Branston, Historic Past and Farming

Start: Waggon and Horses public house, 1 High Street, Branston, LN4 1NB.

(S/E) Proceed South along Rectory Road to the junction with Hall Lane. Turn right and follow Hall Lane to the next junction, where Hall Lane meets Thackers Lane from the left. Turn right to the bridge.

(1) At this point, see Option 1 to see the waterwheel; otherwise, continue with Option 2.

Option 1: Left just before the 'Beck', a stream, into Waterwheel Lane, follow Waterwheel Lane, the lane will merge into a permitted access path across residential property land. Continue past the premises and garden to a fenced historic waterwheel and information board. Return to the bridge to continue with the route.

Option 2: Continue along the route. Cross the 'Beck' stream and notice the bridge furniture. After the bridge, turn left, which will lead around the wooded area on the left. Continue on this track, be mindful that the route leads into working farmland and may have farming activities. Keep on this track, following the hedge line on the left. There will be signage near the next waypoint (2), on the left-hand fence, stating "Deep Water Keep Out" or a similar warning.

(2) At this point, near to the water hazards, there is a large gateway. After passing through the gateway, leave the path and handrail the hedge, which leads west, then northwest up the hill, right. Keeping to the edge of the field, passing through another gateway. A concrete pad where farm machinery may be parked. Continue along on the same line, picking up the next field, and again follow the edge of the field to the corner of the field and gate.

(3) Turning right and northeasterly walk along Hall Lane (See: Branston Hall Hotel and grounds), which will lead back to (1). At (1), continue straight onto Thackers Lane as the hill rises, turn left into Chapel Lane.

(4) Chapel Lane leading into Chapel Road. Notice: the Mosaic timeline, All Saints Church, the house with a bicycle artwork, the plaques, the hairdressers (at the time of writing), which was once used as a WW2 Fire Station, and the Sheepwash (S/E).

• Start: This walk's starting point, by the Waggon and Hourses public house and just off the Lincoln Road B1188 - 1 High Street, Branston, LN4 1NB.
• Transport: There is a bus service passing through Branston. Timings of the buses should be confirmed, allowing for the return trip.
• Parking: There is no convenient vehicle parking in the area; there may be some off-street parking available.
• Timing: The time taken is estimated, to allow extra time, when appropriate, for exploring and personal pace.
• Note: Ensure that the highway code is followed and that dogs are kept under control. Keep off the field where crops are growing, stay on the path.
• Wellbeing: Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. Although this is only a short walk, keep hydrated.
• Accessibility: There is one stile, but with an adjacent farm gate. This route has been assigned "Easy" due to a reasonable footpath to follow and distance.
• Refreshments: There is a convenient cafe, and of course, the local public house.
• Handrail: Is a linear feature that has been identified as a road, wall, etc
• Option: This is a circular route that can be walked either way.

At the start, there is an information board and a map. The Branston Community has created a short circular walk with many interesting finds within this small village. There are small plaques where they have highlighted; this route will pass by several, it may be useful to see

• The Waggon and Horses, public house
• Old Fire Station
• The Church
• Sheepwash - The Lincoln Longwool Sheep
• District nurse
• The Home Guard - It has been recorded that the Home Guard used the church's weather vein for target practice.
• The water wheel and water supplies
• Branston circular walk