Lincolnshire is a county rich with places to explore. From the rolling rural landscapes of the Lincolnshire Wolds, perfect for walking and hiking. And the Water Railway, a flat almost traffic free cycle route that meanders through the quiet beauty of The River Witham. Here is our guide to the best places to walk, cycle and explore in Lincolnshire.
Cycling
Lincolnshire is a wonderful and diverse county to explore by bike. It is home to an array of cycle routes allowing the visitor to experience different aspects of our enticing county, steeped in culture and hidden gems.
Miles of rolling countryside (yes there are hills!) will reveal hidden valleys, sleepy stone villages and historic market towns. Exploring the Lincolnshire Wolds is a breeze by bike as you take in the quiet country lanes and breath-taking scenery of some of the highest points in the county.
Top 5 places to Cycle in Lincolnshire
- Lincolnshire Wolds – miles of rolling countryside. The quaint market town of Louth provides the perfect base to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty.
- Water Railway – The Water Rail Way is a flat, almost entirely traffic-free route. Cyclists will enjoy wonderful views of the fens landscapes from viewing platforms over the banks of the River Witham. The route starts in the cathedral city of Lincoln before following the former Lincoln to Boston Railway Line.
- Lincolnshire Coastal Route – endless beaches, and nature reserves.
- Lincoln – a small urban delight, steeped in history. Lincoln is home to one of the finest Castles and Cathedrals in the UK. Experienced cyclists may also want to take on the ‘Steep Hill’ challenge?! Don’t worry – there is an ample choice of pubs for that well-deserved pint at the top of the hill!
- Stamford and Rutland – the perfect Georgian Town, coupled with the beauty of Rutland Water makes the perfect combination for cycling. This ride follows National Cycle route 63 from Lincolnshire into Rutland. You start in Stamford town centre heading west towards Exton on country roads. A lovely spell along Rutland Water takes you into the finish point in Oakham.
Cycle through Historic market towns
One of the joys of exploring the Lincolnshire Wolds is exploring our historic market towns. There’s Louth, the ‘finest little market town in Britain’, Horncastle famed for its antiques shops and historic Alford with its five-sailed windmill. Our Wolds route will also take you out to the edge of Donna Nook national nature reserve – famed for its population of grey seals.
Check out Cycle England’s recommended route through the Wolds
Take on the full 180km route or just dip in and out and enjoy the scenery. The terrain is all country roads and is a suitable for all ranges of cyclists. Don’t be fooled in thinking Lincolnshire is all flat, there are some thigh burning hills!
Walking in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire is a haven for walkers of all abilities. From family walks to a more strenuous stretch over a number of days; there is something for everyone. With its long coastline on the North Sea to the east and varied landscapes inland. For walkers, this diversity means that there are a wide variety of walks including the coastal route, the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds, historic villages and many nature reserves. For many the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds offer some the best walking in the county. In complete contrast the flat and often watery landscapes of the Fens are equally attractive. In the western half of the county the limestone escarpment running north-south also offers some outstanding walking.
Top Six walks Lincolnshire
- The Tennyson Trail – Two circular walks starting from the quiet hamlet of Bag Enderby passing Tennyson’s birthplace and home for the first twenty-eight years of his life. Explore the scenery that inspired his works.
- Water Rail Way – A 33-mile off-road cycle route from Lincoln to Boston taking you through open countryside under Lincolnshire’s big skies. Don’t forget to marvel at the wonderful art installations along the way!
- The Viking Way – A 147 mile route starting on the banks of the Humber, going through the Lincolnshire Wolds, and finishing on the shores of Rutland Water. Look out for the Viking Helmet way markers.
- Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park – Circular walking routes using combination of beach, sea wall and footpaths across working farmland. Perfect to take in the sea air and enjoy views out to the coast.
- Spires and Steeples Trail – The Spires and Steeples trail, from Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys’ Church, Sleaford, brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies. 26 miles in total, but the trail is easy to dip in and out of if your legs are not feeling that energetic!
- Wanderlust Way – The Wanderlust Way is a popular twenty mile circular walk starting and finishing at Bradley Woods to the West of Grimsby. The walk generally follows field edge paths, tracks and some minor roads through the Lincolnshire Wolds, which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk is relatively easy and there are no significant hills or slopes, however the landscape is rises and falls, taking walkers through narrow lanes and across windy hilltops.
For a good introduction to walking in Lincolnshire why not stretch your legs in “walkers heaven” – Lincolnshire’s picturesque Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the Lincolnshire Wolds are the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries.
Along the way you’ll find pretty bridleways, old churches, nature reserves, deserted medieval villages, meandering streams, market towns and welcoming pubs. For more information please visit Lincs Wolds
Or why not follow in the footsteps of one of Britain’s greats and explore the Isaac Newton Trail in the South of the county?
A new Newton’s Trail which includes his birthplace at Woolsthorpe Manor has mapped off-the-beaten track locations accessible by foot and bike as well as a car. The trail takes in the villages of Colsterworth, Burton le Coggles, Corby Glen, Irnham, Edenham, Grimsthorpe, Swayfield and Swinstead via a network of quiet country lanes.
Established attractions such as Easton Walled Gardens and Grimsthorpe Castle are listed alongside the area’s beautiful churches, a retreat house, art gallery, award winning coffee shop and historic hostelries.
For more information please visit Discover South Kesteven
