50 years of the Viking Way (1976 – 2026)

Your Viking Way at 50 memories

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  Viking Way

  by Paula Edwards, about 11 hours ago

  My dad and I set off to walk the Viking Way on 20^th September 2000 from the Humber bridge on a fine day. We met lots of lovely people curious about our adventure and had a fun time

  There were a lot of memorable moments, the skylarks above the Wolds was certainly one, but “The Bull” story is the tale that is still recounted. We were forced off the official path and had to leap over some barbed wire fence. That was the easiest, swiftest leap anyone has ever done over barbed wire! He was relaxing on a slope... Continue reading

  My dad and I set off to walk the Viking Way on 20^th September 2000 from the Humber bridge on a fine day. We met lots of lovely people curious about our adventure and had a fun time

  There were a lot of memorable moments, the skylarks above the Wolds was certainly one, but “The Bull” story is the tale that is still recounted. We were forced off the official path and had to leap over some barbed wire fence. That was the easiest, swiftest leap anyone has ever done over barbed wire! He was relaxing on a slope, enjoying the sun on his back. He was NOT going to be disturbed by two people walking quietly passed him. Looking through dads log book there is no mention of him – we can’t quite remember where on the walk he was – but why no mention?

  My dad will be 95 this year. He still feels the pull of the countryside and nature and gets out for 25 mile round trips on his mobility scooter!
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  20 Miles of the viking way

  by Ronmonger, 2 days ago
  From Caistor to Goulceby

  Back in the 80,s myself and three workmates from Grimsby decided to walk a section of the Viking way approx_ 20 miles .Using two cars one at the start the other at the finish ie the pub at Goulceby . So off we strided taking in some of great views along the way . First stop The Barn Inn Tealby for a pint ,sadly no longer there . Sitting in the beer garden we were engrossed by a wedding party which added to the fun . Off again we went on approaching Biscasthorp one off our... Continue reading

  From Caistor to Goulceby

  Back in the 80,s myself and three workmates from Grimsby decided to walk a section of the Viking way approx_ 20 miles .Using two cars one at the start the other at the finish ie the pub at Goulceby . So off we strided taking in some of great views along the way . First stop The Barn Inn Tealby for a pint ,sadly no longer there . Sitting in the beer garden we were engrossed by a wedding party which added to the fun . Off again we went on approaching Biscasthorp one off our party became unwell with stomach upset . On a discussion we all decided with his blessing he should remain there, plenty of water and provisions provided , promising to pick him up on our return . Saying farewell we set of again passing Donnington and beyond . When finally reaching Goulceby we decided another pint was in order . Sitting down outside minding our own business we found ourselves recruited into the local tug o war team .Being tired from our walk we really was not of much use . We picked up the car and set of back to Caistor picking our colleague on the way , who Sat in the same spot we,d left him .Over the years I have walk alot of Viking Way mostly circulars I'm now 72 and live near Caistor. I don,t have a bucket list but doing the whole 149 miles would top of it .
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  My favourite part of the Viking Way.....

  9 days ago
  

  My favourite part of the Viking Way is the part between Tealby and Caistor. It traverses the highest part of the Way and pick a clear day, on the hills above Claxby one can see for miles, even Lincoln Cathedral in the distance. The valley south of Nettleton is a little piece of Lincolnshire heaven. Where once there were noisy iron ore mines that supplied Scunthorpe steel works, now there is peace and serenity. Walking this valley reminds me of parts of the Yorkshire Dales such is the isolation.

  In Caistor, Claxby, Normandy le Wold and Tealby there are beautiful... Continue reading

  My favourite part of the Viking Way is the part between Tealby and Caistor. It traverses the highest part of the Way and pick a clear day, on the hills above Claxby one can see for miles, even Lincoln Cathedral in the distance. The valley south of Nettleton is a little piece of Lincolnshire heaven. Where once there were noisy iron ore mines that supplied Scunthorpe steel works, now there is peace and serenity. Walking this valley reminds me of parts of the Yorkshire Dales such is the isolation.

  In Caistor, Claxby, Normandy le Wold and Tealby there are beautiful churches built in iron stone. All Saints in Walesby is particularly pretty sitting above the village commanding extensive views. Should you like refreshment, then there lovely pubs and cafes in Tealby and Caistor.

  Whether you walk north from Tealby or south from Caistor this stretch of the Viking Way will not disappoint you in terms impressive views and landscape. It give you great pleasure in discovering a part of our county which is quite unique.

  Geoff N

  
  
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  Lovely places to go back to.

  by ChasT, 11 days ago
  Four of us walked the whole of the Viking Way from Barton to Oakham in bite-sized sections over 17 days between 2008 and 2012.

  Being from East Yorkshire, it was great to discover what Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland had to offer; the Roman history, the RAF presence, thriving agriculture and livestock such as the Lincoln Longwool Sheep flock, art installations near Woodhall Spa, magnificent churches (The Ramblers Church at Walesby is special), it's famous people (Alfred Lord Tennyson, Joseph Banks and Margaret Thatcher), great architecture (Lincoln Cathedral and the delightful thatched village of Exton) and above all the wonderful, expansive... Continue reading

  Four of us walked the whole of the Viking Way from Barton to Oakham in bite-sized sections over 17 days between 2008 and 2012.

  Being from East Yorkshire, it was great to discover what Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland had to offer; the Roman history, the RAF presence, thriving agriculture and livestock such as the Lincoln Longwool Sheep flock, art installations near Woodhall Spa, magnificent churches (The Ramblers Church at Walesby is special), it's famous people (Alfred Lord Tennyson, Joseph Banks and Margaret Thatcher), great architecture (Lincoln Cathedral and the delightful thatched village of Exton) and above all the wonderful, expansive countryside.

  One memorable day we met Charlie Ross and Charles Hanson of Antiques Road Trip and they signed our Viking Way Guide Book!

  We have been back many times to the area for visits to the Kinema in the Woods (Woodhall Spa), cycled The Water Rail Way, stayed B&B in a railway carriage at Bardney and done the excellent town trail in Horncastle.

  Great walk, good memories and discovered some lovely places to go back to.
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  A Viking Way double

  by Garry Steele, 12 days ago

  I have completed the Viking Way twice; first solo, south to north, in 1979/1980 as a then relatively young 26-year-old; and secondly when 50, in the opposite direction north-south, in 2003/2004, with my walking companion neighbour, John.

  My first completion, originally intended to be a continuous journey along the entire route over 7 days during May 1979, was abandoned at the approximate half-way point in Lincoln, after walking for three days in almost continuously very wet, drab, and muddy conditions.

  Hoping for better weather, I went on to complete the Way over four further days on the same week of... Continue reading

  I have completed the Viking Way twice; first solo, south to north, in 1979/1980 as a then relatively young 26-year-old; and secondly when 50, in the opposite direction north-south, in 2003/2004, with my walking companion neighbour, John.

  My first completion, originally intended to be a continuous journey along the entire route over 7 days during May 1979, was abandoned at the approximate half-way point in Lincoln, after walking for three days in almost continuously very wet, drab, and muddy conditions.

  Hoping for better weather, I went on to complete the Way over four further days on the same week of the following year (1980), but unfortunately the heavens opened again for much of the time!

  I am not quite sure where my first finishing of the Way sits in the history of successful solo completions, but I guess it may well have been one of the earlier ones.

  My stand-out memories of the First completion (South-North; 1979/1980): -

  The Leicestershire section from Whitwell to Thistleton, at that time still awaiting signposting with the Viking Helmet logo, and using a single sheet sketch map of the route supplied on request from Leicestershire County Council, which steadily turned into a rain-soaked, virtually illegible soggy mush by the time I reached the Lincolnshire border.

  Deviating a short distance off route at Cribb's Meadow, to take the opportunity to visit the source of the infant River Witham.

  Not meeting another living soul, and enjoying the tranquillity and fauna and flora along the section of the Way which follows the prehistoric trackway of Sewstern Lane, then untargeted by 4x4 enthusiasts and scrambling bikes.

  The unnerving experience of crossing both carriageways of a very fast, 70mph, section of the A1 road near Foston, while at the same time witnessing the horror in the faces of passing motorists seeing this pedestrian paused in the central reservation, waiting to dash over the other half of the road.

  Briefly straying off route at Normanby Top to take advantage of visiting the Triangulation Point plinth marking the 551 feet above sea-level highest point in Lincolnshire - where it is reputed that if you face due East, the next place of greater height are the Ural mountains in Russia.

  Finally making it in the rain on another soggy day to the finish beneath, at the time, the still under-construction Humber Bridge.

  Second completion (North-South; 2003/2004): -

  The second completion with my neighbour was carried out in a slightly more leisurely fashion, over a series of 9 separate walks.

  Welcome improvements to the Way since my first completion included the re-routed section between Bardney and Lincoln, avoiding the earlier, seemingly never-ending, 7-mile straight line slog along the banks of the River Witham; the bridge crossing at Long Bennington, avoiding the previous terrifying sprint across the A1 duel carriageway; and the relocation of the route along a section of path next to Rutland Water, significantly reducing the time and distance spent walking along the busy A606 Whitwell to Oakham road.

  Unfortunately, arguably the least inviting and scenic section of the Way between South Ferriby and Barnetby Top remained unchanged, and I personally continue to feel it is a pity a more interesting and route couldn’t be found along the scarp edge of the west Wolds, via the villages of Horkstow, Saxby All Saints, Bonby & Worlaby

  One of our most endearing wildlife memories was along the beck in Nettleton Valley, where we witnessed four, very small fledging Moorhen chicks being lured by the calling mother bird, leaping out and bouncing through branches down to earth from a nest located, very unusually, some 10 feet up in a hawthorn bush, rather than more typically at ground level

  Postscript: -

  After my first completion of the Way I acquired a cloth Viking Way badge, which I attached prominently on my trusty, well-used rucksack.

  The badge remained proudly on show throughout the course of subsequently completing the Wolds Way between Hessle and Filey (after first walking across the Humber Bridge to unite it with the Viking Way); various challenge walks in Lincolnshire - including the Lindsey Loop, the Danelaw Way and the Plogsland Round; as well as while walking the whole of the Cornish section of the South West Way coastal path plus mountain walking holidays in the Alps.
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  Always near the Viking Way

  by kate public, 16 days ago
  

  
  

  I’ve lived in a few different parts of the county over the years. Each place has been a bit different, but there’s been one constant: I’ve always lived close to the Viking Way.

  
  Having it nearby has mattered more than I probably realised. It’s been an easy place to go for a walk after work or a cycle at the weekend, without having to plan much or go far. Just being able to step outside and get into open countryside has helped me switch off and clear my head.

  
  I genuinely value having that everyday access to nature — it’s... Continue reading

  
  

  I’ve lived in a few different parts of the county over the years. Each place has been a bit different, but there’s been one constant: I’ve always lived close to the Viking Way.

  
  Having it nearby has mattered more than I probably realised. It’s been an easy place to go for a walk after work or a cycle at the weekend, without having to plan much or go far. Just being able to step outside and get into open countryside has helped me switch off and clear my head.

  
  I genuinely value having that everyday access to nature — it’s something I don’t take for granted and would really miss if it wasn’t there.

  
  Wherever I’ve lived, being near the Viking Way has helped me feel grounded and connected to where I am.
  
  

  1 comment
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  A story from 'The three must have beers...'

  17 days ago

  On 23rd March, 2020, during the Covid outbreak, we went for a walk on the Viking Way, passing through Nettleton Valley & Normanby le Wold.

  We walked at a distance from each other and sat down at Normanby, for a packed lunch. We admired the view, and wondered what was to come in that uncertain time.

  The first lockdown was announced, starting at 18.00 that evening.

  We all survived and had that fantastic view to keep in mind through the times ahead. Had another walk round today, but the view wasn't as clear as that imprinted on our memories.

  On 23rd March, 2020, during the Covid outbreak, we went for a walk on the Viking Way, passing through Nettleton Valley & Normanby le Wold.

  We walked at a distance from each other and sat down at Normanby, for a packed lunch. We admired the view, and wondered what was to come in that uncertain time.

  The first lockdown was announced, starting at 18.00 that evening.

  We all survived and had that fantastic view to keep in mind through the times ahead. Had another walk round today, but the view wasn't as clear as that imprinted on our memories.
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  50 Years of walking The Viking Way

  by Paul Hiley, 20 days ago

  We arrived in Lincolnshire (Claxby) in 1975 just one year before The Viking Way. I was 28 and always a keen walker and runner. Working at the local comprehensive school, I became concerned to see how little local students knew about their own environment; most had never heard of The Viking Way. I ran a cross country club at the school and one day I had the idea of organising a relay race along The Viking Way from Caistor to Tealby. Thus was born The Viking Challenge Relay. At its peak it attracted more than12 schools(60 plus athletes) with some... Continue reading

  We arrived in Lincolnshire (Claxby) in 1975 just one year before The Viking Way. I was 28 and always a keen walker and runner. Working at the local comprehensive school, I became concerned to see how little local students knew about their own environment; most had never heard of The Viking Way. I ran a cross country club at the school and one day I had the idea of organising a relay race along The Viking Way from Caistor to Tealby. Thus was born The Viking Challenge Relay. At its peak it attracted more than12 schools(60 plus athletes) with some schools submitting two teams. Later a girls' race was organised. We ran the event in March (sometimes in snow!) and on one occasion in thick mist. A fleet of volunteer timekeepers tracked each stage and records were kept of the times for each leg. First years(11 year olds) competed in the first leg (about 1 mile from Caistor to Nettleton) and handed over to Fourth Years(14 year olds) up the gruelling climb to Mottley Brant's Farm. Third years ran to Normanby Church and second years sprinted down hill to Walesby. The final stage was the undulating stretch from Walesby to Tealby. Every stage had a "hare" (sometimes it was me!) but we did once have a runner who got straight on his team bus without handing onto to his waiting team mate! It was overall an exciting and challenging event.
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  My walk along the Viking Way (on behalf of Malcolm)

  21 days ago

  In 2018 I lost my Chocolate Labrador, Denver. I struggled deeply with his loss, and over the following year my grief became overwhelming. At 58, I felt as though my life had come to a halt. Denver and I had spent many years walking in the Wolds, so in June 2019 I decided to walk the entire Viking Way over 12 consecutive days—coinciding with Storm Miguel hitting the UK.

  Although the guidebook listed the route as 147 miles, the journey ended up being 165 miles due to getting lost at times and staying overnight off the trail. Completing the walk... Continue reading

  In 2018 I lost my Chocolate Labrador, Denver. I struggled deeply with his loss, and over the following year my grief became overwhelming. At 58, I felt as though my life had come to a halt. Denver and I had spent many years walking in the Wolds, so in June 2019 I decided to walk the entire Viking Way over 12 consecutive days—coinciding with Storm Miguel hitting the UK.

  Although the guidebook listed the route as 147 miles, the journey ended up being 165 miles due to getting lost at times and staying overnight off the trail. Completing the walk became a turning point for me. It helped me begin to come to terms with losing Denver, and I carried his collar in my backpack the whole way.

  A section in Long Bennington is now officially included in the online guidebook and has been named Denver’s Field by the landowner. This thoughtful gesture brings me tremendous comfort.
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  Viking Way adventure

  by Bill Millar, 23 days ago
  

  I walked the full length Viking Way in the summer of 1998 following the waymarks and map reading. It took me around 10 days. I stayed in Bed and Breakfast places en-route my partner (now my wife) met me at some of the stopping stages. It was a fantastic experience meeting lots of different people including school children on an organised walk, motorcycle enthusiasts who were going to ride around Cadwell park, and the Belvoir hunt exercising their hounds on the Belvoir Castle to RAF Cottesmore section. I dipped my toe in the Humber at the start of the walk... Continue reading

  I walked the full length Viking Way in the summer of 1998 following the waymarks and map reading. It took me around 10 days. I stayed in Bed and Breakfast places en-route my partner (now my wife) met me at some of the stopping stages. It was a fantastic experience meeting lots of different people including school children on an organised walk, motorcycle enthusiasts who were going to ride around Cadwell park, and the Belvoir hunt exercising their hounds on the Belvoir Castle to RAF Cottesmore section. I dipped my toe in the Humber at the start of the walk and again in Rutland water before walking into Oakham and finishing at the library, where my wife Odette was waiting. I raised nearly £500 for charity. It was a fantastic experience which took me completely out of my comfort zone