Culverthorpe

(S/E)As you enter the "Stepping Out" carpark look for an exit at the back left hand corner; this is the way you should go. Turn right across the causeway between two lakes and at the far shore turn right through a gate onto a fenced lakeside path. At the far end (at a path junction) turn right across the lake dam to reach a road. On the opposite side, just to your left, you will see a footpath sign pointing along a farm track.

(1)Follow this and in about half a mile you will reach another lane where you should turn left for a "short" mile when you will come to another "Stepping Out" path on the left. This is clearly marked as it zig-zags downhill into a shallow valley and crosses North Beck.

(2)Beyond North Beck, the path makes a final left turn as you begin to head back towards Culverthorpe. (There are a total of four left turns and three right turns involved in this section.) On reaching the road near Culverthorpe turn right up into the village and then go left at the first junction.

(3)Keep ahead through the imposing gateway to enter the park surrounding the hall. (*) (If you wish to see the rebuilt chapel however first walk a few yards along the lane to the right.) Continue along the estate road to pass in front of the hall itself and then bear left to go downhill back to the lakes and causeway. Finally retrace the outward route back to the start.

The nearest inn is the Houblon Arms in Oasby but there are others at Newton or Wilsford. Culverthorpe lies south of the A52 road and is best reached by approaching through Dembleby.