by Martin Thomas | Aug 20, 2024 | Around Me, Hubbards Hills, Lincs Connect, Louth, WhatsOnLincs
WhatsOnLincs – Hubbards Hills
WhatsOnLincs – Hubbards Hills in Louth, Lincolnshire is a true gem in the Lincolnshire Wolds and is a ‘must visit’ if you’re in the area.
It’s certainly not the best picture I’ve ever taken but it does show an image of the park. This is part of the poster that is situated at the entrance of Hubbards Hills at Halfpenny Lane. There are two entrances (one at Halfpenny Lane) with the second entrance via Crowtree Lane (accessible from Edward Street). This map gives a location for finding the hills but more importantly (for the purpose of this blog) it gives a key to the facilities provided.
Car Parking
There is a pay and display car park ( postcode LN11 0QW) from the Crowtree Lane entrance which is very convenient for the cafe and toilets. The Halfpenny Lane entrance (postcode LN11 9QU) has free but very limited car parking. Hubbards Hills are very popular all year round so don’t be too disappointed if you can’t get a free car parking space.
Hubbards Hills By Bus
WhatsOnLincs – Hubbards Hills by bus: There are local bus stops at Crowtree Lane and Love Lane which give you a short but picturesque very short walk to the Hubbards Hills. I haven’t tried the bus route so I can’t comment too much on it. However, I do believe that the bus runs from the Louth bus station.
Hubbards Hills – Getting In
If you manage to park on Halfpenny Lane you’ll be level with the park paths and will be able to walk straight in. This lower level is accessible by wheelchair. If you look immediately right at this entrance you’ll see some steep steps which lead to the top of the hills. The path runs across the top of the park along the edge of the grounds of the Louth Golf Course. If you’re able to tackle the steps you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful tree top views over the park land.
Treetop View In Summer
Hubbards Hills Treetop View In Summer
The path from the top of the steps is not paved and by its very nature, is riddled with tree roots. Exercise caution if you are visually impaired or unsteady on your feet.
From the top of the steps you’ll notice that there is a signpost offering additional walking routes. Remember though that this is the Lincolnshire Wolds so be prepared to have to tackle a few hills and rougher terrain.
The path atop the park runs the length of Hubbards Hills. The descent is fairly gentle and the track leads down to the single track, leave canopied Crowtree Lane. Turning left will take you back into Hubbards Hills at the cafe and toilets entrance.
If you park at the pay and display car park at Crowtree Lane entrance be aware that there is a descent from the car park to the paved path along the bottom of Hubbards Hills. It’s worth noting this small descent if you are planning on taking a wheelchair. It is accessible but you’ll need to take care.
WhatsOnLincs – Hubbards Hills At Water Level
The paved path running along the bottom of Hubbards Hills is most definitely wheelchair friendly. The grassy banks alongside are significantly steeper though. However, with that said, don’t let my words put you off. You’ll be glad you visited even if you can’t manage the steep banks, The River Lud is beautiful and well maintained (as is the rest of Hubbards Hills) by the charity trust who run the area.
During the summer Hubbards Hills is a magnet for families with young children. The river flows gently, is shallow and lovely and clear. It’s ideal for young paddlers while the family set up for a picnic.
The Shallows At Hubbards Hills
The Shallows At Hubbards Hills
Hubbards Hills – Health And Safety
I’m no expert but looking at the condition of the banks, paths and bridges it appears evident to me that health and safety of visitors is a high priority for the trust as they maintain the grounds. Some of the trees have been taken down since I visited previously but the opening up of the stream area seems to have worked well.
Getting Out
this paved path (with the cafe behind you) will take you back to the Halfpenny Lane entrance and free car park. However, if you have time, do stay to enjoy this beautiful space. It’s great for children to play and explore, ideal for a picnic and a paddle but equally as pleasant to just sit, enjoy nature and contemplate.
Hubbards Hills is open all year so you can enjoy all of the seasons here. If you look at the map above you’ll see Louth town centre. Yes, it ‘is’ that close! When you’ve finished at Hubbards Hills do take some time to explore Louth too. It has a vibrant market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Donations To Hubbards Hills
If you would like to make donations to the upkeep of Hubbards Hills please follow this link: www.hubbardshillslouth.co.uk
Until Next Time…
Further Reading In The WhatsOnLincs Library
by Dominic Thomas | Aug 18, 2024 | Lincs Connect
Lincs Angler
Hello and welcome to Lincs Angler.
My name is Dominic, I’m a multi-species angler from Lincoln, Lincolnshire.
18lb 6oz River Pike in the Dark
My angling adventure started sometime during 2007 when my grandad took me on my first ever fishing trip to a small lake/pond in Northamptonshire where I learnt the basics of wagler fishing.
Since then, my obsession with all things angling has propelled me into many different aspects of fishing with lure fishing becoming my speciality.
Since the passing of a close childhood friend in September 2019 my mental health took a turn for the worst. Fishing saved me.
With a new found love for freshwater predators, I soon found myself on the bank at every opportunity I had and quickly began to hone my skills and knowledge for predator fishing.
Covid Lockdown
Unlike most people, during the Covid19 lockdown I had a great time! I was able to spend hours and hours tying rigs, organising tackle, fixing and buying new lures before the announcement was made confirming that fishing alone was now allowed and would count towards our “daily exercise”.
Being no more than five minutes walk from the river bank, you can be sure that I fished every single day and in this period I managed to land two 20lb+ pike using 20cm+ lures amongst many other mid to upper double figure pike.
The Journey Continues.
Since these beginnings I have managed to secure sponsorships and turn my angling into a business.
Much more content to come so be sure to follow my journey!
Tight Lines!
Dominic
Follow me on: Instagram @Lincs.Angler Facebook @Lincs.Angler X (Twitter) @Lincs.Angler YouTube @Lincs.Angler
Sponsors
Many thanks to my sponsors for their help and guidance:
by Dawn Thomas | Aug 9, 2024 | Events, Health And Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, WhatsOnLincoln
Dawn’s Running Journey – The Wolds Mini Mountain Marathon (WMMM)
Dawn’s Running Journey. The Wolds Mini Mountain Marathon or WMMM for short. Just the title would be enough to put most people off. However it’s not as scary as you may think as I have now completed five of them. It is a three hour orienteering course around the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated area of outstanding Natural beauty. The idea of the WMMM is to visit as many controls as possible within the 3 hour time limit. There are 25 controls in total worth 10, 20 or 30 points each and this year the higher scoring controls were in easy reach. I issue a word of warning here, there are penalties for being late back so if you are not careful you could end up with 0 points!
Familiar Ground – The Massingberd Arms
I have now completed five WMMM and this was the second starting from The Massingberd Arms, South Ormsby. However, this did not mean it gave me any advantage on the course. In fact the only similarities are the start and the finish. I arrived, registered and collected the SI card which is used to register my arrival at each control. Following the welcome brief and introduction the maps, rolled and sealed were distributed. A few minutes to 09.00 we got the go ahead to open the map. Now was the time I had to make a quick decision on which route I wanted to take. All too quickly it was time to start with runners and walkers going in all directions.
WMMM 2024 Map Showing Controls
The Beginning Of The WMMM
I set off across the fields toward control number 50 along with many of the other runners. I soon found that the runners had spread out along the track hurtling towards their first control. At the first control I quickly checked the map before I took a left turn towards the second control. Now fifteen minutes in and the morning mist has turned into a fine drizzle. At this point I briefly wished I had brought a jacket. I had to reminded myself my skin was waterproof. I would have been too warm in a jacket, because despite the rain it was still warm, 19C. My only regret was I hadn’t worn waterproof socks and as a consequence my feet were soaked through and squelching in my trainers.
Lincolnshire Wolds
The route took me along a mixture of footpaths, bridleways and quiet, minor roads around the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds. I really love the views across the Wolds which are stunning, even in the mist and rain.
Having decided to take a longer route to avoid running through a field of cows I later found myself tip toeing across another cow field further into the run. I really do love cows but preferable from a distance.
Two hour point. Control No 52.
The Competitor In Me
On previous runs I hadn’t seen many other runners out and about but this his run was different. I could see runners in front, behind, coming in from the left or towards me which ever route I chose. It made the event a little bit more competitive as I attempted to keep a fellow runners within my sight. I aimed to overtake the runner in front only to find they were taking a different route. In reality it actually made no difference at all as I had no idea how many controls others had actually visited or which route they had chosen.
Decision Time
I visited 9 controls and had 31 minutes left when I left the trail and came onto the road and realised the finish was just up the hill to my right. It was time to make my final decision of the run. Could I get another control worth 30 points and still get back to the start within the 3 hours? Following a quick bit of maths I made the decision to go for it and turn round if the control appeared to be out of my reach. In the end I found it to be an easy run out and back.
The Finish Of The WMMM
Back on the road I decided to push up the hill, overtaking a couple of other runners and managed to finish with 13 minutes to spare. I had visited 10 controls, earning a total of 260 points. My final position was 22nd out of 38 runners & walkers. Considering I did not train for this, I haven’t run further than 10km in the last two years and no longer orienteer, I can be forgiven ( I hope) for being a little bit pleased with myself. I forgot to start my watch at the begining, but I definitely ran just over 17 km. I use the word ‘run’ loosely as I did ‘Jeff it’ especially on the hills.
The Massingberd Arms
It would have been rude not to stop for a drink and a chat with fellow orienteer’s in the lovely Massingberd Arms. I compared routes and overall scores with them before parting to dry off and head home.
Dawn’s Running Journey. Waterproof socks are highly recommended!
Happy Running
Dawns Running Journey – Not The Beginning!
This is by no means the beginning of my running journey, but a snap shot somewhere in the middle of it.
A few weeks ago Andy, Lincolns Park Run director asked the park runners “What’s your story?” Well mine is probably similar to many others who park run or walk each week.
I have been exercising for as long as I can remember, playing squash, badminton, cycling to school and then to work everyday. Like many I joined a gym (of which I have a love/hate relationship with even to this day) lifted weights, jumped around in classes and ran up hills. I even exercised throughout pregnancy, training on Tuesday and giving birth on the Thursday. Back exercising 6 weeks later with a baby in a running jogger much like many of the parents we see running around park run today.
Dawns Running Journey – Life Gets Interrupted
Life sometimes gets in the way if you let it. Before you know it you are juggling being a taxi service, work commitment’s, being a mum and a wife. The weight piled on as the exercise lessened.
So what changed?
In 2016 I had my photo taken with my son on his prom night. In that picture I saw a square, fat and frumpy woman. That was not who I wanted to be.
Like so many others I downloaded the C25K app and went running with Jo Whiley as my virtual coach. I started Park running with the Maternity Wing Park Run Group and then when my confidence increased I joined a running group. My first run was with the legendary Jim Diamond who taught me anything was possible with the right training and mind set.
Mental Breakdown – Are You OK?
In May 2018 I had a ‘mental breakdown’ for want of a better description. Everyday life was a struggle, but running helped, as did the support from family and friends.
One overdue thank you goes to Shirley who one park run morning asked ‘Are You OK?’. I wasn’t. A phone call later and lunch in the garden proved to be a turning point in my recovery.
Shirley and I crossing the Lincoln Park Run finishing line together
Dawns Running Journey – Recovery And Achievement
In April 2019 I went on to run my first 10K in over 20 years (along with the Maternity Wing Park Run Group). I’ve run a half marathon and many 10K’s since then, finally in 2022 achieving my goal of running one in under 1 hour.
Maternity Park Run Group complete the Lincoln 10k 2019
I’m ‘relatively normal’ now, but that ultimately depends on who you speak to!
As Andy says ‘Look around you, talk to others here and form new friendships’.
You never know whose journey you have interrupted and helped onto a different and more positive path.
More Blogs By Dawn
Happy Running
by Dawn Thomas | Jul 26, 2024 | Health And Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, WhatsOnLincs
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers
Having been injured and unable to run much through 2023 I took to running one lap and then volunteering. Today I had volunteered to write the run report about ‘my journey’. I had it all prepared. However listening to Jim, our run director I was reminded that today I was celebrating my 25th volunteer role. I’ve therefore changed tack and will write about celebrating our park run volunteers.
Each week a request for volunteers is made. This week Jim, along with Pooh and Piglet pleaded for help to fill the roster. I didn’t realise until I arrived at our beautiful Boutham Park how many of the Maternity Wing Park Run Group were volunteering today. They all responded to the last minute pleas.
Without volunteers there would be no park run! Each week Lincoln needs a minimum of 18 volunteers for the event to go ahead. A more realistic number of volunteers would be about 28.
As the school holidays start the number of runners and volunteers has taken a dip and filling future rosters is challenging.
The Core VolunteeringTeam
There are regular volunteers at Lincoln, the core team (you know who they are) who often cover several roles each week, but even they need time out from time to time. If you fancy taking over Junes Bridge or Sandras Corner one morning please email lincoln@parkrun.com
Catherine bravely took on marshalling Mozzy Corner. This may not be its official name but it’s on the corner in the wooded section. Plenty of shade makes it perfect conditions for a hot day like today.
Family Friendly
Perhaps you attend our Park Run with your family who spectate and cheer you on? Could you persuade them to Marshall? They still have the opportunity to cheer you on but at the same time help keep park run going for you.
Park Run is a vey family friendly community. The Lincoln Junior Park Run team are taking over the park run on the 10th August and are looking for volunteers for both this event and for the Junior Park Run which will eventually take place on Sundays. Could this be the opportunity for you and your children/grandchildren to volunteer and learn all about Junior Park run? If you are interested in supporting this event please check out the roster on this link: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Combining Running And Volunteering
Ella, another one of our Maternity Wing Park Run Group was also celebrating her 25th volunteer role today choosing to bar code scan. I love to bar code scan as you get to speak to 100’s of runners. The first past the post, who to be honest, can’t usually speak as they have just run supper fast. Those who achieved a PB, Park Run tourists, those training for ultra marathons, runners from different running groups, cancer my way participants, the children and walkers.
Jamie, today’s first runner home took on scanning duties as he has on many occasions. Fiona, ran her 200th park run today in a respectable 29m 36s and then took up scanning duties.
Fiona celebrating her 200th run at Lincoln Park Run
Perhaps you finish in the top 52. If so have you ever considered volunteering? I’m sure many of you have, but if not please consider running and bar code scanning just once a year. That’s 52 weeks covered already!!
I’ve dragged my son’s girlfriend to park run on more than one occasion. Charlie has now volunteered more than she has run. Her favourite role is funnel manager.
Today Shirley took control of the funnel and really enjoyed the experience. Again, it’s a great way to meet, greet and congratulate your fellow runners.
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Familiar Faces
A regular at park run is Keith Mackenzie. Today Keith celebrated his 50th volunteer role by park walking. Along with the tail walker this is a great way to give support and encouragement to those runners and walkers at the back of the pack. It’s an ideal role if you have an injury and need to slow your pace whilst still getting your park run fix and your steps in.
Keith celebrating his 50th Volunteering Role at Lincoln Park Run
Perhaps you have a big event on Sunday and need to rest. Rather than sitting park run out how about being the number checker, finish token manager or time keeper?
There are roles to suite everyone. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and try something different. The first timers welcome is another role you can combine comfortably with your run. This would also suit someone who needs to get away in a hurry after their run.
If you know of any youngster who are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award then volunteering can count as their service.
Pledge To Volunteer
Park Run UK suggests every runner should attempt to volunteer three times a year. Some will be able to do this easily plus more, whilst others may be able to manage just one. If every regular Lincoln park runner stepped forward just once a year it would make a huge difference to the roster.
Volunteering isn’t difficult and the park run community is really friendly and supportive. Please take a look at roster for the next six weeks and beyond.
Let’s all pledge to volunteer at least once a year.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/
Remember, if you are a T shirt collector then volunteer 50, 100 or 150 times and you can send for a volunteer shirt. This is another great way to support park runs future.
Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun and parkrun UK
by Martin Thomas | Apr 4, 2024 | Blogging, Lincolnshire Blogger, Lincs Connect, LincsBlogger, LincsConnect
The Original Lincolnshire Blogger
The original Lincolnshire Blogger (AKA Martin Thomas, ‘Simply Fit’) came to prominence in January 2011 (with the Lincolnshire Blogger concept being born in 2009) and quickly grew in popularity. The dedicated website followed in November 2015.
Initially writing as a columnist in the Lincolnshire Echo, The Target, Retford Times, Horncastle News, Louth Leader, Market Rasen Mail, Weddings Today and a few other newspapers and magazines the theme has always remained the same. Helping and informing people has, and is still at the top of the agenda for the newspaper and web based blogs and columns.
The Original Lincolnshire Blogger – The Beginnings
Initially the published works began as health and fitness columns with links to local charities, organisations and clubs to help give them a voice in the media.
The first regular column was instigated on 7 September 2011 in The Lincolnshire Echo but prior to that the published writing goes back to November 2009 in my capacity as the sponsor for The Midwife Of The Year (MOTY). The domain names were established at the same time while waiting for the website to be built.
Here are a couple of my early columns dating back to 2011 and early 2012:
Early Columns
The Lincolnshire Blogger – Moving On
The popularity of my columns soon grew and demand increased as more invitations for writing and radio interviews began to arrive. I wrote articles both as ‘Simply Fit’ and ‘Lincolnshire Blogger’ but the latter didn’t take off properly until 2015.
Fast forward to Covid in 2020. The blogs took on a new focus. The supportive blogs to help and inform people were gratefully received.
The Last Blogs Before Covid
The last Blogs before the pandemic included ‘New Website’ and ‘The New Logo’ with one of the last blogs being an advertising blog for the ‘Comedy Hotspot’ events. Little did I know what was going to happen in just a matter of days after its publication!
Little did we know what was to come in just a few days time! If you would like to read one of the last blogs before the Pandemic lockdown just click on this link: Comedy Hotspot
The Lincolnshire Blogger With Covid
It’s ironic that it took a major pandemic to shake me out of my fear of writing blogs. Everything up until then felt like ‘practice’ for the real thing!
Having contracted Covid the day before lockdown I was quarantined in the house. Luckily my bedroom was next door to my office so as a result I made use of my time by brushing up on my blogging skills. The writing has always been easy for me. The fear of the technology (along with my dyslexia) had been holding me back. I find the computer quite easy to use but WordPress (the website & blogging platform) somehow felt extremely difficult.
My first lockdown blog doesn’t look the slickest in the world but it was the start of my ever improving blogging journey. Thank goodness for YouTube tutorials and the help from the local Twitter community.
“Have We Become Numb” was the first lockdown blog of many. Thankfully they improved over time! Click on the blue link above if you would like to have a look.
Moving Up-To-Date
We faced many challenges during the pandemic and the LincsConnect blogs certainly went a long way towards helping people to navigate their way through it. Post pandemic blogging helped us through new challenges as many of us were nervous about reverting back to our pre-pandemic lifestyle. Once again, I did my bit with my blogs to help as many people as possible.
Blogs For Advertising
Rather than becoming ‘old fashioned’, blogging has become even more relevant recently as many people turn away from familiar social media platforms and embrace new ones. Readership has become very fragmented across the many platforms with ever more confusing sites launching on a regular basis. Twitter has certainly changed (not for the better) and Facebook experiences ever increasing updates which makes it more and more difficult to navigate. The blog has remained constant and as a result continues to be the perfect advertising medium.
Gala Fireworks used a LincsConnect blog to advertise their event at the Lincolnshire Showground. The blog is extremely useful as it’s much bigger than a standard advert. It contains more information than a standard newspaper editorial yet has a small link that can be easily copied and posted on any social media platform. The link comes with its own advertising picture (of your choice) which can be embedded onto a website as a permanent advert. All in all, it ‘is’ the perfect advertising tool. Click on the blue link above to see how effective a blog can be for advertising.
Take Your Advertising Forward
Get in touch if you would like to have a blog written for your business, organisation or charity. It’s ideal for advertising on any platform so contact me if you would like more information.
Alternatively, if you already write your own blogs you can get in touch to chat about sharing links.
Advert
Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home. Call 07966 174878 to book
18lb 6oz River Pike in the Dark.
Lincs Angler provides fishing tuition in the Lincolnshire area. Find more information in the Lincs Angler guest blog
by Martin Thomas | Feb 26, 2024 | Advertise, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Blogger, Lincs Connect, LincsBlogger, LincsConnect, Networking, What's on Lincs
The LincsConnect Hour
The LincsConnect Hour is on Twitter (X) every Monday evening from 8.00pm.
The #LincsConnect Hour is on Twitter (X) on Monday evenings from 8.00pm
How To Join The LincsConnect Hour
Hop across to Twitter (X) on Monday evenings from 8.00pm. It’s simple to join in, all you need to do is go to the Twitter search bar, type in #LincsConnect then tap on the ‘search’ button if you’re using the App or hit ‘return’ if you’re logged in from a computer search engine. Then tap or click ‘Latest’.
That’s it! Once you’re there, simply follow the instructions from whoever is hosting the Hour. The #LincsConnect Hour often starts off with introductions and adverts along with an invitation for embers to post any adverts they may have. General chat between members follows as part of the introductions then sometime around 8.10pm the host will post a question. There are often 3 or 4 questions during the Hour but the format is flexible and dependant on the host on the night.
This Monday 14 October 2024
Please do join us on Twitter at 8.00pm on 2 Sep 24. Join Jason from @JASPlumbLincs to do some free networking, chat with locals and don’t forget to post your adverts.
Who Can Host?
Hosting is open to all local followers so if you would like to have a go just get in touch to organise a date.
Why Host?
Hosting is a great way to get yourself known and is ideal for promoting what you do. It’s FREE networking across the whole County and more often than not, the #LincsConnect hashtag can be found ‘trending’ across the world. That’s great free advertising for you!
Use this template for your advertising when you host the #LincsConnect Hour
Simple
That’s it! I told you it was simple!!
Advert
This blog is sponsored by Mandarin Therapies
Contact Mandarin Therapies for your mobile complementary therapies, injury prevention and rehabilitation sessions. Tel 07966 174878
LincsConnect Hour Host Advertising
Hosts can now have their details and advert added to this blog so let me know if you would like to host and advertise. You can use this blog to advertise the fact that you are hosting and encourage more people to join you. The more people who join, the more exposure your advert gets!
We look forward to seeing you (virtually) on Monday evening.
