George Wilkinson steps out near the Humber Bridge for a walk at Ferriby Sluice.

LINCOLNSHIRE this week, but only just, for a wander by the Humber Estuary. The world's third longest suspension bridge was worth the price of a pint (£2.50 toll), the walk was interesting, worth the drive.

After examining the recently-refurbished locks at Ferriby Sluice, we set off south and up the New River Ancholme, renamed and remade dead straight to drain the lowland. It also functions as a landing strip for birds: all the usual culprits.

A police boat cruised and a police helicopter hovered, searching for a man who had not returned from the pub.

After a mile we reached Horkstow Bridge, one of the earliest suspension jobs, made in 1836 by Sir John Rennie. It's a fine thing in iron, timber and sandstone and once serviced brick kilns. Now it terminates a dead-end lane from Horkstow. A mile later we were near the village church finding our way on to a large open access area.

This was populated by a flock of Romney Marsh sheep, shy, hairy and ploddy animals. We climbed through their pastures. Yes, climbed! Lincolnshire is not totally flat and we made all of 200 feet, thereby enjoying super views over the Humber Estuary as we marched the Viking Way along the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The Viking Way descends to the banks of the Humber. The tide was low and beyond beds of tall bronze reeds the calm grey waters stretched two miles to Yorkshire. Shelves of mud flats were stippled with the footprints of wading birds; the Humber Bridge occasionally showed through the gloom.

It had tanked down half the day and we hid in a bird hide and watched shellducks shovel mud. Then we trooped back to the start too bedraggled for the Hope and Anchor. Lest I forget, there is a cement works, sombre, dominant, but somehow stylish.

On the way home the sun put in a pre-twilight burst and the Humber Bridge was looped by a double (perhaps triple) rainbow, which was extra nice.

Fact file:

Distance: Six miles.

Time: Three hours.

General location: Near Humber Bridge.

Start: Ferriby Sluice.

Right of way: The complete route is along public rights of way, permissive paths and in an open access area.

Date walked: Saturday November 23, 2002.

Road route: Cross to Lincolnshire at Howden or by Humber Bridge.

Car parking: Free car park at Ferriby Sluice.

Lavatories: Ferriby Sluice.

Refreshments: Inn at Ferriby Sluice, open all day.

Tourist & public transport information: North Lincolnshire TIC 01652 657053.

Map: Based on OS Explorer 281 Ancholme Valley.

Terrain: Edge of Lincolnshire Wolds and River Humber.

Points of interest: Horkstow Grange might ring a bell for folk rock fans, especially if reminded that a John 'Steeleye' Span lived hereabouts in the early nineteenth century.

Difficulty: Moderate, good firm paths, flat but for a little climb.

Dogs: Suitable.

Weather forecast: Evening Press and recorded forecast 0891 500 418

Please observe the Country Code and park sensibly. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers set out at their own risk.

Directions:

When in doubt look at the map. Check your position at each point. Keep straight on unless otherwise directed.

1. Left to road from car park/picnic area, path on left beside New River Ancholme (Diversion for repairs for 200 yards via side of marina due to finish end of December 2002 - good maps on site).

2. At bridge, left along dead-end lane. At main road, right into Horkstow (pavement).

3. Track on left between brick house and bungalows that are before church. Fieldgate into open access area, track, 20 yards, ignore right fork (fieldgates) then at brow of hill keep by fence to right. To find a gate, descend 100 yards when above hall, then up to top corner of pasture.

4. Fieldgate to road, right, 20 yards, track on left along brow of hill (signed) then down into South Ferriby.

5. Cross main road to Cliff Road, ignore left-hand turn, tarmac to track (ignore Private Quarry Danger sign).

6. At view bench, field-edge path on left (signed). Left to riverside path. Pass hide, swing left at river (East Drain) back to Ferriby Sluice.

Click here to view a map of the walk

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, November 30, 2002