Fossdyke Trail and The Dukeries Trail loop from Lincoln

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle adventure from Lincoln, combining the historic Fossdyke Trail with The Dukeries Trail. This 34.1 miles (54.9 km) loop takes you along peaceful canalside paths, through rural landscapes, and into ancient woodlands. You'll cycle past the impressive Fledborough Viaduct, a historical railway structure, and experience varied terrain from smooth asphalt to compacted gravel and even some rougher tracks, with a total elevation gain of 305 feet (93 metres) over approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes.

Planning your ride, be aware that while much of the route is paved, some sections of The Dukeries Trail can be rough, potentially requiring you to dismount and walk. The trail is accessible from Lincoln, and its connection to National Cycle Route 64 (NCN 64) offers good links. The Dukeries Trail was also designed to allow for round trips using trains, with stations like Saxilby accommodating bikes, providing flexibility for your journey.

This loop offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, tracing one of England's oldest artificial waterways, the Roman-built Fossdyke Canal. You'll also explore the legacy of aristocratic estates like Clumber, Welbeck, and Thoresby, and cycle through parts of the legendary Sherwood Forest. The route stands out for its seamless connection of these historically rich areas and its use of disused railway lines, offering generally traffic-free sections for an engaging touring experience.