On the path of vikings: a stroll beneath huge Lincolnshire skies to a 14th-century pub | Lincolnshire holidays

Tealby. Two syllables hinting at 1,600 years of historical past. The title of this little Lincolnshire wolds spot is assumed to imply “village of the Taifali individuals”. Which is odd, because the east Germanic Taifali tribe hailed from the Carpathian mountains, removed from the east Midlands.

Evidently a Roman cavalry unit, the Equites Taifali, was stationed hereabouts within the late fourth century to defend close by Lindum (Lincoln) – and by no means left. The Previous Danish “-by” (“farmstead” or “village”) was added by the Vikings, who later settled right here.

And modern-day Tealby, residence to 600 individuals, a store and a main college based by the uncle of Alfred Lord Tennyson, is likely one of the loveliest villages on this Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. It clings to the wolds’ western edge, above the River Rase, which was as soon as dotted with watermills. There are 27 listed buildings within the village, a few of which have been smithies or dressmakers’ workshops. Many are constructed from Tealby limestone, with its honey-marmalade hue. One is constructed of whitewashed rubble and thatch: the Kings Head pub. This 14th-century inn is an effective start line for a stroll north and again alongside a number of the wolds’ loftiest reaches, the best floor in jap England between Yorkshire and Kent.

I begin by winding by way of the village, through neat cottages, the Classic Tearooms and a lane known as The Smooting (“slender passage”), one other Danish remnant. A volunteer-run store sells every part from tins and toiletries to vacationer information. Most tempting are goodies from the Choowee Cookie Firm – the baker who makes them in close by Market Rasen is there, dropping off a recent batch. “They’re our bestseller,” the girl behind the until confirms.

I resist and stroll on, previous the village corridor which, like the college, was given to Tealby by Charles Tennyson. His father, George Tennyson, owned land right here, however disinherited his eldest son, George Clayton Tennyson, who grew to become a rector, and raised his household – together with poetic son Alfred – in tiny Somersby, within the southern wolds.

In the meantime, formidable Uncle Charles, anticipating a peerage, added the noble d’Eyncourt to his title and constructed the gothic-style Bayons Manor exterior Tealby, beginning in 1836. In the long run, Lord Alfred obtained the title; the manor fell into disrepair and was demolished within the Sixties. Solely ruins stay.

There’s a memorial to Charles in Tealby’s Twelfth-century All Saints church. However I’m extra taken by the amenities. A parish assembly is beneath manner and a lady says the kettle’s boiled and would I like a cup of tea? “Now we have bogs too, put in final yr!”

But it surely’s time I joined the Norse males, so I proceed north, selecting up the Viking Means. This long-distance path spans 147 miles of Danelaw land from the Humber to Rutland. Right this moment it’s taking me throughout rolling hills so far as Normanby le Wold, at 145 metres the best village within the space of excellent pure magnificence.

First, I attain Risby, an historic settlement and residential to crimp-haired, lustrous Lincoln longwool sheep. There are solely 700 breeding ewes left in Britain, and 50 stay right here. Farmers Ian and Louise Fairburn have been preserving these pure-breeds since 2004 and their shop-cum-info hut is festooned with best-in-show rosettes. It additionally sells balls of wool, Risby beeswax candles and native Dennetts ice-cream.

After encountering the sheep, I all of the sudden discover myself amongst a herd of purple deer, that are farmed within the valley. They pause grazing and comply with me as I cross their subject. Past is one other deal with: I discern the ghostly lumps of a shrunken medieval village. Lincolnshire is pitted with such deserted settlements, an earthen Braille hinting on the previous.

Simply behind, the tower of Walesby’s All Saints – often called the ramblers church – peeks out. It was constructed excessive on a hill within the Twelfth century, gazing throughout to the distant spires of Lincoln cathedral. A stained-glass window depicting knapsack-toting ramblers was put in by the Grimsby and District Wayfarers Affiliation in 1951.

From right here it’s a brief stroll again to Tealby, a loop of about 4 miles. However I proceed by way of Walesby and head north on what will likely be a nine-mile, bow-tie-shaped route. Forward lie fields with far-reaching views that lead me to the tiny, windswept village of Normanby.

Right here I veer west, edging the woods, descending to Claxby, one other former Viking settlement. Then there’s a quiet lane south, earlier than I head up alongside the wooden as soon as extra, following a large observe again to the Viking Means. I’m not on the identical path for lengthy. I depart Walesby through a unique path, squeezing by way of a stone stile and return to Tealby by a decrease path, beneath the stepped-brick battlements of Citadel Farm. I meet the Lincoln longwools once more, grazing like permed Dougals, dolled up for an evening out.

I’m instructed the Kings Head was at all times a pub the place farmers introduced sheep. Maybe I may invite a longwool to dinner?

Google map of the route

Begin The Kings Head, Tealby, Lincolnshire
Distance 9 miles
Time 4 hours
Whole ascent 312 metres
Problem Simple/reasonable
View the route at OS maps

The pub

“There are undoubtedly ghosts,” says Sol Pickwell Nicolaou, who has owned the Kings Head along with his husband John since 2012. “However pleasant ghosts.”

Maybe that’s to be anticipated from Lincolnshire’s oldest thatched pub, inbuilt 1367, which has regained its popularity as a foodie vacation spot since they toook over. Sol says: “We supply as a lot as we are able to regionally. We use native recreation throughout the season and our cooks have been identified to go foraging.” Home made pies and blade of Lincolnshire beef are among the many dishes; the fish platter is a feast.

“My favorite is the twice-cooked pork with stilton,” Sol provides. Decor is modern-traditional – low ceilings and tartan-carpet flooring – with a big beer backyard exterior.
thekingsheadtealby.co.uk

The place to remain

Clematis Cottage, within the centre of Tealby, sleeps 4, from £345 for 4 nights. Or teams may strive the Viking Centre in Claxby, which affords sole-use hostel lodging throughout 4 dorms, sleeping 20, from £120pn.