One man, his dog and a bag full of balls.

The Dynamic Duo

Well I couldn't have asked for better weather as I started my 290 mile walk along the Macmillan Way. It's been a T shirt and suncream day - yep you read it right, 29th March and I had suncream on! I was loaded up with dog treats and for those of you who know Oscar, plenty of tennis balls, just in case!

Things didn't get off to a great start as I planned to climb the Boston Stump (bizarrely something I've always wanted to do) but it was closed for refurbishment and then as we set off, the first part of the Macmillan Way was closed, as they are rebuilding the sea defences. This was like a sign from God to pack in and find the nearest pub.

I have to confess that a thought did cross my mind 'what is it about Boston that the sea defences were intending to save' and to be honest as I walked around the extended diversion through the industrial heart land of Boston, I was starting to agree with myself! I'd only been going 30 mins and I'd got a list of people I was sending emails to as long as my arm!

Anyway eventually we made it back on to the Macmillan Way and the adventure could begin! Oscar was full of beans in and out of The Haven, it was only later that the after effects of (I assume sampling the salt water) would take effect!

The walk was relatively easy all fairly flat ground and well signposted, the guide book provided by the Macmillan Way was full of detail and the only risk of going wrong was that I was so busy reading the book that I'd miss a turn or trip over something and cause a major injury. Eventually we got into a routine of checking the book at regular intervals, I'd discus it with Oscar, who looked at me as though I was a mad man, and then I just let Oscar lead the way.

Pumping Station Windmill

I wouldn't say that the scenery as we walked was stunning but it did have it's own natural beauty. We walked along the sea bank for most of the way with the salt marshes on both sides eventually giving way to the river Welland on one side and fields and farms on the other. On a clear day you can see Norfolk across the Wash.

We passed Frampton Marsh nature reserve, 900 acres of salt marsh owned by the RSPB. I'm not a twitcher (except after a few pints), but it is beautiful and well worth a visit just for a walk round.

We passed multiple pumping stations, which brought to mind what a fantastic feat of engineering it had been to drain the land that I was walking on, hundreds of years ago I would have needed a boat to complete my walk (well that wouldn't be walking but you know what I mean).

As I walked I really felt as though I was in the middle of nowhere, I didn't see another sole for miles, then the most bizarre moment of the day was dropping across a woman who was out walking four dogs. I have no idea how she got there, where she came from or where she was going - but she was happy, so we exchanged pleasantries and pressed on - she could be still out there walking even now for all I know.

It was after this that the effects of the salt water took effect on Oscar and after 8 miles of manic sniffing and searching, he slowed down to a walking pace (with other not so pleasant side effects). We stopped for lunch and some water, and after a shared bag of hula hoops (the remedy for most ills!) and a couple of treats he was back on form.

The day ended at the Ship Inn, Surfleet, what a find and what a lovely pub. Its right on the river in a beautiful spot, 4 real ales (all local breweries), dog friendly, good food, and outside seating by the river. Oscar was well looked after with free dog treats and plenty of water, and the beer was lovely. I'll definitely be back - well, yes I will be tomorrow morning for the start of my second day, but at some point for a meal and a few beers by the river. Give it go, its 30 mins by car from Baston, or a 5 hour walk - you decide!

Ship Inn

Well that's me done, in the bath to relax those muscles, ready for day 2. I've not had any issues with blisters, but lots of chafing on the upper inner thighs! I've got Mrs Riley lined up to apply appropriate soothing ointment later, otherwise there is a risk I may be walking bow legged tomorrow!

You can find out more about my walk here and I am raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, so if you are able to, please sponsor me through Just Giving here.

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