Walcot, Pickworth and Folkingham

This circular walk crosses attractive undulating countryside and visits pretty villages, passing the site of a medieval settlement. The walk uses tracks and quiet lanes; at wet times and in winter the tracks will be muddy. The highlight of the walk, and central theme, is the three historic churches in the three villages, all of which have a remarkable history.

The walk is on mainly level terrain, though the main descent and ascent is to and from the village of Folkingham. The highest point of the walk is just after leaving Pickworth at 62 metres elevation, and the lowest point is on the site of Folkingham Castle at 27 metres elevation.

Walcot is a probable site of prehistoric or Roman settlement. Earthworks indicating rectilinear ditched enclosures and a circular dwelling have been found, evidenced through crop marks and aerial photographs. Medieval ridge and furrow field systems have also been recorded.

The 1086 Domesday Book lists the village of Pickworth as having forty households and a church.

It is likely that the village of Folkingham originated as an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the sixth century, developing into a regionally important royal soke center, or multiple estate, by the eighth century.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.