Distance 15 miles (24km)
Classification Moderate
Start Waterside South bridge, Lincoln, LN5
Finish Kirkstead bridge near Woodhall Spa, LN10
Duration 2 hours
Route NCN route 1
Map AA guide Cycling in the Midlands, OS Explorer 121

Route notes

Following the banks of the River Witham, the ride starts in Lincoln and passes through or close to the villages of Washingborough, Bardney, Southrey and Stixwould, finishing in the picturesque Edwardian resort of Woodhall Spa. Along the route are many sculptures inspired by the works of Lincolnshire-born Alfred Lord Tennyson as well as a viewing tower by Belgian architects Robbrecht en Daem.

Terrain and gradients

This route follows a fully accessible path along the former Lincoln to Boston railway line, so is an enjoyably easy ride on a flat, smooth and traffic free surface.

How to get there/away

Lincoln is well connected for public transport. The nearest station to the end of the route, Woodhall Spa, is in Metheringham, eight miles away.

What to see

Lincoln is a historic city, featuring one of Britain's most ancient and significant cathedrals. At the other end is Woodhall Spa, launched as a tourist centre when a would-be coal mining entrepreneur, John Parkinson, instead found mineral-rich water. There's more to see in the Woodhall Spa area once you get there.

Watering holes

As well as Lincoln, the route has many places to stay or refresh yourself.  Pubs and cafes line the route in Bardney and Southrey.