Tattershall Lakes
1.6 miles (2.5 km)This waterside walk takes you along Tattershall Lakes and the River Bain in the Lincolnshire village of Tattershall.
Walk Report October 12th 2026 By Helen Carter:
We parked in Tattershall and began our walk beside the River Bain, with the impressive red-brick tower of Tattershall Castle immediately catching our eye. Built in the 15th century for Ralph Cromwell, the castle dominates this part of the village, and it is worth allowing extra time to explore the grounds if you enjoy local history.... We were lucky to have a bright spell of weather, making it a good day to be out by the water.
Leaving the village behind, we headed south towards Tattershall Lakes, following the public footpath along the eastern side of the water and the River Bain. The landscape here is wonderfully open, with grassy banks, stretches of water and the broad Lincolnshire skies all around. We spotted ducks and swans on the river and kept an eye on the water for other signs of wildlife. It is a gentle walk without any demanding climbs, so there was plenty of time to look around rather than concentrate on the ground beneath our feet.
As we continued towards Dogdyke, the route took us through quiet riverside countryside. The River Bain eventually leads towards the River Witham, where the waterways and surrounding fields give the area its distinctive fenland character. The walking was relaxed and the flat terrain made this a pleasant outing rather than a strenuous hike. There is a sense of space here that is quite different from the busier paths around the nearby holiday park.
At Dogdyke, we made our way towards the Packet Inn, a riverside pub at Belle Isle with views across the River Witham. Its position beside the water makes it a tempting place to stop for refreshments before turning back. We spent a little time enjoying the river views before retracing our steps along the same footpaths towards Tattershall.
The return journey offered another chance to appreciate the water, wildlife and open fields, with the castle tower providing a reminder of the village's long history as we approached the start. This is a straightforward route, although conditions on riverside paths can vary after wet weather, so suitable footwear is still worthwhile.
Tattershall Lakes is a good choice for a short, easy waterside walk with a little history along the way. The combination of the castle, the River Bain and the views around Dogdyke gives the outing plenty of interest for such a modest distance. If you have more time, you can visit Tattershall Castle itself or explore nearby Woodhall Spa, with its woodland walks through the Pinewoods and the distinctive Kinema in the Woods.
Postcode: LN4 4LR
Pubs and More Info
The Packet Inn is located in Dogdyke and offers good food with nice views over the River Witham from the riverside patio. It's a lovely spot to sit outside and relax on warmer days. You can find the pub at Belle Isle with a postcode of LN4 4UU for your sat navs.
To continue your walking in the area you could head north along the River Witham to visit the interesting village of Woodhall Spa. There's some lovely trails here through The Pinewoods in the centre of the village. This area also includes the interesting Kinema in the Woods. It dates from 1922, and it is the only fully functioning cinema in the UK to employ back projection.
Also nearby is the historic Roman town of Horncastle where you can enjoy a stroll along the old Horncastle Canal and visit the delightful village of Kirkby On Bain.
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Nearby Routes
Woodhall Spa Hagworthingham Culverthorpe Kirkby On Bain Spa Trail
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