DAY RIDE: Lincolnshire Wolds

Dave Manning reminds us Lincolnshire is not all flat…

While I would normally begin this route from the company offices in Horncastle, on this occasion we’re starting from the centre of Market Rasen. That said, you might prefer to begin from the popular Willingham Woods tea hut, located just a couple of miles east of Market Rasen on the A631.

Heading south out of Market Rasen on the B1202 towards Wragby is a real pleasure. It’s a brilliant reminder that Lincolnshire is far from flat or boring. That said, do keep an eye out for a few deceptively tight corners. In typical Fenland fashion, some stretches are ruler-straight before throwing in a sharp 90-degree bend without much warning.

Rather than riding straight through Wragby at the A158 junction, it’s worth considering a stop. Grab a cuppa at The Corn Dolly or The Granary (just look for the old windmill). If you fancy something stronger, there’s The Ivy or the highly rated Adam and Eve pub. For a quick bite, Wisby Butchers comes highly recommended for their pies and sausage rolls.

Beyond Wragby, the route opens up and feels more rural and remote. Still, the village of Bardney can be busier than expected. Just past Bardney, make sure to bear left onto the B1190 towards Horncastle, rather than staying on the B1202.

The B1190 stretch is packed with familiar corners — many of which you’ll recognise from road tests and magazine shoots. This area is popular with photographers due to its scenic turns and proximity to HQ. At one particularly well-used layby, take a short stroll to visit the remains of Tupholme Abbey, founded by Premonstratensian canons in the 12th century. The abbey’s name — Tup (sheep) and Holme (raised ground or island) — hints at the historical significance of sheep farming in the area, with wool once transported via the River Witham to the North Sea.

History lesson over, the route continues through Bucknall, Horsington, and the very charming Thimbleby, before arriving at the traffic lights on the west side of Horncastle. Usually, we’d turn right here back to the Mortons offices — but instead, turn left on the A158 towards Lincoln for a couple of fast miles, then fork right onto the B1225, known locally as Caistor High Street.

This is a brilliant stretch: a fast, flowing road across the Lincolnshire Wolds. The name “High Street” refers not to a town centre, but its elevated position leading toward Caistor. Along the way, you’ll encounter three Give Way junctions. At the middle one, you have the option to turn left for another brew at Willingham Woods, or right to head over to Cadwell Park. Otherwise, stay on the B1225 northwards to Caistor. The road gets quicker the further you go, but be mindful — it’s regularly policed, especially at weekends, and there are even reports of aerial enforcement.

Just before the large A46 junction, you’ll see a disused windmill on the left. Here, you can take a shortcut that drops you into Nettleton, bypassing the larger junction, then turn left onto the A46 heading back to Market Rasen.

This final stretch is limited to 50mph. You may get overtaken by impatient drivers, but stick to the limit — they’ll be the ones getting the speeding fines. Some say the speed restriction here is overly cautious, but it’s a lovely section to enjoy the views. You’ll clearly see to your left the raised land of the High Street ridge you’ve just ridden across.

And then — you’re back in Market Rasen, having completed a brilliant circular loop through the best that the Lincolnshire Wolds have to offer.