THE SPA TRAIL
Walk, wheel, cycle or ride along three miles of flat, surfaced and traffic-free former railway between Sandy Lane, Martin and Thornton Lodge.
COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & LOCAL ART
The managed Spa Trail follows the track bed of the former Horncastle to Woodhall Junction railway and part of the Horncastle Canal. Its hard, level surface makes it particularly useful for wheelchairs, pushchairs and family cycling.
Wood, stone and metal artworks reference railway history, local wildlife and the Viking Way. The route is linear: allow for the return journey or arrange transport from the far end.
WHERE TO JOIN THE TRAIL
Limited parking is available at the access points. The Woodhall and Horncastle town centres are beyond the managed three-mile bridleway and require onward connections.
SANDY LANE
Off the B1191 near Woodhall Spa. This is the Woodhall end of the surfaced multi-user trail, around two miles from the village centre.
MARTIN BRIDGE
Near the B1191 between Woodhall Spa and Horncastle. A practical midway option for a shorter out-and-back visit.
THORNTON LODGE
On the minor road off the A153, around 1¼ miles south of Horncastle town centre and close to the canal-side section.
ART BESIDE THE OLD RAILWAY
METAL HERON
One of the wildlife-inspired artworks placed beside the surfaced route.
FERN SEAT
A carved resting place that turns the trail’s plants into practical art.
VIKING SHIP
A reminder that this traffic-free trail also carries part of the Viking Way.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Flat, surfaced and traffic-free managed bridleway.
- Promoted for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
- Suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
- Conditions can still vary after poor weather; use your own judgement.
FACILITIES
- Limited parking at Sandy Lane, Martin Bridge and Thornton Lodge.
- Public toilets at Spa Road in Woodhall Spa and St Lawrence Street in Horncastle.
- Refreshments are available in both towns, not on the rural trail itself.
- Dogs are welcome; keep them under responsible control.
IMPORTANT DISTANCE NOTE
- The official accessible bridleway is three miles between its managed access points.
- Some guides describe a longer Woodhall-to-Horncastle journey by adding public-footpath links into each town.
- Do not assume those extra connections have the same surface or accessibility as the managed Spa Trail.
- This is a linear route, so plan how you will return.