Gateway Walks - Hills & Hamlets

0.00 Miles
0.00FT
3 hours

A circular walk of 6.5 miles from the historic town of Louth to Tathwell, Raithby and back.

This is an enjoyable circular walk from Louth to Tathwell and Raithby. The route crosses fields and follows grass tracks and quiet lanes to explore these small hamlets. Great views towards Stenigot Mast and beyond can be seen on a clear day.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km).
Time: Approx. 3 hours at a leisurely pace.
Maps: OS Landranger 122 and OS Explorer 282.
Parking: Numerous car parks throughout the town – please check for parking tariffs.
Terrain: Most footpaths are over arable land and therefore can be muddy. Some roadside walking and crossing Louth bypass.
Refreshments: Cafes and pubs in Louth.
Toilets: Public toilets on Eastgate, behind the New Market Hall and at the Bus Station on Church Street.
Stiles: Numerous. Many are stock proof and therefore may be difficult for some dogs.

Looking after the Wolds - The Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service works in partnership with the Lincolnshire Wolds Joint Advisory Committee and other groups and individuals to help protect, enhance and raise awareness of this nationally protected landscape. For more information about the Wolds, please visit the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB website.

Step by step instructions

Let's set off!
1

From St James’ Church walk out of the town centre uphill, along Upgate. Cross the traffic lights carefully and continue past Meridian View and the disused quarry. Turn right along the next track, which leads past several houses before becoming a grassy track.
2

Turn left just past a bungalow, over a gate onto the footpath. Cross a stile in a fence and continue on the path to the corner. Follow the waymarked path through the next field, continuing along the path as it crosses footbridges and three more fields to the bypass.
3

Carefully cross the bypass and rejoin the footpath as it crosses the small stream, then head for the left side of Brock a Dale plantation. Follow the path, keeping the plantation on your right, up the track. Cross the next field with trees on your left, over the bridge, then continue on the footpath as it crosses diagonally the next four fields and emerges onto a lane and crossroads.
4

From the crossroads, take the road right, signposted to Louth (Raithby Road). This is a quiet road but please be careful, walking on the right hand side of the road and facing oncoming traffic. Once the road begins to descend, look down into the valley on your left where you will see a small uneven grass field.
5

After approximately 1 mile, you emerge onto the Horncastle Road. Cross carefully, turning left downhill, then turn right to follow the footpath past some trees. Follow the path over stiles and grassland. In the second field, head left towards the left corner and over the metal footbridge onto the road. Turn left and continue to St Peter’s Church.
6

Opposite the church, go through the gate and into the uneven grass field. Follow the bridleway as it crosses the field to the left of the brick pillars and cross the stream at the footbridge, and continue to the small gate through the hedge.
7

Cross over the track, and turn left up a slight rise and turn left, keeping the hedge on your left as you walk along the grass bridleway at the edge of the field. Ignore the bridleway gate on your left, but continue to go over a stile on your left.
8

Cross the old railway line and go into a small area of woodland. Follow the path through the woodland and continue along the edge of the field. Near the bypass, turn left and head for the field gate and stile which brings you out onto the Hallington Road. Cross the road and turn right to walk under the bypass bridge and into Hubbard’s Hills.
9

Follow the path along the River Lud through Hubbard’s Hills, along Crowtree Lane and turn left into Westgate Fields with its wooden leaf sculptures created as part of the Louth Art Trail. When you emerge into Westgate, turn right and continue to St James’ Church, your starting point.
You made it! Well done.

Discover more in Louth

Sign-up to our newsletter for regular news and events across the Lincolnshire Wolds and Market Towns

Search our accommodation