Gateway Walks - On Top of the Wolds

0.00 Miles
0.00FT
2-3 hours

A circular walk of 5.5 miles from the historic town of Louth, through South Elkington and surrounding countryside.

This is a delightful walk taking you high into the Wolds. There are fine views to the coast and back to Louth with St James’ Church spire visible for miles. Walking along tracks and paths, this really does give a flavour of hilly Lincolnshire.

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5 km).
Time: Approx. 2-3 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: Mainly on good tracks and paths. Some sections may be muddy. 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 the Bus Station on Church Street.
Stiles: A few. 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 along Bridge Street.
2

Continue up the hill, Grimsby Road, until you reach Fanthorpe Lane, just before a petrol station. Turn left into Fanthorpe Lane. When you reach the bypass, cross with extreme care. Continue on the metalled track, then grass track and across fields until you reach a road.
3

At the road turn left. As you go past Linford Wood, you are at the highest point on the walk at 340 feet. Follow the road until you reach South Elkington village.
4

Turn left at the road and follow the tarmac footpath towards Louth.
5

Turn left at the public footpath and follow it uphill across a field into Cow Pasture Wood. Once through the woodland, follow the path over the grassland, keeping the trees and the hedge on your left, passing Pasture Farm to the bypass.
6

Carefully cross the bypass, and 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.
7

Ignoring a road on the left, follow Westgate back to St James’ Church.
You made it! Well done.

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