Monday 8th September 2025

Gedney Drove End to Fosdyke Bridge

Now I’m not exaggerating when I say that we’ve been pondering on this stretch of coastline for the last three years, since we were last up this way. I’ve witnessed Steve agonising over maps, websites and other walkers’ blogs for hours on end, trying to find a solution to how we could achieve this without forking out large sums of money for taxis (up to £100) or walking a crazy amount of miles in one go. Well, the big man found a solution and today was the day we did it.

It was the discovery of CallConnect buses that enabled us to complete the jigsaw puzzle, matching up times with local buses and some driving too. But Steve’s logistics proved perfect once again.

We drove to Sutton Bridge and our first CallConnect bus dropped us off right at the path at Gedney Drove End (a lovely chatty driver) … and he let us use our bus passes, even though it was only 9 o’clock! Easy embankment wall to start, veering right after a mile and on to Ministry of Defence land … and then miles of being warned about DANGER!! Unexploded bombs – risk of Death. Fire Risk. DANGER – overhead cables, could cause death. DANGER – risk of falling. DANGER – risk of drowning. And to add to the atmosphere there were jet fighters overhead, presumably training …. swooping down then making steep vertical ascents and creating thunderous crunching type noises. It was actually an amazing airshow and we were lucky to have free ringside seats.

The irony though was that it was the most sublime terrain – tarmac for 3 miles and the rest was a perfectly mowed grass embankment wall. We could even look up and take in the scenery, without fear of stumbling – normally I have my eyes glued to the ground watching for hazards. Some stunning agricultural land to the left … Steve was particularly impressed with the stripes (obviously not quite as good as his lawn). And it was a perfectly sunny day – blue skies with little puffs of white cloud – and a fresh breeze to stop us overheating …. just perfect.

Strangely, there was a noticeable absence of birdlife (they must have heard about the DANGER) but we were treated to plenty of butterfly flutter-bys.

It was a very isolated day on the path, very few walkers. We stumbled across a bench about 5 miles in so stopped for lunch and re-energised. We had figured today was going to be 14 miles so had come with plenty of food, drink and snacks and intended to make regular stops. My energy levels still aren’t back to normal so wanted to push myself but be prepared at the same time. I’d even squirrelled away a pocket full of starbursts for emergencies!

About 9 miles in, it became a bit of a physical and mental challenge – as beautiful as it was, it was all so much of the same and seemed to stretch on endlessly ahead. But of course we soldiered on and had such a Brucie Bonus when we discovered it was actually 12 miles and not 14. So, Fosdyke Bridge finally ticked off and we’ve learnt a whole load about local public transport!!