Oh when will they stop these Lincolnshire dykes? I see them in my dreams.

Just to fill you in, the walk from Freiston Shore to Fishtoft in March meant leaving the car in the carpark at Freiston Shore and on the way back our taxi dropped us a mile up the coast at Butterwick Marsh and we then walked back to the car. So this time we start there at the little carpark at Butterwick Marsh. Just to set the record straight…….

The path seems to suggest an inland route along what is clearly marked as the sea wall but Damian has his heart set on what I think is a permissive path closer to the marsh, which is also marked as the sea wall. As I dither, a woman and her two dogs appear and she assures us that we can use the permissive path for about two miles but if we continue after that we may encounter cows! My heart sinks. I never used to be frightened of cows, having worked on a farm when I was younger, but I have heard so many stories from other walkers that I seem to have developed what can only be described as an unhealthy respect. It must also be said that cows do not like dogs soooo…..maybe it will be alright.

We turn right up on to the bank and set off – the path stretches out before us in a long straight line and yes you’ve guessed it – marshes on the right and enormous fields on the left. There is so little to look at that we find ourselves stopping to inspect a pumping station.

At one point we turn inland and join the inner sea wall and to tell you the truth I can’t remember why. This does mean however that we now have fields to the left and right of us – mammoth machines trawl the soil in long straight lines. From our position on the sea bank it’s difficult to see what they are doing but I guess it must be sowing as the fields are already ploughed – rather beautifully in fact.

A little later we walk past this rather rough memorial stone to John and Dulcie Saul – local landowners. I’ve no idea what kind of stone it is but it’s very pink

On we walk past a sign that tells us that the village of Wrangle is inland over to our left – I wonder if it is the site of a lot of rows and disputes or are there cowboys involved?

Ah – something happening here…………………………………………where is he going with those wooden posts?

Further along we find our way blocked by the renovation of a pumping station – my life is measured out in pumping stations.

We are diverted down the bank, around the fences and back up the other side where we continue our tramp along the sea wall. Eventually, after walking besides a drainage channel for three miles we cross over a bridge onto Sea Lane with Old Coastguard Cottages on our right – I wonder where the new ones are?

As we walk up the road to Friskney we are forced to move out of the way of huge containers pulled by tractors coming off the fields. They leave behind clouds of dust which is then blown into our hot tired faces. My irritation disappears when I catch sight of the drivers – young fresh faced girls bobbing along on the driver seat, blond ponytails a swinging.

To our huge disappointment the pub in Friskney is closed – as so many are in rural areas nowadays. We sit and wait for the bus – this has not been the greatest of walks but at least the sun is shining.

Distance: 9 miles