6 Winter Walks in The Wolds

Temperatures may be a little lower but there’s no need to hibernate, here in the enchanted Lincolnshire Wolds we've got 6 winter walks that are perfect for discovering quaint villages, stomping on crispy leaves, and catching that all-important fresh air. So, grab your woollies and get ready to explore Lincolnshire's area of natural beauty...

South Ormsby Estate

Ice-kissed scenery, as far as the eye can see. Watch as the frost turns the South Ormsby Estate into a magical winter wonderland. Here you are spoilt for choice with 8 different walks on offer! For winter, we suggest 'The Wesley Walk' this 3.6-mile route takes you on a leisurely stroll past peaceful woodland and open fields with a great finishing point of the Massingberd Arms pub to warm up and get toasty with a refreshing pint and hearty meal.

The Estate is perfect for bird watching too, with sightings of green sandpipers, a winter visiting bird – and you may even catch a glimpse of South Ormsby Estates' big fluffy residents, the Lincolnshire Red Cattle! For those looking to meet up and walk as a group, a good point to convene would be The Walkers Hut at Sheep Dip Paddock, which is open from 10 am - 2 pm Wednesday through to Sunday.

Red Hill Nature Reserve

In the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, you will find a disused quarry that, with the help of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, nature has reclaimed. With beautiful exposed Red Chalk and meadows, there are 4 acres of breath-taking views and diverse landscapes ready to be uncovered.

Red Hill Nature Reserve is known for having some important plants that are in decline, such as greater knapweed and eyebrights. The rarity of these meadows makes this walk a thought-provoking and unique sight to behold. And allows ramblers to reflect on the importance of these areas for our natural countryside plants and animals to survive and thrive. The routes are maintained partly by grazing sheep so you may run into them. Look for the waymarked route around the reserve and be aware of narrow paths and some steep steps at times.

The Viking Way (02 & 03)

Named after many of the early settlements, and the influence that was exercised in Lincolnshire by the Vikings in the 9th century, The Viking Way is an infamous 147-mile route that stretches from the Humber Bridge in North Lincolnshire to Oakham in Rutland. This route is one of the best paths to ramble on during the colder season with great signage and clear paths.

Caistor Market Place

For the more advanced rambler, the Viking Way (02) 8-mile trek begins at Barnetby railway bridge and will take you along many different types of terrains including footpaths, roads, arable fields and woods. Caistor's Market Place is an unmissable finishing point. We suggest going on a Wednesday or Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm when the market is being held. Ted’s Coffee Shop, on South Street, is a hidden gem in Caistor where you can grab a well-earned coffee, gelato, breakfast bun with Boston Sausage, homemade cakes, as well as a choice of paninis, toasties and sandwiches.

Tealby

Another 9-mile walk along the Viking Way (03), ideal for those looking for a bracing and invigorating winter walk. Beginning in Caistor's Market Place, you’ll weave through roadside paths, and public footpaths, and climb up some of our county's highest ground. Tealby is the finishing point for this stretch, one the most picturesque villages in Lincolnshire, where you can pop into The Kings Head, the oldest thatched pub in Lincolnshire, and reward yourself with a delicious home-cooked meal and print of real ale!

Louth

Never too far from a warm and cosy cafe. The shorter 2-mile Round Louth Walk begins at Hallington Road and is the perfect early morning misty stroll to grab some fresh air. This circular route uses public footpaths marked by a spire logo. A nod to the historic market town's iconic St. James' Church with the third tallest spire in our country. A great endpoint for any keen history buff.

Nettleton

At Nettleton Top, one of the highest points of the Lincolnshire Wolds, watch as the low winter sun shines over the rolling hills and landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. To get there from Nettleham village, climb up Normanby Road, a quiet lane and walk for 1.6 miles. In Nettleton itself, you’ll find The Salutation Inn, more fondly named ‘The Sali’, this beloved casual country pub is the ultimate starting point and destination for your ramble. With homemade food, friendly staff, and real ales. Also, accommodation, with quirky cabins, if you’re wanting to spend longer in the beautiful Wolds it's the perfect countryside getaway.

To find out more about what you can get up to in the Lincolnshire Wolds during the Autumn and Winter season, click here. You can also check out @LoveLincsWolds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more trip inspiration and the latest updates.