Get Lost Mountaineering

Ruckland Farforth Ruckland Short Loop

Start/Finish

Verge parking in hollow below Ruckland not far from where the stream is crossed. This is at about TF 333 778. The postcode of the Old Rectory in the hamlet of Ruckland is LN11 8RQ.

Distance/Time

6 km    Under 2 hours

Peaks

No obvious peaks.

Maps

Pathfinder 766: Tetford & Baumber. OS 122: Skegness.

Introduction

No one would claim that any part of Lincolnshire is mountainous but walks on its gentle rolling hills are enjoyed by many so here is one which is close to the Bluestone Heath road, often described as the most scenic road in the county. This route does not use the road but many will drive along it to reach the start.

Route

(1) From the bottom of the hollow, ascend N/NE, on the road, towards the hamlet of Ruckland. Soon reach the start of the private track to the Olde Rectory, on the left with a track opposite on the right. At the start of this track are some steps up a bank to a footpath sign which directs one, roughly NW, along the edge of a field. Follow the path, faint in places and soon pass the Olde Rectory. Continue to join a track coming through a gap in the wood on the left. Follow the track NW towards a wood where the track turns left, almost W. Soon after, it turns left again, SW, and ascends gently to the outskirts of Farforth where it turns right, NW, and passes in front of the old church before meeting the very minor road coming in from the N to Farforth.

(2) Turn right onto this road, N, then, almost immediately, turn left off it and follow a track W to soon reach another footpath sign where one goes left, S and downhill. Follow the track down and cross a track entering Farforth from the W. Continue ahead on a grassy path indicated by another sign. Follow this path down, faint in places, to another sign at a footpath junction. Reach a sign post at a T junction* and turn left soon following a small stream with views up fields to Farforth. Soon after, another sign directs one, right, into a wood where the path, follows a small stream and climbs out of the gentle valley to emerge on a track** by the side of a field. Follow the track right, SSE, for over 1 km to join the road to Ruckland (from the Bluestone Heath Road). Turn left and walk downhill back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 30^th August, 2022.

(b) * At this signpost, the buildings in the distance are Oxcombe. If time allows, it is worth going ahead to see the Manor House. Down the track on its left is a small church worth looking at and you can also see the front of the house from this track. Across the road from the house is a small pottery training school. To continue, retrace back to the signpost.

(c) ** When this track is reached, on 30/8/22, the track was also going left and it may well link to the track which meets the road just above Ruckland hollow by the large rough parking/ concreted area. This alternative has not been checked out.