We are the Sleaford Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Inspired by the new Lancaster landmark on the hill close to the old RAF Swinderby airfield, we walk on Remembrance Day, to view the new installation and remember the aircrew that flew and to those that were lost, some close by.
This is a 8.25 mile walk starting at Stapleford Woods, to Eastfield, Danethorpe Hill, Brough, Brills Hill, Stapleford Moor and back to the carpark.
The walk up to the installation is optional, but why wouldn't you, adds a further 0.75 miles, and timed to be at lunchtime; this is subject to having access on the day; the installation is not officially open except on advertised days.
Hill top views on clear days across Nottinghamshire.
PLEASE NOTE DOGS ARE NOT ADVISED ON THIS WALK.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE LANCASTER SCULPTURE SITE, WHERE WE EXPECT TO SPEND APPROX 1 HOUR FOR OUR LUNCH BREAK AND TO VIEW THE SCULPTURE. LIVESTOCK (COWS, HORSES AND SHEEP) ARE PRESENT ELSEWHERE ON THE ROUTE.
Parking is limited at Stapleford Woods. Please car share. We are expecting a good turnout from the contact from various Rambler's groups.
Traffic around the area has increased on the minor roads since the installation came together.
The walk has 3 stiles, and is mainly on hardstanding along footpaths, bridleways, minor roads and B roads.
We walk in fields and around fields where there is livestock present: cows, sheep, horses.
The route has been altered from the mapped version as some bridleways to Stapleford village have been 'Stopped', to form part of the quarrying in the area.
Details of the installation can be found at https://www.bombergatewaytrust.co.uk/about/
Also visit Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OnFreedomsWings/
**OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY DATE & NOVEMBER VISITING DAYS***
The Bomber County Gateway Trust is delighted to announce that “On Freedom’s Wings” will be officially opened on the weekend on the 15-17th May 2026. This will be marked with an Opening Ceremony & celebrations.
This historic date will mark the past, the present & the future & bring together all those who have helped make this wonderful sculpture possible.
More details on attending the event will be made available in the new year.
In the meantime construction continues. We hope to have a more formal car parking system in place for visiting, early in the new year but in the mean time the dates we are open for visiting through to the end of November are as follows:
Sunday 9th Nov
Saturday 15th Nov
Sunday 23rd Nov
Saturday 29th Nov
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WHEN PLANNING YOUR VISIT
*** The gates open at 10am & close at 3pm***
Location of the Main Entrance:
Folly Lane, Norton Disney Lincolnshire
https://w3w.co/mocking.scatters.salutes
The google location marks the site of the bomber not the entrance to the site.
There are no other entrances.
* ENTRANCE IS FREE but all donations are very welcome for the ongoing work required & future maintain of the bomber sculpture. Donations can be made on the day at the site or online at www.bombergatewaytrust.co.uk
* The walk up to the site is approx 500m on a gravel track (please see information below regarding accessibility) unfortunately no vehicles are allowed up the track while the site is open. This is to ensure the safety of those walking.
* Please NO DOGS, we are delighted to welcome dog lovers & owners but please leave your pets behind for this trip. The land owners don’t let their own dogs out on this land & this rule is there to protect not only their land, livelihood & stock but also other visitors to the site who may not enjoy being in close proximity to unknown dogs. Please understand & respect this. This is not going to change & the only exception is to registered guide & assistance dogs.
*There aren’t any loos or refreshments available at the site
*Drones may not be launched from anywhere on the site or the surrounding land which is all privately owned.
* VIEWING POINTS When the site is closed these are the best places to see the sculpture from. It is the official one, is on the lane known as Newark Road. The area is well signed.
location:
https://w3w.co/evaporate.captions.informal
There is also a large lay-by on the Northbound side of the A46 opposite the Bomber. This is an easy place to stop & take a photo.
location:
https://w3w.co/stylists.rooks.dubbing
PLEASE use the above viewing points & don’t go down the private quarry & farm access road. Due to ongoing trespassing on the private road & the field next to the bomber, Police monitored CCTV has been installed & unauthorised vehicles & visitors recorded. There are large signs that cannot be missed, warning that it is private & there is no access to the bomber. THANK YOU
*ACCESSIBILITY
Please note the site is not yet finished. The track while reasonably level & previously compacted has now had thousands of visitors walking over it & heavy construction vehicles using it. This has resulted in the gravel loosening & has made it increasingly difficult for standard wheel chairs to traverse.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer lifts from the car park on general open days due to insurance restrictions, but we are putting on a day for blue badge holders only, when we will have a solution in place. The exact date is tbc but will be in early Nov. Please message us directly to be added to the list for notification of further details for our Blue Badge day.
Please share this post to keep everyone updated with the most recent information.
We look forward to welcoming you.
The Bomber County Gateway Trust
Stapleford Woods carpark - limited carparking. Please car share.
