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Rambling into 2026: New year walks in Lincolnshire

Simon SparkEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageNigel Wass On the left of the photo is Nigel Wass with grey goatee beard. He is wearing a waterproof coat and woolly hat. To the right of him in the distance are seven other ramblers standing by the side of gravestones on green grass in the church yard of All Saints' Church posing for the selfie.Nigel Wass
Nigel Wass and the Skegness and Horncastle Ramblers

Whether it is the picturesque villages, centuries of history, stretches of breathtaking coastline or the simple wide-expanse of countryside, Lincolnshire has it all.

So what better way to work off that festive over-indulgence than to start the new year on the right footing?

We've spoken to ramblers across our county to ask them to share some of their favourite walks to do at this time of year.

So why not step into 2026 and see if you agree with them?

Messingham

News imageChris Curtis Long green grass by the side of water in a beck. On the far bank of the beck are higher green hills against a white skyChris Curtis
Bottesford Beck, near Scunthorpe

In North Lincolnshire, the Scunthorpe Group of Ramblers, which has about 150 members, recommends a circular walk starting from Messingham playing fields' car park.

Chairman Chris Curtis says: "I prefer circular walks as I can drive to the walk and easily collect the car at the finish. This walk also has two opportunities for rest and refreshments."

This five-mile (8km) walk passes fishing ponds and pauses at the Pink Pig Cafe. It carries on by the side of Bottesford Beck and on to more refreshments at Cafe Natura before returning.

Chris says he likes it because it has easy paths, no obstacles and interesting countryside and, of course, the opportunity for coffee and cake.

News imageCrown Copyright An ordnance survey map showing the detailed route of the Scunthorpe Group of Ramblers' walkCrown Copyright
The route of the Messingham circular walk

Horncastle

News imageNigel Wass This picture shows a white rendered thatched roof cottage under a blue sky. At the forefront of the photo is a wooden sign, leaning to the right with the words in white reading "To the church" with a white hand pointing to the right.Nigel Wass
The picturesque village of Mareham on the Hill near Horncastle, Lincolnshire

The Skegness and Horncastle Ramblers, which has 74 members, recommends a seven-mile (11.2km) route, starting in Horncastle Market Place and heading to Low Toynton via the Viking Way.

Country lanes then lead to Mareham on the Hill, where a natural break comes at All Saints' Church in the Village.

The route then heads back down to Horncastle via a local lane.

Group secretary Nigel Wass says: "The route is a mainly firm surface and shouldn't be too muddy, but care is needed when crossing the main A158 at High Toynton, otherwise it is an easy route with good views of the town of Horncastle."

News imageCrown Copyright An ordnance survey map showing the detailed route of the Skegness and Horncastle Ramblers walkCrown Copyright
The route of the Skegness and Horncastle Ramblers

Wold Newton

News imageSid Mill This picture shows a group of approximately 19 people with their warm hats and coats on. Two either side of the photo have walking poles. One person has a small brown dog on an orange lead that matches her orange coat. They are standing in front of woodland on grass with large clumps of snowdrop flowers dotted around them.Sid Mill
The Grimsby and Louth Ramblers posing among snowdrops

In North East Lincolnshire, the Grimsby and Louth Group of Ramblers claim to be the largest in Lincolnshire, having more than 300 members.

Sid Mill, who represents the group, says: "One circular route I could recommend, which will help walk off the Christmas excess, starts and finishes at Wold Newton - a small village to the west of North Thoresby.

"There is parking in front of the old barns, which are alongside North Farm, but please do not block the farm gates."

This walk takes ramblers to the top of the Lincolnshire Wolds and into the Hamlet of Hawerby and St Margaret's Church, which Sid describes as one of many ancient churches in the area.

You will also see the mouth of the River Humber, the North Sea and one of the largest wind turbine farms, off the coast of Yorkshire.

News imageCrown Copyright An ordnance survey map showing the detailed route of the Grimsby and Louth Ramblers walkCrown Copyright
The route of the Grimsby and Louth Ramblers

More walks

More walks are available on the Lincolnshire Ramblers' website.

The programme of new year walks includes:

  • Skellingthorpe - 10 miles (16.1km) Sunday 4 January
  • Ancaster - five miles (8km) Sunday 4 January
  • Fixborough - six miles (9.7km) Sunday 4 January
  • Tealby - five miles (8km) Monday 5 January
  • Baumber to Horncastle - 10 miles (16.1km) Tuesday 6 January
  • Southrey, nine miles (14.5km) Wednesday 7 January
  • Barton upon Humber seven miles (11.3km) Wednesday 7 January
  • South Hykeham two miles (3.2km)

Check the website for more details.

Safety advice

The main objective of any walk is to enjoy it, but also to stay safe.

We've featured just some of the many walking groups, which are the recommended option, but further advice on the official Ramblers' website includes planning your route, giving thought to your fitness and the route's difficulty and sharing it with others.

Other safety advice includes:

  • Carry essentials like a charged phone, water and food - perhaps a personal alarm
  • Monitor forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes
  • Walk towards traffic in well-lit areas
  • Also wear appropriate clothing for comfort and visibility - this can include bright and/or reflective clothing; good shoes and extra layers
  • Always have a back-up plan for getting home

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