River Witham Cycle Trail
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Distance
- 25.1 ml
- Duration
- 1.30 hr
- Ascent
- 430 ft
- Descent
- 429 ft
The path was named in a local competition both for its former life as a railway line but also for the abundant bird life that can be seen in this green corridor. The shy moorhen has been spotted from this path.
The rides follow dedicated cycle ways and quiet country roads making for a relaxed easy to follow ride.
Route Highlights
Washingborough
Washingborough marks the beginning of the Lincolnshire Fens. Ferry lane marks the northern starting point of the great Roman Car Dyke, an 85 mile long watercourse which runs along the western edge of the fens to The River Nene, near Peterborough. Excavations nearby have unearthed history dating back to the Iron Age. In 1826 archaeologists discovered a rare decorative bronze shield facing dating from the 4th century BC. The Witham Shield can now be seen on display at the British Museum. Whilst great care has been taken on compiling this information, Visit Lincoln cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or alterations contained within it.
Five Mile Bridge
Many residents of Fiskerton remember when catching a train that they first had to cross by the ferries which predated the bridge. Two ferries were operated by a winding handle that hauled them across the river on a chain. One carried carts and motor vehicles and the other foot passengers. Many rare and beautiful treasures have been found in and near the river. Some can be seen at The Collection Museum in Lincoln. In the ancient village church of Fiskerton there are clues to its Norman origins even though it was largely rebuilt in the 15th century.
Nature Reserve
Fiskerton Fen Reserve is two miles by road from here. Cross the bridge, and when you reach the top of the lane turn right. Be careful of traffic if you are walking or cycling along the main road. The reserve was created in 2004/5 when clay was extracted for flood defences leaving a large pit behind. It has been designed to attract wading birds particularly the rare bittern and it is run by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.