December 22, 2021
Local Walks, Cycle Trails and Hidden Gems to Explore
Perfectly situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, our haven here at Bainland provides a world of opportunity for you to get out and explore the miles of trails and some of the region’s most stunning scenic routes, right on our doorstep. Discover trails, reserves and woodlands, and the wildlife that resides there, either on foot or by bike. Bainland offers a range of bikes for hire to suit all ages, including trikes and bike seats.
Most of the routes are dog-friendly too so do bring along your furry family members for the fun. Bainland warmly welcomes dogs and has a host of pet-friendly lodges where they receive a special welcome pack on arrival.
So whether you are a seasoned walker or wanting to gently explore, we have picked out the best trails for getting to know our beautiful Lincolnshire countryside.
The only question is, which will you do first?
1. Spa Trail
Part of the Viking Way, this out-and-back trail takes you all the way to Horncastle, passing through a mixture of scenic woodlands and open countryside. Journey along the mid-section of the old Horncastle to Woodhall Junction railway line and part of the Horncastle canal where you’ll discover impressive sculptures made from metal, stone, and wood – all depicting local wildlife and links with the past.
Roughly 3 miles there and 3 miles back, this trail is a flat surfaced path with little to no obstacles or gates, making it ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and disability buggies. The trail is also fenced for the entire route and dog waste bins are provided intermittently.
Perfect for all skill levels, this scenic route is a 5-minute walk away from Bainland.
Find out more here: https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/spa-trail/
2. Ostlers Plantation
Rich with wartime memories, Ostlers Plantation, a forestry woodland next to Woodhall Spa, is famous for being the base for the Dambusters squadron in the closing months of WWII. The bomb stores can be found hidden amongst the trees, and you can even still clearly see the concrete bays where the aircrafts would be.
There are various paths with differing lengths to choose from within the plantation, so you can walk or cycle for hours, amongst beautiful heathers, and still find new routes!
Ostlers Plantation is a 5-minute drive away from Bainland. Parking is free.
Find out more here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/ostlers-plantation
3. Woodhall Spa Woods
This hidden gem in the heart of the charming historic village of Woodhall Spa is the ideal setting for all nature lovers, offering plenty of accessible trails for the whole family to enjoy.
Boasting 7.6 hectares, this is where you’ll find the infamous Kinema in The Woods and also plenty of wildlife, including the rarer Spotted Woodpecker, Muntjac, and Treecreeper.
Perfect for walking or cycling, this is around a 25-minute walk from Bainland or a 2-minute drive.
Find out more here: https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/woodhall-spa-woods/
4. The Water Rail Way
Discover stunning views of the Fens landscapes on this flat, tarmacked, traffic-free route from Woodhall to Lincoln.
Don’t feel like walking it? Hire bikes and cycle your way around as you soak up the expansive skies and beautiful scenery alongside the river Witham.
Wheelchair and pushchair friendly, this out-and-back trail is a short 5-minute drive away from Bainland.
Find out more here: https://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/water-rail-way
5. Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve
Filled with streams and magnificent views of the southern Lincolnshire Wolds, Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve offers three mixed woodland trails – There & Back trail (1 mile, black way markers), Country Park trail (114⁄ miles, green way markers) and Snipe Dales Round (312⁄ miles, red way markers).
Tailored to suit every visitor’s ability and preference, all three trails allow you to venture through the stunning landscapes of the Country Park and Nature Reserve, where you’ll find yourself amongst a wide range of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and plenty of other wildlife.
Paths are generally flat but can get steep and muddy on the There & Back Trail, so wheelchair users may gain access to the marsh by car.
Bring your furry friends along too and explore the two parts to this nature reserve all year round. With plenty of picnic areas and car parks, you’ll only have to hop in the car for a short 20-minute drive.
Find out more here: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/snipe-dales
6. Hubbards Hills
Hubbards Hills is an area of natural, picturesque beauty offering gorgeous greenery, idyllic views, and rural charm.
The naturally formed landscape has a short 1.5-mile loop trail that is pushchair and wheelchair friendly – making it the perfect place for a lovely woodland stroll or to unwind with a picnic collected from our local deli.
With a car park and toilets too, this stunning water valley is just a 35-40 minute drive away from Bainland.
Find out more here: https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/hubbards-hills/
Make the most of your stay at Bainland
After exploring such story-rich woodlands and picturesque landscapes, your Bainland lodge awaits. Settle onto the sofa and watch movies, curl up by the log burner with mugs of hot chocolate, relax on your terrace under the starlit skies or soak tired legs in your al fresco hot tub. And if all that fresh air helps to work up an appetite, we welcome you to dine at The Copper Goose Bistro & Bar, or have it delivered straight to your lodge! Once you have that all sorted, you can plan your next route!
