Fenland

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

April 2014 - Skendleby & Partney

Blacksmiths Arms, Skendleby Dolby Hall Grounds

The small group of trekkers set off from the Blacksmith's Arms, Skendleby, through a copse, over a stream and onto a boggy grassed field. Once this had been climbed the route was then through a larger copse and over another grassed, but dry, field with stiles. After crossing a humped crop field and skirting a ploughed one the group came upon the impressive Dolby Hall and grounds. A short break was taken to admire the views, landscape and wildlife, and also to visit the small church. On then past the lodge and down the verge side and small wood alongside the A16.

Eventually Partney was reached and at the Red Lion boots were removed, or covered, to gain access to the bar and Dixons Hoppy Easter (4.2%). A pint later it was time to don boots and take the public footpath by the school, over grassed fields and stiles alongside a stream, crossing a cropped field to arrive at the site of the medieval village and the Chapel of St James, Skendleby. The information board informed of the excavations which took place in 2005.

Over the stream and stile and through the church yard with its imposing yew trees and back to the Blacksmith's for pints of well earned XB, which was in good form, and to pass on to the landlord the LocAle literature, pump clips and beer mats for which the pub qualifies. No sooner had the trekkers taken their seats in the conservatory dining room than tasty meals were served.

It was good to see two new members, Geoff and Marian, on the walk.