National Walking Month: 4 Lincolnshire Wolds walks to enjoy this May

Published on 2022-05-10 / By Oliver Pyper

Time to dust off those walking boots, limber up your legs and embrace the Great British trudge.

Yes, May is National Walking Month, when hordes of adventurers ditch their cars and explore our fine country on foot.

Fancy joining them? Of course you do. Walking has bags of health benefits, from strengthening bones to boosting mental wellness.

Beautiful scenery, while not essential, is a welcome bonus. And with the rolling vistas of the Lincolnshire Wolds just a short drive from us… well, it would be rude not to.

Here are four of our top Lincolnshire Wolds walks. Pick a fave and get ready to celebrate National Walking Month like a pro perambulator.

Best for beginners: Around Historic Alford

Difficulty: easy

Entry price: free

Nearest parking: there are paid car parks in Alford town

Are your feet feeling a little under practised? With a total elevation of just 13 feet, this amble around Alford is suitable for even the most hesitant of hikers to enjoy this National Walking Month.

You won't miss out by taking it easy, though. The route takes in some of the finest sights in this historic market town, including the 18th century Hanby Hall and a procession of thatched cottages.

Best of all, the whole stroll takes only about one hour. And afterwards, you can reward yourself with a lovely cream tea at Alford Manor House. An afternoon well spent, we think.

Best for nature lovers: Paths, Ponds and a Priory

Difficulty: moderate

Entry price: free

Nearest parking: in Binbrook village

This walk is like the Wolds in miniature. If you want to get a taste of all its ups and downs – and still have time for a spot of lunch – this is the trek for you to try during National Walking Month.

You'll start in pretty Binbrook, then embark on a circular route across grassy hills through the villages of Stainton le Vale and Kirmond le Mire. Along the way, you'll enjoy sweeping hilltop views, cross trickling streams and hop over a stile or six.

The whole walk takes about three hours if you allow some time to take in the sights.

Best for easy access: Willingham Woods

Difficulty: easy

Entry price: free

Nearest parking: there is a large (and free!) car park on site

There are a fair few Lincolnshire Wolds walks that offer easy access for pushchairs or wheelchair users. With its pretty ponds and leafy trails, Willingham Woods might just be our favourite of the bunch.

This one-mile route boasts wide paths and gentle slopes, as well as handy amenities like picnic areas and a disabled WC. Got an eye for wildlife? You might spot a deer hopping between the trees, if you're lucky. If not, you still get your wildlife fix by watching the ducks bob serenely on the waters.

And if you have a little time to spare after your National Walking Month trek, why not visit some of Market Rasen's quirky independent shops? The town centre is only about five minutes' drive away from the woods.

Best for serious hikers: Round Horncastle

Difficulty: moderate

Entry price: free

Nearest parking: there are paid car parks in Horncastle town

This isn't the most difficult walk in the world but, at around 30,000 steps, it's not one for amateur trekkers.

Still, if you've got some sturdy boots and seven hours to spare, you're in for a treat. While the walk begins in Horncastle, most of its 14 miles are wonderfully, mud-squidgingly rural. As you trudge along winding footpaths and bridleways, you'll spot historic delights like an abandoned 19th-century mill, as well as pretty nature reserves that brim with local flora.

But it's the landscape that takes top billing. On a clear day, you'll enjoy panoramic views in all directions. To the north, the Wolds embrace the horizon, flecked by trees and cornfields. Look south, and you'll be able to see for miles across the flatlands of the Fens. Just magical.

Need a place to rest after your Lincolnshire Wold National Walking Month day out?

Walking is rewarding, for sure. But celebrating National Walking Month can be hard work. So why not wind down after your ramble and enjoy some good old-fashioned R&R?

Washingborough Hall is located a short distance southwest of the Wolds. Book one of our characterful suites, and you can have your boots off and your feet up in a little under 40 minutes.

Soaked through? We even have a roaring log fire ready to warm you up. Come on, you know you want to…