin until you see Mrs Mary King’s School on your right. Cross over the road. Continue out of the village along Linwood Road passing the school on your left and the cemetery on your right. As you 4.4 reach a group of trees, look for a way marker leading off to your left, along North Moor Lane.
Metheringham Barff Farm B1189
7
6
Car
Dyke
6.6
Blankney Wood
5
Barff Farm
4
8 Car Dyke Farm
7. 7
Linwood Moor
B1199
Martin
3 2
1
all odh o W To
a Sp
8. 8
Car Parks Martin/Metheringham Walk Car Dyke Alternative Stepping Out Route RAF squadron war memorial
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Key
B To
Turn left at the way marker, along North Moor Lane and follow the tarmac road as it becomes a grass track and winds around a small copse, passing some old farm buildings on your left. Follow the way markers passing trees on your right and cross over a wooden bridge on your right into a field.
5.5
Stepping Out leaflet number11
9
An alternative route can be found by carrying straight along the road. As the road becomes a track, continue to follow it, ensuring you keep the hedgerow on your right, until you cross fields which will eventually bring you to the airfield at Point 4.
Walk along the edge of the field keeping the ancient hedgerow to your left. At a T-junction turn left and follow the track until you meet the airfield. (If you turn left at this point and follow the airfield road for a short distance you will find a memorial on your left). At the junction turn right and follow the old runway, passing the Stepping Out car park until you reach a junction. In front of you is an RAF sign showing the former RAF Metheringham. (Turning right at this point will take you on a shorter, alternative route rejoining the longer route at Point 8. This route is approximately 3.8 miles). To follow the longer route, cross over the road and at the metal barrier follow the track as it winds through countryside. Continue until you reach a grassy area with a way marker leading off to the right towards an area of woodland. When you reach the wood follow the way markers, keeping the wood on your left, with wonderful views to your right of the Witham valley with the former sugar beet
L North
18 B1
3.3
Martin/ Metheringham Walk
Car Dyke Starts from the North end of the walk at The Plough.
Reproduced from OS Mapping with the permission of the controller of HMSO c Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes crown copyright and may lead to civil proceedings. OS Licence 100017926.2009
factory dominating the skyline at Bardney. At the end of the wood take the track to the right and follow this round until you reach Metheringham Barff Farm. Pass the farm which will be to your right, follow this track and as you walk you will see a reservoir to your left. You will reach a bridge which brings you to the junction where you meet the site of the Car Dyke and the Nocton and Dunston walk (leaflet 11). Go over the Car Dyke and turn right, continuing along, keeping the Car Dyke to your right. As you walk, keep an eye out on your left for some steps going down to a carved seat as well as other small wooden sculptures celebrating the heritage and history of the land. Upon meeting a junction, continue straight ahead, sign posted ‘Blankney Fen’. (A right turn here will return you to Metheringham Airfield at Point 5.) Continue along the Car Dyke, passing Car Dyke Farm on your right, until you meet a wooden gate. Cross over the stile and continue along the grassy path. This will take you over a series
of stiles as the path bears left until it reaches a minor road which will take you back to the B1191. With care, cross the B1191 and return to your car. RAF Metheringham opened in October 1943 and was soon home to 106 Squadron formerly commanded by Guy Gibson. Operational flying started on November 18th 1943 in time for the Battle of Berlin. By VE Day in May 1945, 106 had flown over 200 sorties from the airfield, losing 57 Lancasters. Local potato pioneer Alderman G Flintham OBE, JP, was an influential figure in the development of potato fertilisers. A century ago, his early potatoes, (ready in June) were a great innovation and in 1909, after picking, the first crop was rushed in wicker baskets to Metheringham station for distribution to markets as far away as Sheffield. By annually rotating his locally grown potatoes with mustard, Flintham was able to keep producing without exhausting the soil.