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Local walk · Woodhall Spa

VIKING WAY LONG WALK

A six-mile circular route combining Woodhall Spa’s historic centre and Pinewoods with field paths, the River Witham and part of the Water Rail Way.

OPEN ROUTE MAP →
A genuine view of the Water Rail Way used by the long Viking Way loop
01
Distance6 miles / 9.66 km
02
TimeAbout 3 hours
03
RouteCircular walk
04
StartCottage Museum
05
SurfaceMixed paths & roads
The genuine ruins of Kirkstead Abbey near the longer walking route
A fuller countryside circuit

WOODS, RIVER & OPEN LANDSCAPE

The first section matches the short Viking Way loop through central Woodhall Spa and The Pinewoods. The longer route then crosses Witham Road, uses field paths to reach the River Witham, follows the Water Rail Way beneath Kirkstead Bridge and returns by Abbey Lane.

This is a more demanding walk than the short loop: expect field paths, gates, uneven ground and short road sections. There are no stiles on the official route, but livestock may be present.

Follow the official route

MAP & STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

Start at the Cottage Museum, Iddesleigh Road, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6SH. Grid reference TF 196 632.

Official map showing the Viking Way Woodhall Spa long and short routes
This official Visit Lincolnshire map shows both Woodhall Spa Viking Way loops. Follow the long-route line and current signs on the ground.
Leave the Cottage Museum.With your back to the museum entrance, turn left along Iddesleigh Road.
Turn onto The Broadway.At the crossroads turn left. Pass the Golf Hotel and golf club, then turn left onto the public footpath after about 1 km / 0.6 mile.
Cross the golf course.At the footpath and Viking Way junction turn left. Follow the path and road straight ahead to a T-junction, passing the Manor House.
Pass the Spa Baths and Kinema.Turn right along Coronation Road.
Enter The Pinewoods.Just after King George Avenue bear left. Take the second path left over a ditch, then continue towards the rear of the shops.
Reach the road.At the end of the woodland path turn right.
Continue on Witham Road.Cross the road and walk straight on, rejoining the Viking Way, for about 700 m / 0.4 mile.
Take the public footpath.Immediately after Wentworth Way turn right. Continue straight, crossing two estate roads, to a lane.
Leave the Viking Way briefly.Turn left and walk carefully along the quiet road as it bends left. Continue for another 65 metres.
Head for the river.Turn right onto a track/bridleway and field. Bear slightly right on the grass track, pass through the gate, then bear left to the riverbank and Water Rail Way.
Follow the Water Rail Way.Turn left, pass under Kirkstead Bridge, then bear left in front of the old Woodhall Junction station house and continue to a T-junction.
Use the pavement.Turn right and continue for about 700 m / 0.4 mile.
Turn into Abbey Lane.Follow Abbey Lane for about 450 m / 0.3 mile.
Take the final public footpath.Turn left beside the ditch, then continue along the driveway to the road and turn left.
Return through the village.At the roundabout turn right along Station Road and The Broadway to Iddesleigh Road.
Finish at the museum.Turn left into Iddesleigh Road to return to the starting point.
Highlights along the circuit

WOODHALL SPA & KIRKSTEAD

A genuine woodland path through The Pinewoods

THE PINEWOODS

A sheltered woodland section before the route opens into fields and riverside landscape.

Woodhall Spa Dambusters Memorial in Royal Square

ROYAL SQUARE

Pass the central gardens and Dambusters Memorial on the final village approach.

Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum, start and finish of the route

COTTAGE MUSEUM

The official start and finish beside Woodhall Spa’s rare corrugated-iron bungalow.

SURFACES & SUITABILITY

  • Surfaced paths, tracks, field paths, grass and road sections.
  • No stiles are reported on the official route.
  • Livestock may be encountered.
  • Not promoted as step-free or wheelchair accessible.

PLAN YOUR START

  • Start: Cottage Museum, Iddesleigh Road, LN10 6SH.
  • Allow around three hours plus stops.
  • Parking, public transport, toilets and refreshments are available in Woodhall Spa.
  • Carry water; there are no facilities on the rural middle section.

WALK SAFELY

  • Follow current public-rights-of-way signs across the golf course and fields.
  • Use care on all road sections and at crossings.
  • Riverbanks, grass and field paths may be wet, muddy or uneven.
  • Respect gates, livestock and private property; official closures and diversions take priority.
Information checked 31 August 2026. Route facts and the 16-stage direction sequence are based on the current official Visit Lincolnshire guide. Please report public-rights-of-way problems through Lincolnshire County Council.