Step into the peaceful landscapes of Lincolnshire and uncover heavenly settings for unhurried walks. From the county’s timeless fenland beauty and synonymous chalk uplands to its lime tree woodlands and salt-jewelled coast, it promises untold wonder for wanders in the wilds. Embrace tranquil strolls and soul-stirring hikes along quiet trails and green horizons, immersing in the hypnotic rhythm of placing one foot in front of the other and breathing in the rejuvenating fresh air.
From renowned long distance hiking trails to peaceful pockets, uncover the best walks in Lincolnshire ready to embark on cherished reveries under cerulean skies.
The Viking Way
The Viking Way is a long-distance walking trail in Lincolnshire, running from the reed-framed banks of the Humber all the way to Oakham, near Wing in Rutland. Signposted by characteristic Viking helmet symbols, the route takes its name from the Norse invaders who once landed on the shores of eastern England to conquer its realms. At 149 miles long, it can be broken down into 13 different sections, as well as endless varieties of shorter walks. A particularly lovely option, a 4.5-mile loop encompasses the verdant grasslands of the Netton Valley and Lincolnshire Wolds. Adorn your outdoor attire and cover as much or as little of The Viking Way as you please, savouring endless backdrops of dreamy countryside scenes as you go.
Sandilands Beach
Embrace coastal pursuits and head towards the honey-hued swathes of Sandilands Beach for oceanside walks. Part of a vast shoreline extending for miles, it’s the perfect place to tread footsteps in the sand and bask in the glorious ocean air. For pushchairs and wheelchairs, a smooth pathway wends along sections of the seafront, offering a level surface and backdrop of sweeping sea vistas. Meanwhile, for those seeking the irresistible cushion of sand underfoot and paw, the dog-friendly beach and rolling dunes beckon with a wealth of space for picnics and panoramas.
Grimsthorpe Castle
The charming Grimsthorpe is home to one of the country’s most history-rich castles. Gifted by King Henry VIII as a wedding present to William, 11th Baron Willoughby de Eresby in 1516, the striking Grimsthorpe Castle has been home to descendants of the same family ever since. Today, the castle and its sweeping grounds are open on select days of the year for organised tours, special events, and self-guided exploration. Particularly tempting on blue-sky days are serene ambles around the grounds. Flowing across 3,000 acres of gardens, woodland, and parkland, this verdant idyll is perfect for quiet lakeside strolls and sun-dappled saunters through ancient trees, before heading to an inviting restaurant nearby to satiate appetites.
Lindsey Trail
For those seeking wanderlust adventures through Lincolnshire’s spellbinding scenery, turn your attention to the Lindsey Trail. Spanning 69 miles from Market Rasen to Horncastle, it was originally designed by local carriage drivers and features 22 miles of traffic-free trail. With a number of places to start and end, you can easily curate your own itinerary for a day of relaxed or fast-paced hiking. Adorn your outdoor attire and savour the surrounding countryscapes as you go, looking out for historic highlights such as the 17th-century South Ormsby Hall and Harrington Hall, both of which are renowned for their connections with the esteemed poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Fossdyke Canal Trail
Connecting the historic cathedral city of Lincoln with the little village of Saxilby, the Fossdyke Canal Trail offers 6 miles of waterside tranquillity. Part of the oldest working canal in England, the waterway was originally built by the Romans around 120AD, used for both cargo and cruising for nearly 2,000 years. To follow the flow of one of the country’s ancient waterways and retrace the pathways and paddles of time, walk, jog, or cycle along the banks of the canal and relax into a steady pace. With a mostly level and accessible path and a plethora of places to pause and replenish en route, this is a darling destination for walks in all seasons.
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve resides on a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Lincolnshire coast. Extending from the fringes of Skegness to the mouth of the Wash, the largest estuary in Britain, it is home to internationally recognised landscapes decorated with sand dunes, saltmarsh, and meadows. Inviting all generations to uncover its rich array of flora and fauna, a series of trails and boardwalks weave around the reserve, some of which are pushchair and wheelchair friendly. Two car parks are available and an onsite visitor centre features a café, shop, and comfort facilities. Follow a gentle walk around the reserve, just under 2 miles long, for unforgettable alfresco forays, before returning to the café for a plate of something delicious.
Hubbard’s Hill
Uncover the dappled beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape with a slow exploration of Hubbard’s Hill. A wooded valley created by melting glaciers 40,000 years ago, it’s a living tapestry weaving together the natural world and the steady hands of time. Venture over for leisurely spells, following riverside trails along the banks of the River Lud, past trees cloaked in seasonal tones. While children love hopping over the river’s stepping stones, peaceful repose can be found on quiet banks and sheltered meadows, just heavenly for picnics under a warm sun. Great for families, a 1.5-mile walk provides a mostly flat and surfaced trail.
Donna Nook
The coastalscapes around Donna Nook are adored for their ocean-hued beauty and salt-kissed spaces. Unveiling a rich tapestry of habitats between land and sea, it also happens to be home to one of Britain’s largest grey seal colonies, which is especially active in November and December during pupping season. Fall in love with the area’s sea-brushed swathes along the 7.5-mile Donna Nook walk via Horse Shoe Point. A relatively level route, it encourages soul-stirring moments throughout the year overlooking the North Sea. To protect the area’s resident wildlife and preserve nature’s quietude, it’s important to stick to the boardwalks around the seal viewing areas and maintain a peaceful presence as you go.
Willingham Woods
Willingham Woods promises a sylvan setting for bewitching walks in Lincolnshire. Part of a gathering of pinewoods, it invites all generations of woodland wanderers to enjoy its walking, cycling, riding, and picnicking opportunities beneath jewel-toned canopies. A loop of just over 2 miles meanders through the trees, beckoning for adumbral escapism, while a longer 4.5-mile route promises further exploration. For ease, a large Forestry England car park and picnic site provides easy access and somewhere to relax over hampers of artisan treats, while facilities and a nearby café offer comfort during outdoor escapades.
Feeling inspired for soul-stirring walks? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Lincolnshire.
