The best cycling routes around Stow

Narrow shared use path over the bridge, best to dismount if anyone coming the other way.

For a unique experience at Blyton Ice Cream, consider booking their 'Make Your Own Ice Cream' session, available from October through January. This hands-on activity allows you to craft your personalized flavor by selecting a base, ripple, and inclusion, providing a delightful insight into the ice cream-making process. It's an excellent opportunity for both adults and children to engage creatively and enjoy their custom creations. Remember to book in advance to secure your spot. [1] https://www.blytonicecream.co.uk/make-your-own-ice-cream-experience/

Torksey Viaduct is closed. I was there on Friday 7th March 2025 and I ended up cycling south on A road to Dunham Bridge and back north to rejoin the route (Lincoln Gravel Imp). The viaduct may reopen in the future if a new leaseholder is found. Here is some info I found about the closure railwaypaths.org.uk/category/latest-news

The viaduct creates a link between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The structure offers fantastic views of the ruined Torksey Castle.

St Peter's dates from the 12th century with later extensions, have an interesting font with a Spode font basin that was installed in 1814 and the front of the altar is formed from the tomb stone of the last abbess of Torksey. In the 7th century St Paulinus baptised a great multitude of people in the river near Torksey, in the presence of King Edwin. At the time of the Domesday Book there were 3000 people living here and of all the settlements in Lincolnshire, only Lincoln and Stamford were larger. In the Middle Ages as well as St Peter's, there were two other parish churches in Torksey, All Saints & St Mary's and two monasteries, a house of Augustinian Canons and the priory of Foss for Cistercian nuns. The settlement has shrunk to a quarter of its former size and all that is now left of this rich ecclesiastical heritage is St Peter's church.

Gainsborough Old Hall in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire is over five hundred years old and one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in England. The hall was built by Sir Thomas Burgh in 1460. The Burghs were rich, flamboyant and powerful. Gainsborough Old Hall was not only their home, but also a demonstration of their wealth and importance. Burgh was a benefactor to Newark Church and also the founder of the Chantry and Alms House at Gainsborough. In 1470, the manor was attacked by Sir Robert Welles over a clash about lands, status, and honour, but it was not severely damaged. In 1484 Thomas entertained King Richard III in his hall. Henry VIII visited Gainsborough twice: once in 1509, and again in 1541 with his fifth wife, Queen Catherine Howard. The Queen was accused of indiscretions both at Gainsborough and Lincoln, and she was later executed.

A Georgian style church with medieval tower and a magnificent interior, the altar piece is a copy of the Da Vinci painting of the Last Supper. The first reference to a church in Gainsborough was in 1180 when it was given by Roger de Talbot, Lord of the Manor of Gainsborough to the Knights Templar of Willoughton. However, by 1730 this church was considered 'too dark and mean and incommodious' to suit the town's growing population and the decision was made to build a new church. Only the 15th century tower remains from the original medieval church.

The symbol of Lincoln is the mighty cathedral.