Cycling in Lincolnshire

2015 is a good year to spend a few days in Lincolnshire if you are a fan of cycling. Apart from being a beautiful county full of scenic cycling routes Lincolnshire is hosting the 2015 British National Road Race and Time Trial Championships. The Time Trial championships will be held on Thursday 25th June and some of the country’s top athletes will be taking part in a race which covers some beautiful countryside south of the market town of Louth. Many spectators are expected to turn out to watch the action and enjoy the delights of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

On Sunday 28th June the competition moves to the exciting Lincoln Grand Prix Circuit with an exciting finish in Castle Square in Lincoln. Apart from enjoying the cycling it is an ideal time to visit Lincoln. 2015 is the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta and as Lincoln holds one of the only four copies of this historic document there are many events and activities taking place to celebrate. Lincoln Castle has reopened having had £22 million spent on refurbishing it. There is a purpose built museum to house the Magna Carta and for the first time for many years visitors are able to walk round the whole of the Castle walls.

If you have been inspired by the performance of the cyclists in these races there are many good routes to choose from and being a relatively flat county it is ideal for people who are probably not quite so fit as the people they have just been watching. The Water Rail Way is a purpose built trail linking Boston and Lincoln which follows the River Witham. There is a great range of artworks along the way that are inspired by agriculture or our own local poet Tennyson. Following the path of the old railway line there is also chance to spot a great selection of wildlife.

Another similar route is the Spa trail which follows the former Horncastle to Woodhall railway line and which also has some amazing artworks along the way. If you are feeling more adventurous you can try the 69 mile Lindsey Trail which takes you on a circular path across the Wolds from Market Rasen to Horncastle. The route covers 47 miles on road and 22 miles off road with interesting terrain and beautiful views.

On the doorstep of Elms Farm Cottages is a newly opened cycling and walking route that runs along the South Forty Foot Drain . This starts at Hubberts Bridge and follows the Forty foot drain to Wyberton Chain Bridge. You can then join the Water Railway at the Sluice Bridge and ride as far as you want towards Lincoln.

Look on www.lincswolds.org.uk for more interesting ideas and go on www.sustrans.org.uk where you can order maps of cycling routes in Lincolnshire and the Fens.