Viking Way Anniversary
By Amelia Cosgrove
From city to countryside: Top 3 Viking Way Walks Around Lincoln
Celebrating its 50th year, the Viking Way still has the lure of pulling you out the door. Whether you want to follow the textures of the city into the calm countryside, these three walks, all within easy reach of Lincoln, are the ones I keep finding myself coming back to when I want to experience the full breadth of Lincoln’s natural landscape.
- City Walk: Cathedral - South Common
Starting in the heartbeat of the city, this section of the Viking Way offers a steep descent through Lincoln before opening into South Common’s green space.
The route takes approximately an hour to complete, making it a relaxed and accessible option close to the city centre.
Beginning in Castle Square within the Cathedral Quarter, this route passes through some of the city’s most significant sights and streets, including the historic Steep Hill, before continuing onto The Strait and High Street.
Here is the perfect opportunity, or albeit excuse, to grab yourself a coffee, and potentially a pastry and a focaccia from (my personal favorite) Vines Bakery along the way to fuel your descent, or to pack for your post walk picnic... as a reward.
Continuing the walk past the railway crossing, before turning onto a quieter side street and a narrow-cobbled alleyway that leads you towards the edge of the city.
Once entered from either South Park Avenue or Newark Road, your surroundings will begin transitioning into the open expanse of South Common.
Lincoln South Common is more than what meets the eye; the land sits on deep geological history, with limestone dating back to the Jurassic period, later layered with Roman activity, centuries of common use that have shaped the open greenery seen today.
Now an idyllic walk for dog owners due to the plentiful space to roam. Here you’ll also have the chance to spot the wild horses that often graze across the Common.
It should be worth noting that this picturesque greenery has been designated as a site of nature conservation importance, due to being the home to a variety of wildlife, plants, and shrubbery.
These vast areas of flat grassland invite exploration through its winding paths, leading to hidden ponds and pretty picnic spots.
Make your way towards the higher ground, through clusters of mature trees, and here you’ll be rewarded with one of the most famous naturally sweeping views across Lincoln and the Cathedral skyline.
Hot tip - if you’re coming for the views, aim for golden hour – this is when you’ll feel the most awe for the city’s majestic landscape.
- Cliff Villages: Waddington - Coleby
As a local of Waddington, I can safely guarantee this walk will not disappoint.
For years it’s been my family's go-to route from spring through to summer - a walk I find myself returning to with the seasons, and it never gets old.
You can follow the main road or take the field route, but if you’re able, the latter is a no brainer – especially if you’re hoping to spot wildlife along the way.
Heading from Waddington towards Harmston, the landscape opens into peaceful farmland, where in the spring months, you’re likely to pass lambs with their mothers, wild rabbits darting through fields, and ponies currently in a field of buttercups at the local stable.
If you’re walking on a weekday, don’t be surprised if the peace is briefly interrupted - the Red Arrows often provide an unexpected yet exciting aerial display overhead.
Once you’ve followed the route through Harmston, you’ll walk along the A607 for a short while, until following the Viking Way sign that leads you back off-road and into open fields for the last stretch of the walk.
After around one to two hours, depending on pace, you’ll arrive in Coleby, where the reward at the end is just as memorable as the walk itself. Sitting in the heart of the village is The Tempest Arms, my personal favorite village pub in Lincolnshire.
If you fancy it, choose to sit outside on the benches overlooking the rolling greenery or settle inside by the fire. It's the perfect place to unwind - a pint and a portion of hand cut chips here feels well earned.
- Lincoln Edge: Boothby Graffoe – Navenby
Stretching along the limestone ridge of the Lincoln Edge, the walk from Boothby Graffoe to Navenby covers approximately 2.5 miles and takes around 1 hour 25 minutes. It’s a route rich in scenery and history, with the charm of Lincolnshire countryside.
Starting in the heart of Boothby Graffoe – a village that feels as though you’ve walked into a postcard – pick up the Viking Way heading north.
The trail follows a small lane before transitioning onto grassy field paths, lowering you into open countryside.
Soon, with a pond to your left adding an almost enchanted feel, the route climbs onto the ridge – here meeting the line of Ermine Street, known locally as High Dyke.
As the landscape opens into vast views across peaceful farmland, you can choose to pass through a small woodland on your right or remain on the exposed ridge for expansive vistas.
This stretch forms part of the wider Viking Way, a 149-mile route running from the Humber to Rutland Water, and it carries layers of history beneath your feet – from Roman roads to ancient ridgeways.
Continuing north along High Dyke for around 500 metres, look for a green lane branching off to the left where the road bends right. Turn onto this broad grassy track and follow it for approximately 1.5 kilometres (just under a mile). The path remains easy to follow as it crosses open land before reaching a tarmac road.
Turn left here and continue along the road until you reach the A607. Cross with care, then continue straight ahead toward Boothby Graffoe, turning left at the next junction to return to Main Street. Alternatively, for those continuing into Navenby, turn right at the main road to enter the village centre.
If you do head into Navenby, the route gently descends into the long High Street – once a bustling medieval market route with quaint warm stone cottages, independent shops, cafés and places to stop for gelato!
And while you’re here, take time to meander.
Navenby is a designated conservation area, with standout landmarks like St Peter’s Church, often termed the ‘Cathedral on the Cliff’, with its beautiful blue clock and weaving wildflowers, marking a what will be a memorable walk.
Above: A sunny view of from South Common. Picture: City of Lincoln Council.
Golden hour view from South Common.
The Tempest Arms.
Coleby village by Debs Rugby.
St Peter’s Church Navenby with its blue clock.
