A view across the rolling green hills and farmland of the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, with a walking trail sign in the foreground under a bright sky.

Lincolnshire – Wolds, Fens, and Open Coast

A large eastern county of chalk hills, low-lying fenland, and long North Sea shoreline

Lincolnshire is a county of chalk uplands, drained fenland, and open coastline in eastern England. Walking routes cross the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, follow the Viking Way, and use coastal and riverside paths linking places such as Lincoln, Louth, Market Rasen, Skegness, Boston, and Stamford across rolling hills, flat agricultural ground, and tidal marsh.

Much of the terrain is firm and level underfoot. Field paths, bridleways, sea banks, canal towpaths, and minor roads allow steady progress with few obstacles. Gradients are generally gentle, with short climbs confined mainly to the Wolds rather than sustained ascent.

The landscape shifts between clear sub-areas. The Lincolnshire Wolds in the north-east form a band of rounded chalk hills and dry valleys. Central and southern parts become flat fenland, with straight drains, embankments, and wide skies. Along the east, saltmarsh, dunes, and sea walls line the coast, creating long linear walking corridors beside the North Sea.

Towns and villages are regularly spaced, particularly along the Wolds edge and fen settlements, creating frequent access points for shorter loops and longer point-to-point routes without long remote sections.

Trails and Routes Through Lincolnshire

Viking Way

A long-distance route running from the Humber Bridge to Oakham, crossing the Lincolnshire Wolds and continuing south through rural farmland and limestone country.

Lincolnshire Wolds Way

A circular regional route following tracks and footpaths across the chalk hills, linking valleys, villages, and viewpoints within the Wolds.

England Coast Path (Lincolnshire section)

A developing and established coastal route using sea banks, dunes, and promenades between the Humber Estuary, Skegness, and The Wash.

Waterway and fenland paths

Local and regional routes along drains, rivers, and canals providing level walking between settlements across the fens.

Walking Character

Rolling chalk hills and dry valleys
Wide, flat fenland and reclaimed farmland
Long sea banks, dunes, and open coast
Field paths, bridleways, towpaths, and minor roads
Frequent villages and market towns
Predominantly open and low-lying terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lincolnshire located?

Lincolnshire lies on England’s east coast between the Humber Estuary and The Wash, bordered by Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk.

What defines walking here?

Gentle terrain dominates, with rolling chalk hills in the Wolds, long level sections across fenland, and linear routes along the coast and waterways.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Viking Way, Lincolnshire Wolds Way, and sections of the England Coast Path provide longer continuous routes across the county.

Is the terrain steep?

Mostly no. The Wolds include short hills, but much of the county is flat or gently rolling.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers the most stable ground and longer daylight. Coastal areas can be exposed to wind year-round, and fen paths may be muddy after heavy rain.