| 1. This is an ideal route for cycling one way and letting the train take the strain the other way. It is well sign posted (NCN 64) throughout and uses quiet roads and cycle tracks throughout.
Turn right out of the station forecourt and follow the road down to North Gate. Turn right (crossing the road) and use the cycle path beside the busy road over the railway line. At the traffic lights turn left on to Winthorpe Road and follow this road to its end. Continue on the cycle paths under the Newark By Pass and A1.
Take care in the village of Winthorpe. NCN 64 is signposted left at the crossroads but I managed to miss it first time! The route takes you over a level crossing on the Newark-Lincoln railway line and on an exposed section of country lane towards Holme. At the T junction turn right and head back towards the railway. Just before the level crossing turn left.
You have travelled about 4 miles so far. Sustrans have built a gravel section through the fields here past a gravel and sand extraction pit. There are somne sharp turns and there is a short grass section (300m) which can be tricky when its muddy). At the end of this section you come to another metal gate where you turn left and now you are back on single track roads. The route is well sign posted through Collingham (where you cross the busy A1133) using roads through the housing estates.
There is a short uphill section on the road to South Scarle (the only climb on the whole route) and then a gradual descent in to South Scarle. From now on its country lanes to the villages of Eagle (where, if you wish, you can take a 5 mile detour along NCN 93 to Whisby Nature Park), Swinethorpe and Harby.
It is worth spending some time in Harby. The village has some splendid display boards telling the history of the village which is famous for being the place where Edward I's wife, Eleanor, died. The Bottle & Glass Pub is open all day and welcomes cyclists.
North of Harby the route turns east towards Lincoln. Its now all cycle track along a disused railway line via Skellingthorpe to the A46 and then along the banks of the Fosse to the Brayford Waterfront.
Its also worth stoppping at Skellingthorpe and visiting the Heritage Room (its beside the cycle path). It tells the story of RAF Skellingthorpe and Fg Offr Manser VC.
Leave Brayfoot Waterfront and turn right on to the ring road. This takes you to the railway station.
This is a very easy and pleasant cycle route. Virtually traffic free and one which all the family can enjoy. |