Gainsborough Walks - Near and Around
This interesting market town in Lincolnshire is located in the West Lindsey district of the county. There's some nice waterside trails with the River Trent and the Chesterfield Canal nearby. The town has some interesting history too with the medieval Gainsborough Old Hall, the old market place and a heritage centre to explore.
This long circular walk from the town takes you along the River Trent before another long waterside stretch along the Chesterfield Canal. Along the way you'll visit several of the neighbouring village while enjoying fine views of the surrounding Lincolnshire countryside. The route makes use of a section of the long distance Trent Valley Way and Cuckoo Way which run through the countryside to the west of the town.
The walk starts on Gainsborough Bridge and follows a footpath north along the western side to the River Trent. You'll pass Morton and Walkerith before coming to West Stockwith. Here you pick up both the canal and the Trent Valley Way and follow the waymarked trail west along the towpath to Misterton. You continue south east to Shaw Bridge where you leave the canal and head south past Gringley on the Hill into the countryside. You then turn east passing Clayworth Woodhouse, Beckingham Wood, Tong's Wood and Dogholes Wood before coming to Beckingham. From here you head east along the Old Trent Road to take you back into Gainsborough.
Gainsborough Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Gainsborough Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Gainsborough OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Gainsborough Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Trent Port is located in a nice spot next to the river in the town. They serve a range of pub classics and have some outdoor seating for warmer days. There's also a nice riverside footpath right outside so you can go for a stroll afterwards. You can find the pub on Ramper Road with a postcode of DN21 1NE for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The river, canal and country trails make for a fine dog walk. The Trent Port mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles north east of the town you'll find the expansive Laughton Woods. There's miles of good peaceful woodland trails to follow here. The pretty lagoons at Messingham Sand Quarry and the lovely Twigmoor Woods are also nearby.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lincolnshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Market Place, Gainsborough
Gladstone Street. Seen from the grounds of Gainsborough Old Hall, the houses in this part of the town exude Victorian solidity.
Lord Street. Pedestrianised shopping street running from the Market Place towards the River Trent.
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Gainsborough Bridge. The bridge was built by the civil engineer, William Weston between 1787 and 1791. It is a handsome and substantial three span bridge in ashlar masonry
The River Trent at Gainsborough. Downstream view from the redeveloped riverside walk area of the town. A nearby information board describes the Trent Aegir (tidal wave or 'bore') - a natural phenomenen which can be seen here (often after a spell of dry weather) having travelled from the Humber estuary and eventually petering out a few miles upriver.
West Stockwith Lock. At the entrance to the Chesterfield Canal from the River Trent, West Stockwith Lock and Basin make a warm welcome for the visiting boater.
Chesterfield Canal at Misterton. View west from Wharf Bridge.
Gringley-on-the-hill country scene. Sheep grazing near the village hall