Scarves and wellies at the ready; we’ve selected some of our favourite spots for winter walks in Lincolnshire.
During the cold winter months, there’s nothing more refreshing than taking a long walk in the great outdoors. It may be tempting to stay cosied up inside, but winter is one of the best seasons to get out and explore!
With the colder weather comes sparkling frosts, breathtaking sunrises and clear blue skies. There’s never been a better time to wrap up warm and enjoy all that our beautiful county has to offer.
Read on to see all of our recommendations for winter walks in Lincolnshire, or simply skip to the area you are interested in using the handy menu below:
- Countryside
- Inner city
- City outskirts
Lincolnshire Wolds
Officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Lincolnshire Wolds have everything you need for a winter walk. With rolling hills, hidden valleys and miles of untouched countryside to explore, there’s nowhere better to embrace the great outdoors.
The Wolds cover over 200 square miles, so you will find plenty of walking trails to try - from relaxing strolls to more challenging hikes! In addition to the picturesque countryside, you will also discover historic architecture, medieval ruins and charming waterways en-route.
If you need to warm up, combine your walk with a visit to one of the many pretty market towns and villages that are scattered throughout the Wolds. There are some fantastic country pubs nestled within the area, so you can finish your day with a delicious roast – the perfect end to a winter’s walk!
The Viking Way
Following the original journey of Norse invaders in the 9th century, the Viking Way is a long distance footpath that winds through the Lincolnshire countryside. The path starts from the banks of the Humber, running through the Wolds and the city of Lincoln, before entering Leicestershire and Rutland.
The complete route passes through 140 miles of quaint villages, contrasting landscapes and varied terrains. Waymarked with signposts, you can join the Viking Way at numerous different points, making your walk as short or long as you want. Each section of the route has something different to see, so you can tailor your journey to suit your interests!
Hanworth Country Park
Hanworth Country Park is located in the village of Potterhanworth, around 7 miles from Lincoln. Spread over 42 acres, this idyllic park has a number of different walking trails to try.
If you’re visiting with children, Hanworth is a great spot for a game of wildlife bingo. The woodlands here are a haven for animals and birds. Take a minute to breathe in the fresh air and you will be able to hear all sorts of birdsong - you may even spot a deer or two! Continue along the walking trails and you will also discover 6 different lakes, which are a magnet for marine life, even during the winter months.
Doddington Hall
Situated on the outskirts of Lincoln, Doddington Hall is one of the most picturesque locations in the county. Built in 1600, this Elizabethan mansion is surrounded by acres of beautiful scenery.
The Doddington Hall Gardens are only open on selected dates, but there are a number of walking trails around the estate which are open to visitors all year round. Each walk varies in length and terrain, but all offer incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re not sure where you’re going, the team at Doddington have created a handy map which you can download or print out before you arrive. This useful guide even tells you what wildlife to look out for along the way!
Ashling Lane Nature Reserve
The Ashling Lane Nature Reserve can be found in the village of Dunholme, around 4 miles outside of Lincoln. Starting out as an agricultural field, the reserve was first developed in the 1990s, when the land was donated to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Over 20 years later, the reserve now covers 77 acres.
Created entirely by volunteers, the Ashling Lane Reserve was designed to encourage a more diverse variety of wildlife into the local area. The wild meadows, ponds and peaceful woodlands here provide habitats for a huge range of animals, birds and insects.
Although spring may bring colourful flowers and new life, winter is an amazing time to discover a different side to the reserve. Head out early and you’ll be rewarded with amazing morning mists, icy lakes and maybe even snow!
Belvoir Castle
Sandwiched between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland. Considered to be one of the country’s finest examples of Regency architecture, the castle’s history dates back to the 11th century.
Over the last few years, the castle grounds have undergone some extensive restoration work, and the gardens here are spectacular. Unfortunately, the grounds are closed to visitors towards the end of the year, but you will find some amazing walks in the surrounding valley, known as the Vale of Belvoir. This area is home to a number of pretty villages - and plenty of great country pubs!
The team at Belvoir have created 3 official walking trails, which will take you through scenic woodland and along peaceful canal paths. All 3 trails are circular, starting and finishing at the Engine Yard, where you can refuel with a cocktail and a hearty meal. Situated in the shadow of Belvoir Castle, this brand new retail village is a centre of excellence for local food and drink.
Fossdyke Canal Trail
The Fossdyke Canal connects the River Witham to the River Trent. Dating back to 120AD, the Fossdyke is thought to be the oldest canal still in use in Britain today. It was originally built by the Romans, and has been an important transportation route for nearly 2000 years.
The Fossdyke Canal Trail is around 6 miles long, and runs from Lincoln to Saxilby. Start your journey from the Brayford Pool in Lincoln, and you can simply follow the route of the canal for as long as you want! The trail will take you through the sprawling countryside, past the luxurious Burton Waters Marina and the popular Pyewipe Inn.
From certain points along the walk, you can get a great view of Lincoln Cathedral standing tall over the city. Due to the flat landscape that surrounds the canal, you can also enjoy excellent views of both the sunrise and sunset across Lincoln.
South Common
On a frosty morning, few places look as picturesque as the South Common. Connecting the city of Lincoln to its more rural surroundings, the Common covers around 80 hectares.
A great spot for a wintery walk, this popular park has vast areas of flatland to explore, as well as ponds and woodlands. Over time, the area has become a great natural habitat for a whole host of wildlife, including grazing horses.
As it sits upon sloped land, the South Common also offers an amazing panoramic view over Lincoln. Climb to the top of the hill and you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the Cathedral. Whilst you’re up there, see how many other Lincoln landmarks you can spot!
Liquorice Park
Located in Lincoln’s West End, Liquorice Park is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Situated between Carline Road and Yarborough Road, this park has been an important part of Lincoln since the 16th century. It was originally used as agricultural land, before being sold off for housing in 1880.
The steepest part of the original land was left as open space and used for private allotments. Eventually, the land was acquired by the City of Lincoln Council and established as Liquorice Park in 1998.
Now covering around 4.5 acres, much of Liquorice Park has been left as wild space, to provide a safe home for the local wildlife. The park is maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers, who have created a beautiful space for both residents and visitors to enjoy all-year round. Even in winter, the grounds here are always alive with colour and bird song – the perfect mood booster.
West Common
The West Common is one of Lincoln’s largest green spaces. Covering around 100 hectares, this park dates back to the 11th century. Originally used for common grazing, the West Common became a popular destination for recreation. In 1773, there was a racecourse and grandstand built here, and in the Victorian era, a number of football and cricket pitches were laid out. During this time, the Common was also home to some public baths – the remains of which are still in situ today.
During World War 1, much of the West Common was used to test the aircraft assembled in Lincoln’s industrial plants. The racecourse grandstand was used to accommodate test pilots, and a training trench was also built here. Post-War, the Common returned to its recreational roots and is still used for sports and leisure today. Similar to the South Common, you will also still find horses grazing here – many of which are housed in the original racecourse stable block.
Predominately grassland, the West Common is a fantastic spot for a long walk in the winter sunshine. The flat land affords great views across the city, stretching out to the fields beyond. As you wander around, see if you can identify any evidence of the park’s fascinating past!
Boultham Park
Situated in the south of Lincoln, Boultham Park is around 2 miles from the city centre. If you love exploring Lincoln’s history, this 50-acre park is well worth a visit. Back in the 1800s, Boultham Park was part of the Boultham Hall Estate. The original grounds covered 1200 acres of land, and were given a grade II listed status by English Heritage. Full of decorative features, the elaborate gardens were often thrown open for local galas, fetes and parties.
After the hall fell vacant, it was used as a convalescent home for soldiers in World War I. Post-war, much of the estate was sold for housing development, with the remaining grounds used again in World War II, as part of the Dig for Victory campaign. When the City Council took ownership of the estate in 1929, the grounds became the public park we know and love today.
Over the last few years, Boultham Park has undergone some extensive restoration. As it is one of the only surviving features of the original estate, a team of volunteers have been working hard to reinstate the key heritage features of the grounds. On your walk, see if you can spot the old bandstand, bridges and gateways that have all been restored, and the old stable block which has been repurposed as the Boultham Park Education Centre!
Hartsholme Country Park
Hartsholme Country Park is located in the southwest of Lincoln, around three miles from the city centre. This site has been a country park since 1974, and now covers more than 200 acres.
Depending on how far you want to walk, there are a number of informal footpaths that will take you through the grounds and around the lakes. The site centres around a large reservoir, but there are a variety of different areas to look around, from peaceful woodlands to vast open grasslands. Many features here, both natural and built, survive from the original landscaping of Hartsholme Hall in 1862.
A top choice for nature lovers, Hartsholme Country Park has provided a fantastic habitat for a growing number of animals and plants. There are over 80 species of trees here, many of which were planted back in the 1800s. Due to this, the park is also home to a huge variety of different birds – during winter you may even spot some migrating species.
Whisby Nature Park
Originally just a barren gravel pit, Whisby Nature Park is now a beautiful public space, full of walks, trails and wildlife. With 150 hectares to explore, Whisby is the perfect place to experience the restorative powers of nature. Although it is only 5 miles outside of Lincoln, you will feel like you’re a world away.
To encourage wildlife and biodiversity, the park is full of wild flowers, plants and pockets of woodland. There is an extensive network of paths and walking trails to follow, all varying in length. Many of the walkways also have birdwatching hides for visitors to quietly observe the park’s inhabitants.
There are a number of picturesque lakes here, all fringed by tall reeds, grassy glades and willow scrub - if you visit on a damp day, we recommend wearing a pair of wellies! Throughout the colder months, the water levels are at their highest and the lakes are full of ducks, geese and other wildfowl. During winter, Whisby is also a great place to catch a starling murmuration - one of nature’s most dazzling displays.
Hill Holt Wood
Hill Holt Wood is located just off the A46, between Lincoln and Newark. Considered to be one of Lincolnshire’s hidden gems, this unique area of woodland covers over 34 acres. There are a number of different walking trails here, all full of interesting flora, fauna and wildlife. Go on a frosty morning and you’ll feel like you’re in Narnia!
Although Hill Holt Wood is first and foremost a public woodland, it is also a social enterprise. Used as a natural resource for training and education, the team here work with the local community to create a better environment, and help those in need. The organisation also run hands-on training programmes for disadvantaged young people, to help prepare them for employment in the future.
If you’ve got inquisitive children, Hill Holt is a great place to learn more about the natural environment. The woodland highlights sustainability, eco-building and bio-diversity – even the café has composting loos.
