Lincoln Edge Walk

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Lincoln Edge Walk: Lincolnshire Cliff Villages Day Hike

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

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Ranked #829 of 974

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HikeList Score

Lincoln Edge Walk scored 73/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 58
Varied terrain 76
Accommodation 74
Food & support 81
Path quality 71
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Lincoln Edge Walk is best understood as a 17.5 km, one-day, moderate point-to-point walk in England, not a separate official national trail. From Lincoln it heads south along the Lincoln Edge, also called the Lincoln Cliff, following the Viking Way for most of the route through Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothby Graffoe, Navenby and Wellingore towards Leadenham. It suits walkers wanting a low-level day hike with village stops, open farmland and long views west over the Trent and Belvoir Vales.

Route Overview

Start in Lincoln, with the Viking Way leaving the city at South Common below the cathedral, then walk south along the crest of the limestone escarpment. The route passes Bracebridge Heath and the line of cliff villages: Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothby Graffoe, Navenby and Wellingore, before continuing towards Leadenham. This is a linear walk, so use public transport: Lincoln has a rail station and both ends are served by buses. Allow a full day with stops. For other lower-level UK walks, compare the Ashby Canal Trail or the Amber Valley Route.

History of the Lincoln Edge

The walk follows the Lincoln Cliff, an escarpment of Middle Jurassic Lincolnshire Limestone that has shaped settlement and travel across the county. Lincoln grew where the River Witham cuts through the ridge, becoming Roman Lindum and later a major cathedral and castle city. The cliff villages developed along the well-drained edge. The modern walking line here is mainly the Viking Way, opened in the 1970s and named for the area’s Danelaw and Viking heritage.

Notable highlights

Lincoln Cathedral: A vast medieval Gothic cathedral crowning Lincoln’s hilltop old city. It is visible for miles across the surrounding low country and is the natural landmark for the start of the walk.
Lincoln Castle: A Norman castle beside the cathedral, founded by William the Conqueror. Its walls and Magna Carta exhibition make it worth time before or after the walk.
The Lincoln Cliff (Lincoln Edge): The Jurassic limestone escarpment followed by the route. Its western scarp gives the walk its open views over the Trent Valley and towards the Vale of Belvoir.
The cliff villages: Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothby Graffoe, Navenby and Wellingore form the classic village chain along the edge. Expect limestone buildings, parish churches and possible pub or refreshment stops.
RAF Waddington: The route passes near this active Royal Air Force station by Waddington. Aircraft are often part of the soundscape on this section.
Westward views over the Vales: Clear weather brings long, flat horizons over the Trent Vale and towards the Vale of Belvoir. These views are the defining scenery of the walk.

Challenges to expect

This is not technical walking, but the distance makes it more than a stroll. Expect a mix of pavements, lanes, field paths and bridleways, with mud after rain. The open ridge can be windy and exposed. Navigation should follow public rights of way and Viking Way waymarking; do not expect separate “Lincoln Edge Walk” signs. Villages provide possible refreshment points, but check opening times.

829

Ranked #829 of 974

See the Top 100 →