Danelaw Way

The Danelaw Way is a walk of around 60 miles through some of the loveliest and most peaceful countryside in Lincolnshire and Rutland. The walk connects Lincoln and Stamford, two of the five 'burghs' of the ancient Danelaw. Although the route is mainly within Lincolnshire it does stray briefly into Rutland at a particularly attractive section associated with John Clare, the poet.

The route passes through the following towns and villages, starting from Lincoln. North Hykeham, South Hykeham, Aubourn, Bassingham, Carlton le Moorland, Brant Broughton, Fulbeck, Caythorpe, Ancaster, Oasby, Ropsley, Ingoldsby, Corby Glen, Swayfield, Castle Bytham, Pickworth, Tolethorpe, Stamford. There is an alternative route from Castle Bytham via Ryhall and Belmesthorpe.

The route is based upon an original proposal by Brett Collier, author of the guide book. Sadly Brett Collier died suddenly in March 2005 with only a draft text submitted to his publisher. Fortunately, the Ramblers' Association, worthy and reliable guardians of our footpaths, took up the project, surveyed and finalised the route and published the guide as a tribute to Brett, who has done so much to promote walking in Lincolnshire. If you live in the county we would urge you to purchase the guide and walk the route and make the project a success.

The guide describes the route in five stages, varying from 9 to 14 miles. Two alternative routes are provided for the last stage to Stamford because Ramblers' Association members surveying the route could not agree which was the most attractive to be included in the book. It is an authoritative guide full of detail about the route that makes finding your way easy and enjoyable. Clear sketch maps linked to the text enable you to see exactly where you are en-route. The guide is full of interesting comments and historical detail about each area. The five stages are: Linclon to Aubourn; Aubourn to Caythorpe; Caythorpe to Ropsley; Ropsley to Castle Bytham; Castle Bytham to Stamford (two options). A circular walk from Ryhall is also included.

The printed book is now quite old, and includes an update insert only up to 2011. The route has recently been re-walked and revised and this 2019 revision is available as a pdf file. You can download it by clicking here, or on the book image. You can still purchase the book from our bookshop, but we recommend using the pdf file for route navigation.

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