Viking Way
Follow in the footsteps of the Norse invaders on this long distance walk from the Humber Bridge to Oakham in Rutland. The walk passes through the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB and some delightful Leicestershire countryside before rounding Rutland water to the finish point at Oakham.
Walk highlights include
- Views of the Humber Estuary and the Humber Bridge at the start of the route at Barton Upon Humber.
- The interesting former Roman towns of Caistor and Horncastle where you can still see the remains of the Roman Walls and other interesting landmarks.
- The River Bain and the delightul Pinewoods in Woodhall Spa. Between Woodhall Spa and Horncastle you will also pass along the Spa Trail, a shared cycling and walking trail running along an old railway line.
- A lovely waterside section along the River Witham into Lincoln
- The city of Lincoln with its magnificent cathedral (video below)
- A section along the Grantham Canal near Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and Belvoir Castle
- The final section along the beautiful Rutland Water in Rutland. You'll finish in the medieval market town of Oakham where there's some wonderful old architecture at the Norman castle and the 16th century Oakham School.
The walk is waymarked with a disc featuring a viking helmet.
Viking Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Viking Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Viking Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Viking Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the start of the route at Barton Upon Humber there's The Viking Way Cafe Bar. The cafe is housed in a historic lifeboat station on the Humber Estuary next to the bridge. They serve a good range of meals and snacks and can be found at postcode DN18 5BD.
The Harbour Cafe is in a lovely spot overlooking Whitwell Harbour on Rutland Water. It's a great place to stop on the route and rest your legs. The cafe is open 7 days a week from March until November then they open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the Winter. They offer a wide variety of, cooked breakfasts, home cooked lunches, snacks, great coffee and cakes in a relaxed family friendly environment. There's a great outdoor seating area with fine views of the water. You can find the cafe on Bull Brigg Lane with a postcode of LE15 8BL for your sat navs.
In the Lincolnshire Wolds be sure to pay a visit to the King's Head in the historic village of Tealby. Dating from 1367 the inn is notable as the oldest thatched pub in Lincolnshire. Inside there's a charming interior with a cosy lounge and a restaurant. Outside there's a lovely large garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find them at 11 Kingsway with a postcode of LN8 3YA for your sat navs. The pub is also dog friendly.
In the pretty village of Donington on Bain there's the Black Horse Inn. The 18th century inn serves high quality food and has a good selection of ales. They also have a nice garden area for warmer days. You can find them on the Main Road with postcode LN11 9TJ for your sat navs. The village is also worth exploring with a 12th century church and nice views of the River Bain to enjoy.
The village of Belchford is on the route in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. Here you'll find the Bluebell Inn, a traditional pub serving high quality dishes. They also have a garden area to enjoy. You can find them on the Main Road at postcode LN9 6LQ for your sat navs. Also in the village is an 18th century church with a 15th century font.
Near Rutland Water you'll pass through the delightful village of Exton where you'll find the Fox and Hounds. The attractive 17th century coaching inn overlooks the village green in the village. There's a cosy interior with a real log fire and a stunning English country garden for warmer weather. You can find them at postcode LE15 8AP for your sat navs. Just to the east you can also explore the parkland of the old Exton Hall and visit the pretty Fort Henry Lakes.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For extra walking around the trail you could try the Viking Way Circular Walk at Woodhall Spa. This route uses a section of the Viking Way and the Water Rail Way to create a circular walk around the Lincolnshire Wolds town. It takes you through the countryside before a nice waterside section along the River Witham.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lincolnshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Viking Way. Looking north towards Belmont near Donington-on-Bain
The Viking Way on the cliff edge near Wellingore
The path to Walesby church
The long distance footpath crosses the River Witham at this point.
The trail approaching the Weston monument at Somerby. A plaque states that the monument was erected by Edward and Ann Weston of Somerby Hall in 1770 to celebrate 29 years of marriage, and as a token of their gratitude to God for "our life of peaceful leisure".
Sambre Beck. On the trail where the footpath to Grange Farm follows Sambre Beck near the northern end of Foxhall Wood
Nature Magnified. Sculptures on the Spa Trail running between Woodhall Spa and Horncastle. This section is also suitable for cyclists.
Scamblesby Grove. This farmhouse lies at the foot of the chalk escarpment. At this point the escarpment is wooded. The photograph was taken from the adjoining grid square to the west on the Viking Way footpath.