The best walks and hikes around North Kesteven

The Whisby Nature Reserve loop offers a moderate hiking experience across 5.3 miles (8.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 52 feet (16 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete. You will find generally level paths, many of which are hard-surfaced with compacted limestone, making them accessible for various abilities. As you hike, enjoy picturesque views of multiple lakes, including Thorpe Lake and Coot Lake, which are often teeming with diverse birdlife. The landscape is a vibrant mix of grassland, marsh, scrub, and small oak woodlands, showcasing the reserve's remarkable transformation from a former gravel quarry.

When planning your visit, be aware that while many paths are accessible, some areas can become muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is advisable. It is important to stay on the marked paths due to deep water and disused washing channels in certain sections of the reserve. The Natural World Centre, located on-site, offers mobility scooters for hire, further enhancing accessibility for those who need it. This makes the reserve a great destination for families and hikers of varying fitness levels.

What makes Whisby Nature Reserve truly special is its incredible evolution from a barren gravel quarry into a rich, biodiverse habitat. Recognized as a "Dragonfly Hotspot" by the British Dragonfly Society, it is also a haven for birds throughout the year. Depending on the season, you might spot anything from tits and finches in spring to spectacular starling murmurations in winter. The Natural World Centre also provides amenities like a cafe, gift shop, and children's play areas, making it a welcoming destination for a full day out.

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 in about 2 hours and 13 minutes. This route guides you through the ancient Skellingthorpe Old Wood, where mature oak, conifers, and hazel trees create a serene canopy. In spring, the woodland floor comes alive with bluebells, orchids, and lily-of-the-valley. Beyond the woods, you will enjoy picturesque views of the grand Elizabethan Doddington Hall and its manicured gardens. The terrain is largely flat, featuring well-maintained paths, gravel, and some road segments, offering a varied and accessible experience.

For your visit, many variations of this loop start from the Skellingthorpe Community car park. You can find refreshments at the Doddington Hall Farm Shop and Cafe, or nearby at The Plough Inn. The trail is dog-friendly, but please keep your dog on a lead to protect local wildlife. Be prepared for potential wet or muddy patches, especially after rain, as some sections are unpaved. Visiting in spring offers the added beauty of abundant wildflowers throughout the woodland.

Skellingthorpe Old Wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, steeped in history and rumored to have been a Viking haunt. As you explore, look for carved sculptures, including a distinctive archway entrance within the woods. The route also passes Doddington Hall, an impressive Elizabethan mansion built between 1593 and 1600, which is open to the public. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including buzzards, various woodland birds, and deer such as muntjac, roe, and red deer.