Lincolnshire walks

The Best Walks in Lincolnshire: Explore the County!

Lincolnshire is one of England’s most diverse counties for walkers, offering everything from rolling chalk hills and ancient woodlands to riverside paths, vast open farmland, and dramatic coastal scenery. Whether you are looking for short countryside strolls or longer routes through some of the county’s most scenic landscapes, there is no shortage of excellent walks in Lincolnshire to discover.

From the distinctive hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds to the quiet fenland landscapes and historic market towns, walking in Lincolnshire provides the opportunity to experience some of the most unspoilt countryside in England. The county is home to a wide variety of routes suitable for beginners, families, and experienced walkers alike, with many paths passing through areas rich in wildlife, history, and local heritage.

Popular Easy Walks in Lincolnshire

Surfleet Walk

Distance: 9.94 km | Duration: 2 Hours 50 Minutes | Terrain: Roadside, gravel 

This pleasant Surfleet Circular walk begins, of course, in the village of Surfleet and follows quiet country lanes, sections of the River Glen, and open farmland before returning via part of the Macmillan Way. Starting from Surfleet Village Hall, this 10 km route is the scenic stretch alongside the River Glen.

The River Glen attracts a variety of birdlife, such as the Little Egret, throughout the year, making this one of the more rewarding walks in Lincolnshire for nature enthusiasts. With mostly level terrain and wide-open views across the surrounding countryside, the 3-hour route offers a relaxing experience suitable for most fitness levels.

Round Binbrook via Mill Walk

Distance: 5.27 km | Duration: 1 Hour 40 Minutes | Terrain: Footpaths, tracks, roadside walking 

Located in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Binbrook via Mill circular route explores the village of Binbrook and its surrounding countryside. Starting in the Market Place, the roughly 1-2 hour walk follows a combination of bridleways, grassy footpaths, quiet lanes, and rural tracks before returning to the village centre.

Along the way, walkers can enjoy views across the rolling chalk landscape, one of the many highlights that make the Wolds such a popular walking destination. The 5 km route passes local landmarks including the historic Binbrook Water Mill and areas of chalk grassland that support a variety of wildlife.

In Ore of Our Past Walk

Distance: 6.89 km | Duration: 2 Hours 15 Minutes | Terrain: Grassy paths, country lanes

The Ore of Our Past is a 2-hour walk that explores the industrial heritage of the Lincolnshire Wolds while passing through the picturesque Nettleton Valley. The valley was once shaped by ironstone mining, but has since returned to a peaceful landscape of grassy valleys, woodland edges, and open countryside.

Although sections can become muddy after periods of rain, the almost 7 km route rewards walkers with excellent views across the surrounding countryside. Highlights include the former mining areas around Nettleton Top and panoramic views towards Lincoln. On clear days, walkers may even spot Lincoln Cathedral rising above the distant skyline.

Moderate Walks in Lincolnshire

On Top of the Wolds Walk

Distance: 8.39 km | Duration: 2 Hours 40 Minutes | Terrain: Tracks, paths, roadside sections

Beginning near St James’s Church in Louth, the Top of the Wolds walk showcases some of the finest countryside in the Lincolnshire Wolds. A little over 8 km, this walk climbs gradually onto higher ground, offering expansive views across the surrounding Louth landscape. Walkers have often described this walk as a lovely, quiet walk that is just the right type of difficulty.

During the 2-3-hour route, the highlights include the Greenwich Meridian marker, a landmark of the prime meridian located on the roadside; the historic hamlet of Acthorpe, an AONB site; and several mature Scots pine trees that stand prominently within the landscape.

Claxby Wood View Walk

Distance: 16.73 km | Duration: 5 Hours 10 Minutes | Terrain: Footpaths, woodland tracks, rural lanes

Starting in Market Rasen, the Claxby Wood View route explores a variety of landscapes including woodland, farmland, open countryside, and traditional rural villages. As the 16-17 km route heads towards Walesby, walkers experience many of the features that make circular Lincolnshire walks so popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

The 5-hour route passes through wooded sections, agricultural land, and quiet tracks before reaching All Saints' Church in Walesby, often known as the Ramblers' Church. Situated close to the remains of a medieval settlement, it provides a fascinating historical point of interest before the route loops back through the surrounding countryside.

Shadow of Juicetrump Walk

Distance: 6.77 km | Duration: 2 Hours 10 Minutes | Terrain: Footpaths, tracks, roadside sections

Linking the villages of Belchford and Scamblesby, the Shadow of Juicetrump circular walk combines rolling countryside, woodland, streams, and far-reaching views. The almost 7 km route follows a section of the famous Viking Way before exploring quieter local paths through the surrounding landscape.

During the 2-hour walk, walkers will pass close to Juicetrump Hill and areas of ancient woodland, while sections around Flintwood Farm showcase ongoing habitat restoration projects that support local wildlife. With varied terrain and plenty of scenery, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for authentic walks in the Lincolnshire Wolds countryside.

The Viking Way Long Distance Path

The Viking Way is one of England’s most celebrated long-distance trails and is a defining Lincolnshire walk. Stretching for approximately 240 km from the Humber Bridge to Rutland, the route passes through many of the county's most attractive landscapes.

The trail crosses farmland, river valleys, meadows, woodland, and extensive sections of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Distinctive yellow waymarkers guide walkers along the route as it passes through villages, historic sites, and countryside shaped by centuries of agricultural activity. The name was given to reflect the region’s strong Viking heritage, adding a fascinating historical dimension to an already impressive walking experience.

Explore the Lincolnshire Wolds

No guide to walking in Lincolnshire would be complete without highlighting the Lincolnshire Wolds. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1973 and now recognised as a National Landscape, the Wolds cover approximately 558 square kilometres of rolling chalk hills, wooded valleys, and picturesque villages.

The landscape has been shaped by thousands of years of human activity, resulting in a distinctive patchwork of farmland, hedgerows, ancient woodlands, and quiet country lanes. Today, the area remains a popular destination for walks in the Lincolnshire Wolds countryside thanks to its calm atmosphere and varied scenery.

One of the most popular Lincolnshire Wolds walks is Footsteps of Roman Legions. This 12 km route links the villages of Fulletby, Tetford, and Belchford, along with the hamlet of Salmonby. Following grassy tracks, countryside paths, and sections of the Viking Way, the 3-4 hour route also traces part of an ancient Roman road. The combination of historical interest and beautiful scenery makes it a standout walk in Lincolnshire.

In addition to these well-known routes, visitors may also enjoy exploring nearby beauty spots such as Hubbards Hills near Louth, the countryside surrounding Woodhall Spa, and sections of the coastline around Gibraltar Point, all of which offer excellent opportunities for walking in Lincolnshire.

The Seasons of Walking in Lincolnshire

Spring sees hedgerows burst into life as wildflowers emerge and birds return to the countryside. Across the Lincolnshire Wolds, fresh green fields and woodland paths create some of the county’s most attractive walking conditions.

Summer offers long daylight hours and expansive views across farmland, marshland, and coastline. The county’s famous big skies are often at their most impressive during this season, while coastal routes benefit from refreshing sea breezes.

Autumn transforms the countryside with rich colours as woodlands and parklands turn shades of gold and bronze. Harvest activity across the county adds further character to the landscape, while cooler temperatures make longer walks particularly enjoyable.

Winter brings a quieter atmosphere to many routes. Frost-covered fields, dramatic sunrises, and countryside scenes create a unique experience, particularly across the fens and open coastal areas. Although conditions can be challenging at times, winter remains a rewarding season for experienced walkers.

Final Thoughts on Lincolnshire

From the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds to riverside paths, historic villages, and long-distance trails, Lincolnshire offers a remarkable variety of walking opportunities. Whether you are seeking gentle countryside strolls, scenic Lincolnshire Wolds walks, or ambitious long-distance adventures along the Viking Way, the county provides routes to suit every type of walker.

With its combination of natural beauty, fascinating history, and tranquil rural landscapes, it is easy to see why walking in Lincolnshire continues to attract visitors throughout the year. Exploring walks like these in Lincolnshire is a great way to experience the county’s unique character and discover some of England’s most underrated countryside.