Lindsey Loop - what is it?
 
                 

  Lindsey Loop is a 96-mile long distance recreational walking route linking the six market towns in East and West Lindsey. The towns, Market Rasen, Caistor, Louth, Alford, Spilsby and Horncastle border the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. So an alternative name could be 'A Lincolnshire Wolds circuit.' The route takes you through the rolling countryside of the Wolds and includes many obscure villages both undiscovered and unspoilt as well as a 60 foot wide Roman Road. Members of the Ramblers' Association created the route and the late Brett Collier MBE wrote the guidebook.

   The walk as originally written starts at Market Rasen and ends at  Louth but for the second edition Market Rasen was added as an alternative end point. The walk is aimed particularly at those who enjoy a long distance walking experience. The guidebook divides the route into eight sections varying from 9.5 to 14.5 miles - distances that can be walked in a day, assuming good weather and daylight.
   The walk can be done in one 8-day session or over a longer period on single days or several weekends. When public transport is available it can be used to return to the start at the end of the day's walk. Sadly, public transport is infrequent in the Wolds, particularly on Sundays so linear walks like this have to be tackled using two or more cars. However, lone walkers need not be deterred. It has been known for individuals to take their car with bicycle on board to the end of the walk. Here the bike is left in a safe location to be used to cycle back to the start after the walk. That's real dedication!
   The updated second edition of the guidebook was produced in 2004 and this  includes the  additional section to allow an ending in Market Rasen. This conveniently divides the route into a northern loop, 57 miles and a southern loop, 62 miles. These loops could be tackled as separate walks, if desired.

  Copies of the guidebook  'A Lindsey Loop' is available in some local bookshops or by post  from  Miriam Smith, 01522 682479, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it