Thursday 6th October

Ropsley to Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir 14 miles

Under our revised plans, this was to be our last walking day as we aimed to do some sight seeing before travelling home to Telford.

So instead of 66 miles total, we would target 50+ miles. Woolsthorpe is just past the 50 mile marker in the guide book, and we spotted a handy pub on the map just as you leave the canal (for parking purposes of course).

Back to Ropsley for our final start and a cheery chat with a chap whose house we were parking by! He gave us some handy sight-seeing tips ; Woolsthorpe Manor, Belton House, Belvoir Castle, and corrected our pronunciation: Belvoir = Beaver!

From Ropsley, you follow the lane to Old Somerby, take a short footpath section to cross Ermine Street (the old Roman Road) before rejoining lanes into Little Ponton, Stroxton, and on towards Harlaxton.

As you approach Harlaxton, you rejoin a footpath 'down iron steps'. For steps read ladder - they were just like the steps you get between decks on a boat! It also helps to go down backwards like a ladder - especially with a rucksack!

Harlaxton is a pretty village centred on a church but coffee had to wait until the pub as we crossed the main A607 before dropping down to the Grantham Canal!

The rest of the days route followed the canal all the way to Woolsthorpe and although flat was never boring as the canal meandered along , punctuated by bridges and wildlife, through water meadows and offering changing views of the surrounding countryside.

Our day, and this section of walking, ended with a well earned cuppa outside The Dirty Duck at Woolsthorp Wharf , in yet more sunshine.