The best walks and hikes around East Barkwith
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Hikes around East Barkwith explore the gentle, rolling hills and ancient woodlands on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The landscape is defined by a mix of open farmland, quiet country lanes, and sections of long-distance footpaths like the Viking Way. The terrain generally consists of easy walking along field paths and through woods, with some routes following the River Bain.
Best hiking trails around East Barkwith
- The most popular hiking route is Misty Path Through Fields – St George's Church, Goltho loop from Wragby, a 6.0 mile (9.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. This route passes the historic site of St George's Church in Goltho.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Donington on Bain Lakes – View of the River Bain Dam loop from Donington on Bain, an easy 4.4 mile (7.2 km) path. The trail features views of the local lakes and the River Bain dam.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Donnington on Bain to Biscathorpe via River, a 2.8 mile (4.4 km) trail leading through farmland and along the river, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Hiking around East Barkwith is defined by gentle farmland paths, riverside trails, and sections of historic footpaths. The network of routes offers options for different ability levels, from short, easy walks to more moderate circular hikes.
- The routes in East Barkwith are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 1,000 hikers have used komoot to explore East Barkwith's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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4.43km
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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95
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.8
(5)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
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17
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
St George's Church is a redundant Anglican church in the deserted village of Goltho, Lincolnshire, England. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building, and under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. It is situated beside one of Lincolnshire's lost villages, an old Saxon settlement long since buried. The name 'Goltho'; is said to be Saxon for 'where the marigolds grow'. Inside, it previously boasted an atmosphere of calm and simplicity, with rustic wooden pews, an altar screen and a simple two decker pulpit. Sadly however, the chapel was the victim of a heart breaking fire in 2013 and currently remains closed.
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Today was well hidden with low fog..some of the graves are so old..pretty muddy muddy
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The patronage of this church takes us far back to the beginnings of Christianity in the third/fourth century. Saint HELEN was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who recognized Christianity as a religion after his victory at the "Milvian Bridge" in front of Rome and ended the long period of persecution with the "Edict of Toleration" of Milan). In the early fourth century, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine) and brought numerous relics back to Europe, including the "True Cross" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. She is therefore often depicted in paintings or as a statue with a cross as an attribute. The feast day of Saint Helena in the calendar of saints is August 18th.
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These small lakes formed in the working of old sand and gravel pits. Today nature has reclaimed the area, and it's a lovely mix of scrub and woodland, dotted with ponds. The Viking Way long distance trail follows this path on its 149 mile (240 km) journey from the River Humber through Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to Rutland.
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This is a tough short climb with 8 & 9% gradients. The Bluestone Heath Road that follows is very comfortable riding.
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Good high cut waterproof boots needed to enjoy this highlight with dry feet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks starting near East Barkwith?
Yes, the area around East Barkwith is ideal for circular hikes. Many trails loop through the gentle farmland and quiet woodlands of the Lincolnshire Wolds. These routes often incorporate sections of long-distance paths like the Viking Way. For a shorter, easy loop, consider the View of the River Bain Dam – Donington on Bain Lakes loop from Burgh on Bain, which offers pleasant waterside views.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Most trails in the countryside are suitable for dogs, but it's essential to keep them on a lead, especially when crossing farmland with livestock. For a more relaxed walk where your dog might have more freedom, the nearby Willingham Woods is a popular choice with local dog owners, offering numerous paths and streams.
What are the trails like in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB?
Hiking in the Lincolnshire Wolds is characterized by gentle, rolling hills rather than steep climbs. You'll encounter a peaceful landscape of open arable fields, quiet country lanes, and ancient woodlands. The paths are typically well-defined, consisting of grassy tracks, farm lanes, and sections of paved road, making for generally easy walking conditions.
Are there any family-friendly walks in the area?
Definitely. The relatively flat terrain and network of shorter paths make the area great for families. Many of the easy-rated walks are suitable for children. The Spa Trail near Woodhall Spa is particularly good, with excellent, wide footpaths that are great for a family stroll.
Where can I find good woodland walks?
The region is home to several beautiful woodlands. Chambers Farm Wood, part of the historic Lincolnshire Limewoods, is renowned for its ancient trees and butterflies. For a quieter experience, Cocklode & Great West woods offer a maze of paths through both woods and open ground.
What is the Viking Way like near East Barkwith?
The Viking Way is a major long-distance footpath that passes through the region. Near East Barkwith, the trail guides you through some of the most scenic parts of the Wolds, featuring quiet lanes and gentle farmland. It's well-marked and offers expansive views over the tranquil rural landscape.
Are there any easy walks for beginners?
Yes, there are plenty of options for beginners or those looking for a gentle stroll. The area has nearly 40 easy-rated hikes. These routes typically follow level field paths and quiet roads, avoiding significant elevation changes, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without a strenuous workout.
What do other hikers think of the routes around East Barkwith?
The hiking routes around East Barkwith are highly regarded by the komoot community. With over 1,000 visitors exploring the trails, the area holds a high average rating. Reviewers frequently praise the peacefulness of the countryside, the expansive views across the Wolds, and the well-maintained paths.
Where is the best place to park for a walk?
For many rural routes, parking is often informal, using lay-bys or village roadsides, so please park considerately. For specific destinations, dedicated parking is available. Willingham Woods has a car park at its entrance, which is convenient if you plan to start your walk from there.
Are there any walks with a pub or cafe nearby?
Many walks start or finish in villages like Wragby or Donington on Bain, which have pubs and cafes for refreshments. A popular option is to visit the cafe at Willingham Woods, which is located right at the entrance and serves as a great start or end point for a walk through the forest.
What kind of scenery can I expect on a hike?
The scenery is classic English countryside at its most tranquil. Expect wide-open views from the rolling Wolds, paths along the gentle River Bain, and walks through historic woodlands. The landscape is a patchwork of arable fields, ancient forests like the Lincolnshire Limewoods, and quiet villages tucked into the folds of the hills.
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