Viking Way tales wanted to mark 50 years of route

12 hours ago

Eleanor MaslinEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — The distinctive Viking Way signs are dotted across the 149-mile route

Lincolnshire County Council A church can be seen slightly blurred in the background with a blue clock on it and conifers in front of it. A sign can be seen close to the camera with a green and yellow arrow and a yellow circle which says Viking Way with a Viking helmet symbol on it. — The distinctive Viking Way signs are dotted across the 149-mile route

Walkers' memories of the Viking Way are wanted to mark 50 years since the route opened.

The long-distance trail, which opened in 1976, is a 149-mile walking route through Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) is seeking people's stories and photos of walking along the route as part of this year's anniversary celebrations.

Debby Braund, project officer in the rights of way and access team at LCC said she was hoping the stories would "capture the spirit of the Viking Way over the last 50 years and inspire people to get out there and try it for themselves."

Lincolnshire County Council Two people can be seen in hiking gear with walking sticks walking through a field with a path in the middle. A medium-sized dog which is white and black is walking alongside them. There are trees in the background with a tinge of orange. — Lincolnshire County Council is seeking stories and photos from people who have experienced the route

LCC said it was looking for memorable experiences of the route - whether someone had trekked the whole 149 miles or just taken a short stroll.

The route, marked with distinctive Viking helmet signs, starts on the banks of the Humber then passes through rural Lincolnshire including the Wolds, market towns, Lincoln and several villages.

It then follows an ancient trackway before it reaches Oakham in Rutland.

It was set up between Humberside, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire councils and The Ramblers, a walking charity.

Braund said the rights of way team at LCC were responsible for looking after the Viking Way, by making sure it is kept open, easy to use and promoted to people.

She said: "The Viking Way covers some of the loveliest regions of the county.

"It's a really great opportunity to get out there and experience the countryside and what Lincolnshire has to offer."

Braund also said there will be more celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the walking route this year with events yet to be announced.

People can share their stories of the route through LCC's website.

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