4.5
(300)
3,805
hikers
15
hikes
Hiking around Doddington And Whisby features a landscape shaped by both natural evolution and historical land use, offering diverse environments for outdoor activities. The region encompasses reclaimed quarry land, now Whisby Nature Park, characterized by a complex of lakes, grasslands, and marsh. Adjacent to this, the Doddington Hall Estate provides trails through parkland and ancient woodlands, including Strunch Hill and Old Hag Wood. These areas combine to create varied terrain suitable for walking, with features ranging from level paths around…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.6
(19)
59
hikers
8.67km
02:14
40m
40m
Embark on the Doddington Hall to Skellingthorpe Old Wood loop, a moderate hike spanning 5.4 miles (8.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 132 feet (40 metres), typically completed…
3.7
(3)
45
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(13)
45
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Description of gravel not accurate, at on point you have to cycle around the side of a wheat field, very rutted, also nettles about 3 feet high in places. When you turn of the road on the byway it is blocked across the field with electric fences for the horses. Not a very nice ride.
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It can be busy, with the café, the restaurant the bike and other shops. With those attractions goes at least two sets of toilets
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Awesome little stop to fuel up on coffee and a cake - also a full cafe menu for more options. Don't forget to visit the giant bike shop next door for bikes and repairs
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Great place to grab a coffee and look for a new bike.
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Doddington Hall is a fine Elizabethan manor house with walled gardens. It also has a large GIANT bike store on-site, with a very cyclist friendly coffee shop in the store.
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Be mindful of walkers when your on your bike, the place is bike friendly and the cafe makes a welcome stop mid tour
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Leave your bike outside, its safe, cafe staff are working outside monitoring whilst you go in and grab refreshments
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Entrances into Old Wood are via bridle gates – suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs – and stiles, although at some points of entry access may be limited. The eastern side of the wood is accessed via two public byways which join up with a bridleway and footpath running along the eastern edge of the site. Two more footpaths enter the woodland from the west, over adjacent farmland via a stile. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/old-wood-skellingthorpe/
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Doddington And Whisby offers a good selection of routes, with around 15 hiking trails available. These range from easy strolls to moderate walks, providing options for various fitness levels.
Yes, the region is well-suited for easy and family-friendly hikes. Whisby Nature Park features six waymarked trails, many with level paths surfaced with compacted limestone, making them accessible for pushchairs. The Doddington Hall Estate also offers an easy 3.1 km looped trail suitable for all skill levels. Overall, there are 8 easy routes available, such as the St Peter's Church, Doddington – Doddington Hall and Gardens loop from Doddington Hall.
Many trails in Doddington And Whisby are dog-friendly, particularly those around the Doddington Hall Estate which offers extensive parkland and ancient woodlands. Whisby Nature Park also welcomes dogs, though they should be kept under control, especially around wildlife habitats. Always check specific signage for any restrictions.
Yes, many of the trails in Doddington And Whisby are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Doddington Hall to Skellingthorpe Old Wood loop, which connects historical grounds with natural woodlands, and the Doddington Hall and Gardens – Old Wood Archway Entrance loop from Doddington.
Doddington And Whisby is rich in natural diversity. Whisby Nature Park, a reclaimed quarry, features numerous lakes and ponds, grasslands, marsh, and willow carr, attracting abundant birdlife, including sand martins, swallows, and even nightingales. It's also a designated Dragonfly Hotspot. The Doddington Hall Estate offers views of ancient woodlands like Strunch Hill and Old Hag Wood, where you might spot wild deer, various woodland birds, and butterflies.
The Doddington Hall Estate itself is a significant historical landmark, with walks offering lovely views of Doddington Hall. While not directly on the hiking trails, the renowned Elizabethan gardens are nearby. You can also explore natural monuments like Aubourn Weir or the Jurassic Limestone Cliffs, Lincoln in the wider area.
Both Whisby Nature Park and the Doddington Hall Estate provide car parks for visitors. The trails on the Doddington Estate are free to access, and parking is generally available at both locations to facilitate access to the trailheads.
The region offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring and summer bring vibrant birdlife and wildflowers, particularly in Whisby Nature Park. Autumn is beautiful with changing foliage in the woodlands of Doddington Hall Estate. Winter offers a different charm, with high water levels attracting wildfowl and murmurations of starlings over the misty lakes at Whisby.
The Doddington Hall Estate typically has facilities including cafes or shops where you can find refreshments. Whisby Nature Park also has a visitor centre with a cafe. These are convenient spots to refuel before or after your hike.
The trails in Doddington And Whisby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 250 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil lakes of Whisby Nature Park to the historical parkland and ancient woodlands of Doddington Hall, as well as the well-maintained and accessible paths.
While the area is generally known for its easy to moderate trails, there are options for longer walks. For example, the Doddington Hall to Skellingthorpe Old Wood loop is a moderate 8.7 km (5.4 miles) route that takes over two hours to complete, offering a good distance for those looking for a more extended hike.
Absolutely. Whisby Nature Park is centered around a complex of small, medium, and large flooded gravel pits, offering numerous trails that wind around these lakes and ponds. You can specifically visit highlights like Coot Lake, Whisby Nature Park, or explore other water bodies such as Swanholme Lakes in the wider vicinity.


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