January 1st 2026. Corby Glen. Lincolnshire.
A very easy 2hr 20 drive down from Sheffield to Waterbeach on New Years Day, which I designated as my Dryanuary Day for 2026.
Having switched from road to rail of late, that M18/A1/A14 slog wasn’t quite as draining, but I picked a spot to stretch my legs just after Grantham.
That CAMRA pubs map tells a tale. Sparsely populated and pubbed South Kesteven actually has a fair few red “P” markers (2 in Castle Bytham), though I see that Swayfield newbie only lasted the year.
“Fancy a curated exploration of Corby Glen, Mrs RM ?“. She didn’t. Well, it was freezing. I made her a coffee in the campervan, awful it was, the rubber mugs hadn’t been washed since Tankerton, and walked the bounds.
It’s a real step back in time, makes Bourne look like Manchester.
I’d never been to a pub here, but I had an inkling it was famous for farm equipment. Actually, it’s an annual Sheep Fair in its 775th year that brings the boys to the (farm)yard.
Have some random pics.
Nice bit of decoration above that gorilla.
Actually a pleasant little village of only 1,017 souls who get two pubs,
a Batemans and a free house (inevitably, Tim Taylor on),
a couple of churches, lots of cakes,
a castle mound, an art gallery,
and a general feeling of contentedness.
But would you want to live here ?
retiredmartin 
Lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know a few people who would choose to live there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, like the gorilla who shouldn’t be shut out in a draughty porch during wintery weather.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great analogy, Paul.
I just popped in my Waterbeach local after a few hours with my Dad and there’s so much life in pubs it cheers you up instantly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What’s the height difference between the bottom of this glen and the surrounding terrain, one wonders?
And is nearby Bulby bulbier than Spalding?
LikeLike
I’d move there like a shot if I could.
LikeLike