walking
Viking Way
The Viking Way is a 149 mile long walking route through Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. The route opened in 1976 and its name recognises the influence of the Norse invaders on the east of Britain. The route is clearly marked with the recognisable viking helmet on the yellow disc. The complete route can be divided into 13 separate walks or if you are looking for shorter circular walks try the Viking Way shorts which use parts of the larger route.
Viking Way sections
The Viking Way route can be divided into 13 sections from the River Humber through Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to Rutland. Starting on the banks of the Humber the route passes through rural Lincolnshire, attractive market towns, the city of Lincoln and then on through pretty villages and along an ancient trackway to reach Oakham, in Rutland. It’s a great way to experience and discover the varied and beautiful Lincolnshire landscape.
Viking Way shorts
You don’t have to go the full distance to experience the Viking Way. Discover local history and wildlife when walking the Viking Way Shorts. These circular trails use part of the larger route and are filled with heritage, nature and scenic views.
highlight destinations on the Viking Way
Barton Upon Humber
The Viking Way begins at the Humber Bridge viewing area in Barton Upon Humber. Take in the scenery and wildlife sightings along the Humber Bank and inland across Elsham Wolds. Close by is the Waters’ Edge Country Park & Visitor Centre with 110 acres of natural beauty to discover.
Caistor
The Caistor to Tealby section of the Viking Way boasts Lincolnshire’s highest ground and breathtaking scenery. On clear days, you can see Lincoln Cathedral, 20 miles away. Caistor’s attractive market square is a conservation area and has 56 listed buildings dating from the Georgian and Victorian periods.
Lincolnshire Wolds
The route passes through the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a living, working landscape, with woodland, grassland and abandoned chalk pits providing important habitats for rare flowers and wildlife. Enjoy rolling hills, interlocking valleys of streams, picturesque villages and market towns.
Horncastle
Horncastle is steeped in history and dates back to Roman times and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is a hotspot for antiques and artisan shops as well as galleries, award winning coffee houses, restaurants and cosy traditional pubs.
Woodhall Spa
Woodhall Spa is a bustling village set in woodland. Discover inviting cafés, the picturesque Jubilee Park and the unique Kinema in the Woods for an old-fashioned cinema treat. The Viking Way passes through the area known as the Lincolnshire Limewoods. Britain’s greatest concentration of ancient woodlands containing small leaved lime trees.
Lincoln
The city of Lincoln is a history hotspot dating back to Roman times, follow the route into the city to see the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral and Castle. Explore the quaint cobbled streets of Steep Hill and The Strait down to Lincoln High Street, and out the city to South Common.
Cliff Villages
Pass through the Cliff villages including: Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothby Graffoe, Navenby and Wellingore. These timeless limestone communities offer rustic charm and are ideally situated for panoramic views across Lincolnshire and beyond.
South Kesteven Villages & Hamlets
Here the Viking Way uses ancient routes including Ermine Street, Sewstern Lane and The Drift, as well as a section of the Grantham Canal towpath. In summer The Drift is a colourful display of wildflowers.
Oakham
This last section of the Viking Way is through Leicestershire and Rutland. It takes in a number of pretty stone villages before following the shore of Rutland Water to reach the county town of Oakham. Rutland Water is a manmade reservoir with a range of activities available and is home to a a fantastic array of wildlife including ospreys.
Lincoln Cathedral
The route follows a path into the Lincoln Cathedral grounds from the north, down Steep Hill and High Street, and out the city past South Common.
Links to other routes
From Lincoln, the route enters North Kesteven and takes field-paths and lanes past Greetham, Exton and Rutland Water. The trail ends at Oakham where it links with the Macmillan Way and the Hereward Way.
