Market Rasen to Caistor

0.00 Miles
1207FT

This journey will take you through 1,000 years of history with the highlight being Caistor, a Roman town with outstanding Georgian housing. Along the way, you will pass through Middle Rasen, a village once divided into two parishes by the River Rase.

At Kingerby, a small village that once boasted a castle on the site of the Hall, and a little way out of the village, is Cross Tree where there is a memorial plaque with thanks from Thomas Young in 1850 for the safe delivery of his cattle during a bout of cattle plague.

Cycling towards North Owersby you will pass Kingerby Beck Meadows, where wildflowers grow in abundance, including the Frog Orchid. At South Kelsey, Moortown grew up thanks to transportation, with the canal terminating there. The railway at one time had a toll road to Brandy Wharf. High above Claxby, on the scarp are the remains of the notorious iron ore mine that is reputed to have had accidents and even deaths on a weekly basis.

The route follows mainly quiet country roads, but there is a short stretch along the A46 where there is no cycle path. The signs to the villages are well marked.

Distance: 33.5 miles (54 km)

Parking: John Street Car Park (charges apply).

Toilets: John Street, Market Rasen.

Download the GPX file.

Step by step instructions

Let's set off!
1

From the market place in the centre of Market Rasen head west along Kings Street and out of the town. Just past the leisure centre there is a shared cycle path that leads to the A46.
2

At the A46 turn left into Middle Rasen. The shared cycle path continues along the route.
3

When you reach the crossroads turn right onto Church Street and stay on this road passing the village stocks until you reach a T-junction.
4

At the junction turn right and follow this road around a couple of bends for just over half a mile where there is the next turning.
5

Turn left and head down a slight hill. At the crossroads head straight on again dropping down a gentle hill.
6

At the next T-junction turn left which will eventually take you through Osgodby village. After passing through Osgodby you will enter Kirkby.
7

At the bottom of the short hill don’t go around the corner but instead carry straight on. This will take you into Kingerby, which for a small village has a lot of interest.
8

Turn right at this junction and keep on this road for just over 2 miles. Until you reach a T-junction at North Owersby.
9

Turn left at the T-junction and keep on this road for 3 miles. On the way you will pass through Thornton le Moor and eventually reach South Kelsey. At the crossroads carry straight on heading toward North Kelsey.
10

As you reach the last of the houses in North Kelsey, turn right down Station Road signposted to North Kelsey Moor and Caistor. From here the road is nearly straight all the way into Caistor, a hint of one of the earliest occupiers of the town. Be wary of the T-junction with the B1434. Continue on this road into Caistor.
11

When the road starts to climb more steeply, after the series of bends look out for a turning on the right up Castle Hill. This narrow lane climbs steeply, winding through the back streets of the town passing Georgian houses and Saint Peter and Saint Paul church along the way. The road will bring you out in the market square in the centre of Caistor.
12

Turn right down Plough Hill and keep on this road as it heads downhill towards the A46.
13

As you reach the A46 there is a shared footpath leading down to Nettleton. Turn right onto this and follow it alongside the main road.
14

When you reach Moortown Road turn right and follow this road for 2.5 miles until you reach Moortown.
15

At the crossroads in Moortown turn left towards Holton le Moor.
16

At the A46 turn right and then almost immediately turn left. Head down the hill towards Claxby.
17

At the bottom of the hill, turn right and follow this road through Claxby and back to the A46.
18

Turn left onto the A46 and follow for 0.6 miles.
19

When you reach the crossroads turn left to join quieter roads again.
20

In Walesby take the first turning on the right and at the end of this short road turn right again. Keep on this road for 2.75 miles until you reach a T-junction.
21

At the junction turn right and follow the road back into Market Rasen.
22

At the traffic lights turn right and keep on the road until you reach your starting point.
You made it! Well done.
- Download Instructions

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