Sleaford Spires and Sails Cycle Route
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Distance
- 22.8 ml
- Duration
- 1.20 hr
- Ascent
- 325 ft
- Descent
- 322 ft
This great ride will take you on a tour of the gently rolling countryside and villages around Sleaford and includes a visit to the famous 8 sail windmill at Heckington.
There are 9 churches to explore, 5 of which are dedicated to St Andrew, with pubs and cafes for you to enjoy, and the site of ancient manor houses which will give you plenty of opportunity to linger a little while longer.
The circular route is mainly on quiet roads and lanes with some off road cycle paths alongside the busier stretches in and out of Sleaford.
Route Highlights
Sleaford
Sleaford is a scenic and poplar market town located on the River Slea. It is surrounded by flat fenland countryside, which makes this area perfect for cycling. The town has a rich agricultural heritage and continues to be an important trade today. Sleaford is home to The Hub - the nationally acclaimed arts centre that hosts innovative exhibitions and events by acclaimed artist and new talent throughout the year. 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.
Heckington
There is no wonder that it is dubbed one of the largest villages in Lincolnshire when it has as much to offer its community in terms of services, facilities and heritage as the small towns that surround it. The village also boasts its own railway station – served by the Grantham to Skegness train service – and it is also home to the largest annual village show in the country.
The Heckington Mill
This Grade I listed windmill was built in 1830 with five sails. Damaged in a storm in 1890, the mill was repaired using eight sails. It is the world’s only 8 sail windmill still working. Now fully restored, the site hosts an award-wining visitor centre, tea room and brewery, plus gardens onsite bakehouse and museum.