Caistor to Glentham

34.22 Miles
850ftFT
2.5 hours approx

This is a flattish route from Caistor to Glentham, down low traffic B roads and country lanes, although there some short stretches on major roads, the longest being 0.5 miles (0.8km). As Caistor is on a hill there is a downhill start, but a climb at the finish. It passes a number of small villages and hamlets including Brandy Wharf, Bishop Norton, Normanby-by-Spital and Osgodby.

The River Ancholme is a tributary of the River Humber and drains much of this part of West Lindsey and North Lincolnshire. At Brandy Wharf it is a navigable river and small boats are often seen moving up and down it. Further along the route you will pass through Bishop Norton, which is an ancient ecclesiastical parish dating back to the 9th century and possibly earlier. The village was the most northerly of twelve manors that belonged the bishop, originally at Stow and then at Lincoln. At West Rasen pause a moment to look at the Packhorse Bridge that spans the River Rase. This dates back to the 15th century, but its origins are unknown, with some saying that it was built by the bishop of Lincoln and others stating that it was built due to the rise in the wool trade.

Distance: 34.3 miles (55.2km)

Ascent: 857ft

Grade: Easy to moderate

Journey Time @ 8mph: 3.5 hours approx.

Parking: Roadside - please park responsibly.

Toilets: Town Hall

For more information or to download the GPX file visit the Cycling West Lindsey Website.

Step by step instructions

Let's set off!
1

From the Market Place go down Plough Hill past the Heritage Centre onto Horsemarket leading to Nettleton Road.
2

Take the first turning on the right onto Navigation Road and then the second right onto Millfields.
3

At the T-Junction turn left towards North Kelsey. Follow this straight road that gently descends for 2 miles (3.2km) and at the first crossroads you come to turn left onto Smithfield Road.
4

On reaching the end of this road turn left towards Moortown.
5

When Moortown is reached turn right at the crossroads towards South Kelsey. Stay on this road as it winds its way through the Lincolnshire countryside, crossing the River Ancholme at Brandy Wharf.
6

Take the left hand turn to Snitterby and Bishopbridge and follow this road for 0.5 (0.8km) mile then turn right.
7

At the crossroads in Snitterby turn left towards Bishop Norton. Weave your way through Atterby and Bishop Norton following the signs to Glentham.
8

2 miles (3.2km) after leaving Bishop Norton you will arrive at Glentham and the A631. Turn right and then take the first turning on the left to Normanby-by-Spital. If refreshments are required, then continue along the A631 for another 100 metres until you reach The Willows.
9

Follow Caenby Road for 2 miles (3.2km)to Normanby-by-Spital. Turn left at the village sign of Owmby-by-Spital, signposted to Toft Next Newton.
10

At Toft-next-Newton go around the sharp left hand bend and head towards West Rasen.
11

At West Rasen turn left onto the A631 and follow the road for 0.75 miles (1.2km), passing a thatched cottage next to a roundabout and a 14^th century packhorse bridge.
12

At the sharp left hand bend on the A631 turn right (go straight on) onto a single-track lane. Follow this for just under a mile until the A1103 (Top Road) is reached.
13

Turn right and then turn left at the first signpost to Osgodby.
14

At the T-junction on the outskirts of Osgodby turn left towards Kirkby. In Kirkby follow the road around the bend towards South Owersby and keep to it for another 2 miles (3.2km).
15

Take a right hand turn to Moortown on a single-track lane. At the T-junction turn right and continue on this road for nearly 1.5 miles (2.4km) until you reach Kelsey Road. You would have passed this point earlier on the ride. Turn right and continue to Moortown.
16

At the crossroads at Moortown go straight across towards Nettleton, which you will reach after 2.5 miles (4km) of cycling.
17

At Nettleton join the A46 and start the climb towards Caistor. There is an option of a shared pedestrian and cycle path up this stretch if you prefer to use this.
18

Take the first turning on the left and continue to follow this road until you arrive back at the start point.
You made it! Well done.

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