Lincoln Circular River Walk
5.9 miles (9.5 km)This circular walk takes you around the central part of this fine city before heading along the River Witham. On the way you'll visit the historic cathedral and the lovely Lincoln Aroboretum.
The walk starts at Lincoln Cathedral where you can pick up the Viking Way.... The structure is one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country daing back to 1072 when construction commenced. It was built in the Early Gothic style and for hundreds of years held one of the four remaining copies of the original Magna Carta, now securely displayed in Lincoln Castle.
From the cathedral you head south east along the waymarked trail to the Arboretum which was created in 1870. The Grade II listed park has a series of surfaced footpaths taking you to beautiful gardens, lakes and fountains. It's a splendid place for a stroll in the centre of the city.
The route then heads east through the city to Greetwell Hall where you turn south to meet with the River Witham. You can then follow a footpath west along the river where there are nice views back to the city. On the southern side of the water there's also the option of following the Water Rail Way. This shared cycling and walking route runs along the route of the former Lincoln to Boston Railway Line. The paths will take you west back into the city centre where you can turn north to return to the cathedral. You'll also pass Lincoln Castle on the walk. The Norman castle was constructed during the late 11th century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress. You can tour the interesting castle and see one of the four surviving originals of the Magna Carta, sealed by King John after his meeting with the Barons at Runnymede in 1215.
Pubs and More Info
The Cardinal's Hat is a pub full of character in the city centre. The pub was built in the 15th century and reputedly named after Cardinal Wolsey, Bishop of Lincoln 1514-1515. It's a fine old building and well worth a visit for the history. They also have a great range of ales and have a particularly excellent selection of cheeses. You can find the pub at 268 High Street with a postcode of LN2 1HW for your sat navs.
The Victoria is also nearby and another good option. They have a nice garden area to sit out in right under the castle gate house. They can be found at 6 Union Rd, LN1 3BJ.
To the south west of the city there's a couple of fine sites to visit. Hartsholme Country Park is closer and has some lovely waterside paths along a series of lakes. Near the park there's the historic village of Skellingthorpe. There's some interesting buildings and the splendid ancient woodland of Old Wood to see here. Near the village you'll also find the Elizabethan manor house of Doddington Hall. The hall has some beautiful gardens, retail outlets, a bike shop and a mountain bike trail. Whisby Nature Park is a little further away and is a great place for wildlife watching.
The long distance Spires and Steeples walk starts in the city and will take you to Sleaford, passing through the countryside and visiting some historical villages on the way.
At the Brayford Pool Marina you could pick up the Fossdyke Canal Walk and follow the waterside path to the University buildings and out into the countryside toward Odder.
For more walking ideas in the county see the Lincolnshire Walks page.
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Hartsholme Country Park Whisby Nature Park Viking Way Spires and Steeples Chambers Farm Wood Water Rail Way Skellingthorpe Doddington Hall Fossdyke Canal Nocton
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