Cycling

The Lincolnshire landscape is made for cycling – quiet country lanes with open vistas, the gently rolling Lincolnshire Wolds and Vales, the waterways, and an endless supply of village pubs and B&B’s for resting weary legs.

The gentle terrain of Lincolnshire is a cyclists dream, a varied landscape laced with country lanes, ancient bridleways, tracks and tow paths.

Cycling routes

See some of the best of it on the Hull-to-Harwich National Cycle Route, which bisects the county from Barton-upon-Humber to Holbeach, via Lincoln and the rolling beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Along the way are pretty hamlets, market towns, windmills, elegant church spires, welcoming pubs and friendly B&B’s, many with bike sheds for passing cyclists. The official map and guide to this National Cycle Route (No.1), detailing each section of the journey, is available from Sustrans 0845 113 0065 or visit www.sustransshop.co.uk

Another long-distance route through Lincolnshire is the Stamford-to-Humber Bridge section of the National Byway (also known as the Heritage Cycling Route). This route heads west from the mellow limestone townscape of Stamford into Rutland and Northamptonshire, before cutting east again into Lincolnshire and passing through Grantham, Gainsborough and Barton-upon-Humber. The latter part of this route is a great introduction to the quiet pastoral landscape of North Lincolnshire.

Two cycle maps covering the North and South Wolds are available at the Tourist Information Centres in Louth and Horncastle. These provide a useful overview of the country lanes that thread the hills, complete with a key for pubs, cafés, cycle shops and camp sites. Maps in the same series are available for the countryside surrounding Gainsborough and Lincoln. The latter highlights cycle facilities and cycle friendly routes around Lincoln, along with the best trails into the surrounding rural area. Don't miss the cycle path along the Water Railway, which follows the southbound course of the River Witham on its way from Lincoln to Boston – 20-miles off road and 13-miles on country lanes. Why not order the latest Waterways Partnership Newsletter for the latest information.

For quiet open roads, crisp clear air and no hills in sight, head for the Fens, a unique and atmospheric corner of Lincolnshire. The cycle routes here follow tranquil paths along rivers and drainage waterways, historic seabanks or traditional droving routes. Explore this classic 'Fenscape' on a 24-mile circuit from Holbeach, stopping off along the way at Gedney Church, known as the 'Cathedral of the Fens'. On a sunny spring day, enjoy the yellow bloom of daffodils – a fine counterpoint to the wide blue sky.

Lincolnshire's long coast is also well equipped for cyclists, with plenty of cycle-friendly routes snaking out from each of the major seaside resorts – Skegnesss, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes. There's plenty to explore by bike, from the attractions of the seaside resorts, to the many different coastal habitats and nature reserves.

Finally, 2008 saw the introduction of a new series of shorter Cycle Route Maps (under 30 miles) for Lincolnshire. For further details about these new routes around Lincoln, Grantham, Woodhall Spa and The Deepings – contact Lincolnshire County Council on 01522 782070 or you can visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countryside