Walesby - Normanby le Wold - Stainton le Vale - Ramblers' Church

Sam Roebuck

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Starting at the charming little Wolds village of Walesby, our walk picks up the Viking Way. This long-distance footpath runs from the Humber Bridge to Oakham on Rutland Water and sticks closely to the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds for much of its length. We make use of the Viking Way to take us up to the high ground above Walesby, with views stretching far to the west, including Lincoln Cathedral and the Trent Valley power stations of West Burton and Cottham.

The next village we come to is Normanby le Wold, another beautiful village with a church typical of those in the area. We'll see many more like it today. Now we leave the Viking Way and the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, to explore further into the Wolds themselves. We cross a couple of typical Wolds chalk valleys before reaching the main road known as Caistor High Street. The name hints at Roman occupation in the area and this is reinforced by our next destination, a valley noted on the map as 'Roman Hole'.

Just before the tiny settlement of Thoresway (surely the name suggests Viking occupation), we turn right to cross another chalk valley and drop into the village of Stainton le Vale (another church here and a pleasant estate area).

On the way back from Stainton le Vale to Walesby, we pick up the Viking Way once again and follow it to The Ramblers' Church. Until 1889 the 12th Century All Saints Church was the parish church for Walesby. Being some way from the village itself, it fell into disuse. A new church (St Mary's) was built in the village centre in 1913. All Saints Church was rescued in the 1930s and restored. It is now used for special services, including a 'Ramblers' Service' in the summer. The church has a stained glass window depicting ramblers. I'm not sure exactly how the church's links with the rambling community came about and would welcome any information; please leave a comment.

Dog owners please note the presence of some dog-unfriendly stiles and also cattle.

England - East England - Lincolnshire - Lincolnshire Wolds

Features

Cafe, Church, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Public Transport, Tea Shop, Wildlife, Woodland
11/7/2019 - John Eastland

A fantastic walk with lovely views (would have been better if it wasn't misty lol) Easy to follow instructions and photos. I have walked in this area many times but some paths were new to me. I can certainly recommend this walk and will certainly do it again in the future.

6/28/2011 - John Barlow

What a cracking walk! Did it in glorious sunshine, this walk has a bit of everything (shame no pub!) Excellant guide - just the right info and not like some on Walkingworld with too many waypoints and info. Good walk Sam, thankyou

1/8/2011 - Simon Nurse

A lovely walk but be aware that there are often cows in the field at Stainton Hall making it unsuitable for dogs.

8/15/2009 - Nigel Morrison

Not sure how the church got it's links with the Ramblers, but I do know that the window was painted by S.R. Pratt, who worked for a stained glass company in Leeds. He was my Grandfather. Many of the hands and feet on the window were modelled on my mother! Just found this link with lots of information regarding the adoption as the Ramblers Church. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/joanted/TheRambler'sChurch.htm. N P Morrison