Boothby Graffoe Short Walk

This walk is set in and around the attractive villages of Boothby Graffoe, and  Navenby small communities strung out along the impressive limestone ridge that is known as Lincoln Edge. Pick a clear day and the walk will reward you with wide horizons and spectacular views.

Lincoln Edge is part of the long limestone ridge that runs through England from Yorkshire to The Cotswolds and the south coast. A steep escarpment lies to the west and leads down to fertile agricultural land that is drained by the river Witham and its tributary, the Brant. To the east is heathland; here the limestone dips gently away until becoming submerged by the Fens.

Boothby Graffoe is just one of a chain of villages that have developed along an old ridge way track and on the spring line. A settlement has been here since the 10th century when the Danes occupied the area. ‘Boothby’ is thought to come from the old Danish word Bodebi, meaning ‘temporary shelter’ (‘Graffoe’ was not added until the 18th century and referred to the local administrative district).

Part of this walk follows The Viking Way, a long distance footpath that runs from the banks of the Humber to the shores of Rutland Water, a distance of 149 miles. Established in 1976, its name reflects the influence of the Danes in the eastern counties of Britain. Look out for the Viking helmet symbol on way markers. You will also walk along sections of a route that was laid out nearly 2000 years ago – the Roman road known as Ermine Street.