Gateway Walks - Vales and Views

0.00 Miles
0.00FT
3-4 hours

A circular walk of 7.5 miles from the historic town of Louth, through Welton Vale and South Elkington.

This walk takes in the high points above Hubbard’s Hills before dropping down into the secluded Welton Vale. Explore the historic church and parkland at South Elkington before journeying back to Louth.

Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5 km).
Time: Approx. 3-4 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: Along footpaths and bridleways, can be muddy at times, particularly through Welton Vale. Some roadside walking and crossing Louth bypass.
Refreshments: Cafes and pubs in Louth, shop and tea room in South Elkington.
Toilets: Public toilets on Eastgate, behind the New Market Hall and at Louth Bus Station on Church Street.
Stiles: Numerous. Many are stock proof and therefore maybe 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 along Westgate and turn left into Westgate Fields with its wooden leaf sculptures created as part of the Louth Art Trail. Follow the River Lud out of the fields, along Crowtree Lane and into Hubbard’s Hills, following the tarmac footpath through the hills to the southern entrance to emerge on the side of the road to Hallington.
2

Follow the road to the right, under the bypass, keeping to the right side of the road and facing on-coming traffic. Continue along until you reach a small bridle gate on the right, go through the gate and walk directly over the field to another small gate. Go through this and continue straight ahead, with the hedge on your left.
3

Turn left at the next signposted path on your left and follow the hedge, now on your right, to enjoy good views towards Louth and the coast. Continue over the stile and straight ahead, over another stile to emerge onto a narrow road. Turn right and walk for a short length on the roadside until you reach a farm track.
4

Turn right onto the track. This section of the walk is permissive, agreed with the kind permission of the landowners and is only available to walkers. Follow this track down the hill, through the hedge, over stiles and a footbridge to emerge on the A157. Cross carefully and take the footpath into Welton Vale woodland. Enjoy the different colours of the mixed woodland. As the track emerges to join a bridleway, rest a while on the bench and take a closer look at the remains of the whale bone arc.
5

Take the bridleway to the right, following the track in the woodland until you reach a footpath to the left. Take this track and continue on it as it becomes a wide stony track through farmland. Follow the track to the left and view the disused gravel quarry on your right.
6

When you reach a small gate on the right, go through and walk to another small gate, going through and continue with the hedge on your right. Follow the track until you reach a metal gate with a waymarker directing you through the gate and across the field. Cross the stile and follow the road, turning right over the stile into the parkland just before you reach the church. If you wish to visit the church or village shop and tea room in South Elkington, continue along the road then retrace your steps.
7

Cross the field, keeping to the higher ground on the right before crossing the stile back into the woods and follow the footpath to the right. Once you have crossed the boardwalk, turn left then enter the field through the small gate. Follow the hedge to your left through the field to emerge onto a track with lakes on your left. Cross the stile on your right, into another field, and turn left, keeping the bridge on your left. In the far left corner of the field, cross the stile and footbridge and continue up the field to cross another stile to emerge on the Market Rasen road.
8

Carefully cross the road and follow the footpath uphill into Cow Pasture Wood. Once through the woodland, follow the path over the grassland, keeping the trees and hedge on your left, passing Pasture Farm to the bypass.
9

Carefully cross the bypass, then go over the stile into the field. Cross the field with the hedge on your left. At the stony track, turn right. Follow the track past the buildings and turn left at the road. Ignore the next road on the left and cross the bridge into Westgate. Turn right and continue along until you reach St James’ Church, your starting point.
You made it! Well done.

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