(S/E) Face the Interpretation Board and turn left. After walking 200 metres turn right along Short Lane and carefully cross the A16 bypass. Continue along to the lane junction and turn right, following the road up to Fotherby Common.
(1) Follow the track, ignoring the footpath on the left and Fotherby Beacon on the right, to the next hedgerow on the right. Turn along the footpath with the hedgerow to the left. Then follow the sign through the gap, continuing along with the hedgerow on the right.
(2) At the field corner go through the hedge and bear diagonally left. The pathway should be visible on the ground, but aim for the right hand edge of the woodland on the horizon. Continue across the field arriving at a grass area with a track to Grimble Wood. Don't go along this track, but bear right down the hill, with Grimble Wood to your left. Aim for a large gap in the hedgerow with the footpath sign visible. Walk up the steps and turn right onto the track.
(3) Continue along the track as it bears to the left and joins the road. Turn right and walk along the road through the village, passing the Packhorse Bridge and St Andrews Church. Continue to the A16, turning right onto the tarmac footway and carefully crossing the A16 at the refuge.
St Andrews Church Utterby - the main building of St Andrew's dates back to the early 14th century however just outside lies the base of a medieval cross, which would have served as the focal point for earlier services and meetings. As you venture inside, take time to view the carvings on the inner door frame - you should see depictions of a green man and animals. The community has created a small heritage display inside and the churchyard is managed for wildlife.
(4) Turn right, then left onto Holywell Lane. Follow the lane to the former railway bridge. Take the Permissive Bridleway on your left and join the disused railway line. Turn right and pass under the bridge, continuing along for approximately 2 kms, ignoring the first set of footpath signs. (This permissive route is part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway and it is hoped that trains will once again run along this track).
Grimsby to Louth Railway - East Lincolnshire Railway opened a passenger service from Grimsby to Louth in 1848. Fotherby Gate House station opened in 1852, used only on market days, but closed in 1872. It reopened in 1905 as Fotherby Halt, with the line becoming part of British Rail 1948. Passenger traffic closed in 1961 but the line remained open for freight until 1980.
(5) At the second set of footpath signs turn right, cross the track to the fenced footpath and continue to a footbridge. Go through the kissing gate, along the grass field to the second kissing gate. Continue along the lane passing St Mary's church to return to the Interpretation Board.(S/E)
