Caythorpe, Hough on the Hill and Carlton Scroop, 31st December 2017

Mike led twenty seven ramblers on this 8 mile walk in a figure of eight? circuit ...

 ... from Caythorpe to Hough on the Hill and (almost) Carlton Scroop on field paths with views to the west across the Trent Valley.

The start in Caythorpe

Caythorpe was the base for the First Airborne Signals who fought in the battle for the Arnhem bridges in WW2.  An annual ceremony and parade is held to maintain the links with Arnhem.

The weather was good with clear blue skies and the ground conditions were only slightly muddy after recent snow and melt water.
 

Above Frieston Road

Beacon at Carlton Ashes

Our leader

The Church of All Saints at Hough on the Hill dates from the 11th century and is notable for its Saxon Tower with unusual circular staircase and lumpy stonework

Renovated Ransommes and Rapier Crane, machine number 1340 made at the Waterside works in Ipswich.  Well it beats trainspotting!

Large aerator alongside lots of other agricultural machinery

If you can't decide where to go, just have a rest and wait for someone else to decide

Saint Vincent's Church, Caythorpe,
only one of four churches in England dedicated to Vincent of Saragossa

After the walk some ramblers enjoyed a pint of Lancaster Bomber beer at the Caythorpe Red Lion pub to wish everyone a Happy New Year.