The Viking Way turns 50
Norman Gosbee, Karen Gosbee, Nick Paish and Lizzie Loring with Penny the dog.
Lincolnshire’s superstar walking route celebrates a golden milestone
Ready to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy some stunning scenery? Say hello to the Viking Way, Lincolnshire’s superstar walking route, which reaches a half century birthday this year!
This 149-mile-long route runs from the banks of the Humber to the town of Oakham in Rutland. Established in 1976, the breathtaking walk is now in the big birthday club, celebrating 50 glorious years.
The route was set up through a partnership between Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Humberside County Councils together with popular outdoor organisation, The Ramblers.
The route was dubbed the Viking Way in a nod to our fabulous Lincolnshire history – right back to the late ninth century when our county was part of the historic Mercia region. The Viking Way reflects the influence of Danelaw on our entire landscape in this part of the UK.
Navigating your way along the route couldn’t be easier either, it’s waymarked with a series of easy-to-see signs all sporting a Viking helmet. And, if 149 miles is a little on the long side for you, you can always enjoy one of the many short ‘circular’ walks that use part of the Viking Way.
Why we love it
- It’s free! No subscriptions, no hidden costs – just you, your boots, and the great outdoors.
- Feel-good vibes: Walking is a great workout that’s easy on your joints and brilliant for your mental health.
- Wild encounters: From Lincolnshire Wolds to Limewoods, expect birds, blooms, and breathtaking landscapes.
On the route
- Picture-perfect spots: Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, cliff villages, and the Kesteven Uplands.
- Historic towns: Caistor, Horncastle, Woodhall Spa – plus the city of Lincoln itself, where you’ll wander past the castle and cathedral before tackling Steep Hill.
- Easy options: Not many of us will consider tackling the whole 149 miles, so the route is split into 13 sections and loads of short circular walks. Perfect for a Sunday adventure.
Years of progress
Over the years, the Viking Way has had a serious makeover – stiles swapped for gates, safer crossings, shiny new waymarkers, and even accessible stretches like the Spa Trail and Water Railway.
Ready to walk the walk?
Make 2026 your year of adventure. Grab a map, pick a section, and get exploring!
Find maps, routes and insider tips at Visit Lincolnshire.
Your stories
Share your Viking Way stories with us, at www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk.
In the footsteps of Vikings
Found close to Baumber, this Samanid dirham started life in the Middle East and was later converted into a pendant.
The Viking Way recognises the influence of Scandinavians and their descendants on eastern England, as they moved from raiders to settlers who shaped the Lincolnshire landscape.
Incredible artefacts transport us back over 1,000 years. An extremely rare gold hammer-shaped pendant, discovered in Spilsby, is thought to represent Thor, the Norse god of thunder. These objects were worn as amulets to bring divine protection and indicate Old Norse religious traditions being observed in Lincolnshire.
Other artefacts show the global scale of the Viking trading network. Another pendant was unearthed in Baumber, close to Horncastle, which started its life as a coin in the Middle East, more than 4,000 miles away.
The silver coin is an Arabic dirham and was minted in AD 905/6, probably in Afghanistan. It was later gilded and converted into a pendant, and likely found its way to Lincolnshire as a souvenir worn by a Viking trader as a symbol of wealth and status.
The pendants are just two of the amazing artefacts going on display at an exciting exhibition exploring Lincolnshire’s Viking story, which will launch at Lincoln Museum when it re-opens following a £1.7m re-development.
A hammer-shaped pendant, discovered near Spilsby, thought to represent Thor the Norse God of Thunder.
As well as the exhibition, visitors will discover a brand-new archaeology gallery designed to bring people closer than ever before to the county’s fascinating history.
Stay up to date with the redevelopment of Lincoln Museum by following ‘Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery’ on Facebook and Instagram.
