Viking Way, Day 12: Sewstern to Oakham

Although only four us us walked yesterday, we were joined in the evening at the White Lion by Heather and Brian and Brian joined us for our final day, while Heather met up with a friend in Oakham.  After the usual shunting around of cars we set off in reasonable time for our final stage from Sewstern.  The route continued along another wide and inviting green lane.  Soon we arrived at the village of Thistleton and the Thistleton Gap, which was the scene of a n illegal bare knuckle prize fight for the world heavyweight championship.  The victor Tom Cribb won in front of a crowd of 15,000.
Soon after Thistleton the way detours around the airfield of RAF Cottesmore before passing through Greetham and then the beautiful thatched cottage village of Exton.  We then climbed over one final hill before heading down to Whitwell and Rutland Water where the final few miles into Oakham hug its shores.
We arrived at Oakham Library just as it was getting dark and we were surprised, but delighted, to find that here there was a beautiful leather bound register for us to sign our names.  It felt a real achievement.
There was only one thing left to do and that was to retire to the White Lion for an excellent meal and some serious rehydration.
What an excellent long distance footpath and to be recommended.  Next up - The Yorkshire Wolds Way.