……. to find The Red House in Longstowe.

We did not like being beaten! And although Google Maps and Maps lead us astray, we gave Google Earth a try. We could see we were very close on our first attempt, and on Google Earth, Mick was positive he could see a ‘footpath’ along the fields, near Dean Brook.

Another incentive was our son had come to spend a night with us, and the three of us agreed it was worth a try. Not for lunch though as we’d bought some meat at the local butcher’s shop in Bourn for dinner and we did not want to spoil our appetites.

We headed off around 2pm, initially with the dogs as I thought they’d love the walk. We got 600m before we had to turn around and return the dogs as the road was not safe for walking on.

Second attempt and we did find the footpath Mick had spotted about 1.5km from our house.

We weren’t convinced we were on the right track until…

… we met a couple walking towards us. They gave us great heart as they had just had lunch at The Red Door.

So we continued on as the sky started to look threatening.

Up ahead we spotted some car lights. What? On this road.

It was a police car with two coppers. No smile from either of them.

After 3km on this walk, we spotted the pub.

Before we ordered a drink I checked if we could get a taxi home. I called the company and was told it was a flat fee of £20.

Mick and Edward vetoed that option.

It was not a typical old English pub, but just like the one 60m from our front door.

After two beers we headed home as it started to sprinkle.

We could see the church spire in the distance and this time we knew it was going to be 4.5km.

We made it safely home and very lucky not to be dripping wet. It really started raining heavily shortly after we were inside.

With all our dog walking and this trip to Longstowe, we’d walked 18km today.

We enjoyed our dinner.

Ham hocks and a dessert I’ve always wanted to try.

Summer pudding using all the free blackberries growing around here.