Stop 14
Railway, Spa Trail & Viking Way
Follow the route that once brought spa visitors by train and now carries walkers and cyclists towards Horncastle.
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The line that transformed access to Woodhall Spa
The branch railway from Woodhall Junction at Kirkstead to Horncastle opened on 11 August 1855, with Woodhall Spa as its only intermediate station. It transformed access to the developing resort and the station expanded as visitor numbers grew.
Passenger services ended in 1954, the branch closed completely in April 1971 and the station buildings were demolished in the 1970s. Today the Spa Trail follows the old trackbed towards Horncastle. The local section is roughly three miles and forms part of the much longer Viking Way. Lincolnshire County Council now describes the full route as about 149 miles; older visitor guides often say 147.
Next: Eagle Lodge
Leave the trail only at the physically checked public access and continue towards Eagle Lodge, now the Inn at Woodhall Spa. The safest crossing will be confirmed after the route test.