Walking in Lincolnshire

If you think that Lincolnshire is a county dominated by mile after mile of flat farmland then think again. I must admit that it was my view of the county but I had never been there so my prejudice was about to be blown away. Instead of the flat fields of crops stretching into the distance there is a landscape of hills, valleys, villages and towns that provide a peaceful backdrop to great walking. The rural look of much of the region is inescapable and it is still a county dominated by crops and agriculture but flat it is not.

The small villages and farming communities have great charm but many have suffered the loss of their shops, pubs and post offices. As with much of old rural england the forces of the market place have simply killed off many small businesses.

The churches of Lincolnshire are interesting and are found dotted around the villages, some often have two. The larger county towns are reminiscent of an older England, they have the usual high street brands but they also manage to have kept the independent shops that create the character of our small towns. Many small markets also survive and add to the interest and character.

Louth is possibly my favorite town and it is a place where the pace of life seems to be relaxed ands slower. The church has an impressive tower, the second highest in England. For the price of a couple of pounds you can be let into the towers narrow staircase and allowed to climb the spiral steps for the best view in Lincolnshire. Not something for anyone suffering from claustrophobia! the staircase get narrower as you ascend and coming down is just as interesting.

Louth offers the chance to take in a lovely circular walk that start just outside the town centre. A sign from the by-pass leads to the car park for the towns main park. Follow the trout stream towards the town centre then head away along a track that leads out to the hills around Louth before returning to the start point of the park.

Walking in Lincolnshire
We have visited two regions of Lincolnshire and also managed a quick visit to the coastline. I prefer the inland walking and I think that you will too. Beniworth is an old farming village and is about as quiet as you could wish to find. Walks can be found from the village centre leading across the fields and lanes, all you need is a map to create your own routes. The village has no public transport so a car of bikes are required.

We used our stay there as a base to let us visit Louth and Lincoln and we stayed at Walesby near Market Rasen to walk the wolds and to look at the tiny church dedicated to ramblers a cyclists. The good people of Walesby decided, some time ago, that the walk from the village up the wet track was too much. The old church was abandoned the villagers founded a new church in the centre of the village. The old church has now been adopted and conserved as a place dedicated to walkers and lovely stained glass window has been installed. As far as I know the church is never locked!

The small village of Walesby offers another network of tracks for the walker to select a route from. It was easy to walk out of the B and B and head off to the hills on a circular walk that took in the smaller villages and hamlets, sweeping hills and a passing visit to the walkers church. I was elected to devise a circular route for the days outing. I rather got carried away and instead of a steady 10 miles we ended up closer to 18 miles and little footsore too. Walesby has a cafe serving excellent cakes and teas.

The Viking Way and the newer European Long Distance Route are features of walking in Lincolnshire and you are sure to meet other walkers who are tackling the Viking way. Lincolnshire also hosts a popular walking festival with walks of all grades and distances.
This article covers our last two visits and we have found some of the best rural walking we have ever enjoyed in the rolling countryside of Lincolnshire with the villages and small towns proving to be an enjoyable bonus.

Accommodation
We have enjoyed some great hospitality on our visits to Lincolnshire Glebe Farm at Beniworth and Blaven at Walesby offer comfortable rooms, great breakfasts and wonderful welcomes from the owners. Both places are quiet and sheltered from the racket of modern life. Simply step out of either front door and walk straight into the great countryside that awaits you.

B and B - Glebe Farm, Beniworth

B and B - Blaven House, Walseby

Lincolnshire Walking Festival