North Kesteven Walking Festival 2025
14th June - 29th June
2024 was a great year for North Kesteven's walkers with over 1100 people attending over 60 themed guided walks during a wonderful two weeks in June.
♿ - Wheelchair friendly 🐕🦺- Dog friendly (on a lead)
SATURDAY 14th JUNE
6:30am SUNRISE WALK - Millennium Green - Station Rd entrance ///couple.accented.fenced , 1 mile
Start this year's walking festival with an early sunrise walk around Millenium green.
8am SPIRES AND STEEPLES - Castle Square, Lincoln ///regime.term.froze 26 miles (Booking required, call 01636 892836 to book. Walk is free, return bus journey is £5 and must be paid for in advance)
The festival kicks off with a bang: this marathon length day hike heading south from the majestic Lincoln Cathedral to Sleaford Church taking in numerous village churches and picturesque countryside. The walk involves a good level of fitness as it’s 26 miles/ 42km and will take about 10 hours. It’s led by Richard Fish Outdoor Adventures, a qualified Mountain Leader and Hill Holt Wood Rangers and supported by a minibus to get you back to the start! 14th June 08:30 Castle Sq
10am WADDINGTON HERB WALK - St Micheals Church Gate, Waddington ///inflates.crafts.kitten 2 miles £11.55 (Booking req'd online at eventbrite) 🐕🦺
A gentle interactive medicinal plant walk around the beautiful village of Waddington in Lincolnshire, with Medical Herbalist and Wild Plant Guide, Hannah Sylvester, identifying plants and trees that can be foraged in your own gardens, and sharing how you can use these plants safely and ethically in the home for helping your health, for first aid, and in the kitchen and about their history and botany. Spaces are limited, to book a place on the walk visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/medicinal-herb-tree-walk-waddington-tickets-1249913538039?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
11am RAILWAY WALK ANCASTER to SLEAFORD - Sleaford train station ///event.flames.trail 7 miles £train ticket
Take the train from Sleaford to Ancaster for a delightful linear walk back along public footpaths via South Rauceby to the site of Sleaford castle. Train departs Heckington 1104, Sleaford 1112. Broadcaster, author and Ramblers Area Secretary, Stuart Parker, leads us on this delightful railway ramble.
2pm TO SLEAFORD FROM THE EAST - Sleaford Museum ///voting.flute.fleet 3 miles ♿ 🐕🦺
A walk into Town from the Museum and then back along Eastgate. Eight stops for historical description and discussion including the site of Sleaford Workhouse. In part, based upon the work of Jeanne Furnival.
SUNDAY 15th JUNE
10:30am SCOPWICK STROLL - Stepping Out Carpark, Scopwick Cemetary ///escorting.strict.ordinary 8 miles
Take a steady walk around Scopwick and around the Scopwick area, over tracks, footpaths and minor roads. Plenty of interesting points including the ford at Kirkby Green, memorial to WWII pilots and a chance to look at the war graves in Scopwick cemetery.
9:30am FATHERS DAY BREAKFAST WALK - Whisby Nature Park Centre ///abandons.grumble.situated 2 miles (Booking req'd for food) ♿
Treat dad (or Grandpa) to a relaxing breakfast, served at 09:30am. Includes a regular breakfast (vegan and vegetarian available) including tea or coffee, orange juice and toast and jam. Followed by a wonderful led walk around Whisby Nature Reserve at 10:30am. To book a breakfast before the walk, please visit Events and Activities – Natural World Centre
11am NATURALLY INSPIRED Walking and Crafting - The Nettles, Sleaford ///smiled/rate/costs 1 miles 🐕🦺
A free, family-friendly walking and crafting event as part of the North Kesteven Walking festival and the Riverlight Festival. The day will feature a range of artist-led and hands-on activities including wood carving, willow weaving, pottery, herbal tea bag and oaty bath ball making, sun prints and more, as well as nature & arts inspired walks in and around the Nettles.
The walk starts at 13:00 - 14:00
1pm GRUFFALO STORY WALK - Hill Holt Wood, Car Park ///disengage.zest.ranking < 1 mile 🐕🦺
Join us on Father’s Day for a walk in the deep dark wood to see if there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo! As we walk you can listen to the classic story in a unique setting followed by the opportunity to make some finger puppets. Kind permission has been granted for us to read The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999 - Macmillan Children's Books and create the finger puppets.
2pm FATHERS DAY WALK - Hill Holt Wood, Car Park ///courier.lower.repeating 1 mile 🐕🦺
Come and explore the quaint woodlands at Hill Holt Wood. Following on from the Gruffalo Story walk. Explore the woods at your own leisure and see if you can find Ranger Sam at the heart of the woods. Ranger Sam will have a small campfire with marshmallows (if he hasn't eaten them all before you get there). You are welcome to bring your own marshmallows and picnics.
4pm ARCHAEOLOGY WALK - Hill Holt Wood, Car Park ///disengage/zest.ranking 2 mile £5pp (Booking req'd ) 🐕🦺
A unique opportunity locally, not just to visit a Roman villa site but also see the last day of a two week archaeological excavation. This is the same site where the dodecahedron was found back in 2023. This walk is through bookings only. To book onto this walk please visit https://Archaeologywalklincs.eventbrite.co.uk
MONDAY 16th JUNE
10:00 A LITTLE WANDER WITH RAINBOW STARS - Entrance to Sleaford Leisure Centre ///sofa.begin.extend 1.5 miles ♿ 🐕🦺
Join us for a small loop along this section of the River Slea with some of the members of Rainbow Stars, an inclusive and friendly local community group providing support for parents, carers, siblings, and individuals with disabilities or those seeking a diagnosis.
12:30 HECKINGTON FEN - Village Green Car Park ///cutlets.curiosity.backyards 3 miles 🐕🦺
Join Ranger Sam for a walk around Heckington Fen, starting at the centre of Heckington. Come share stories of Heckington’s past while enjoying the beautiful views of Heckington's countryside.
TUESDAY 17th JUNE
6:45pm NAVENBY SUNSET WALK - The Venue, Navenby ///coasting.encounter.merely 4 miles 🐕🦺
A wander through parts of Navenby and Wellingore villages, before enjoying the sunset (weather permitting!) from the Viking Way, with views across the Trent Valley. Led by Ray Holloway. Ray Holloway is a resident of Navenby who has led the weekly Navenby Wellbeing Walk since Jun 2016.
WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE
9:30am ALPACA WALK - St. Oswalds Church, Walcott ///rentals.dispensed.nibbled 4 miles
Starting at Walcott, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding areas as you head towards a small heard of alpacas. Here you will get to see and learn all about these beautiful animals, see demonstrations of various wool making techiniques and handle the wool. There will be an opportunity to purchase locally made items crafted from the alpaca wool. The walk will then continue back to the church for refreshments (a small donation to the church is suggested).
10am DODDINGTON NATURE WALK & ACTIVITY - Wagon Shed, Doddington Hall ///heartburn.hips.relations 2 miles (Booking req'd)
Come and join the Wilder team on a nature walk and look for the wildlife that calls Doddington home during the summer months. See how many creatures you can spot!
After the walk, we’ll stay outside, but under the shelter of the Wagon Shed, where you’ll make your own nature inspired craft to take home. These craft workshops are a fun way to experience nature as a family and let children’s creativity flow before taking home their finished pieces. Fun activities for children aged 3-11 years, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Wagon Shed 10 minutes before the start of the session. Booking is required for this event. Please visit https://doddingtonnaturewalkcraft.eventbrite.co.uk to book a place. Places cost £9.38 per child
2pm VICTORIAN SOUTHGATE - Sleaford Museum ///coach.ledge.prop 2 miles ♿ 🐕🦺
Walk along Southgate and Jermyn Street. Eight stops for historical description and discussion including the work of Charles Kirk, born 200 years ago this August.
7pm EVENING STROLL SCOPWICK - Stepping Out Car Park, Scopwick Cemetery ///unlocking.wager.likely 4 miles
An easy summer evening stroll on public footpaths around the village of Scopwick. Finishing with a pub at the end of the walk. Broadcaster, author and Ramblers Area Secretary, Stuart Parker, leads us on this delightful evening walk.
THURSDAY 19th JUNE
10am HYKEHAM IN BLOOM + RAILWAY STATION HISTORY - Boodles Cafe ///fidgveting.meanders.tweaked 3 miles ♿ 🐕🦺
A walk around North Hykeham, celebrating 13 years of Hykeham in Bloom and the History of Hykeham Railway. Starting at Boodles café, this walk visits the Hykeham in Bloom sites as well as stopping by the North Hykeham Railway Station for a delve into the history of North Hykehams railway.
FRIDAY 20th JUNE
10am MRS SMITHS COTTAGE - Navenby ///imposes.efficient.encloses 2.5 miles £4pp ♿ 🐕🦺
The walk takes place around Navenby, taking the Navenby Date Stones, giving a look into the history of Navenby. Followed by a tour of Mrs Smith's Cottage, a cuppa and a cake. No booking required but places cost £4pp, payable on the day.
2pm SLEAFORD CASTLE - St Denys Church Westdoor ///goods.chip.career 3 miles 🐕🦺
Walk to meet the Bishop of Lincoln along the route his servants and tenants would have taken in 12C. Ending at Sleaford Museum to view the Sleaford Castle Model.
6:30pm SOUTH KYME TOWER + SAUSAGE & MASH - The Hume, Car Park ///tuck.relief.newspaper 3 miles 🐕🦺
The walk starts at The Hume public house and goes Eastwards along High Street to the boat moorings and Kingfisher Memorial Sculpture on the North bank of the Kyme Eau. From there, the walk continues on for about 1km on the Northern perimeter of the Golf Course to the ‘Halifax Memorial’, a tribute to a bomber crew killed in a crash during WWII. From here, the walk retraces its steps back to the Kyme Eau and then proceeds for 2 km through the village on the footpath on the South Bank of the river to Saint Mary’s Church and South Kyme Tower, taking in various sights and sculptures positioned along the riverbank. From the Saint Maryhurch, the walk re-joins High Street at the Northwestern end of the village and after a short distance arrives back at The Hume Public house where you can sit down for a very well deserved sausage and mash. Sausage and Mash costs £8.95pp. Please make sure to book your sausage and mash with The Hume Arms before the walk by calling them on 01526 869143.
SATURDAY 21st JUNE
12:30pm METHERINGHAM AIRFIELD & CONTROL TOWER - Visitor Centre, Westmoor Farm ///forwarded.candle.teaching 🐕🦺 2 miles £6.50pp
Visit the Metheringham Airfield Visitor centre and come for a walk around the local area, visiting the other sites of the old Metheringham Air Base with a unique opportunity to visit the Control Tower after the walk. The walk starts at 12:30 but make sure to visit earlier to have plenty of time to explore the Metheringham airfield visitor centre. Booking is not required but cost £6.50pp payable on the day at the Visitor Centre.
1:30pm POCKET MONSTER GO! WALK - One NK entrance, Moor Lane ///rolled.breath.appendix 2 miles 🐕🦺
Bring your strongest monsters to battle, trade and make new friends. Join Ranger Emma for a short walk round the North Hykeham area and catch monsters together.
6pm BARN OWL HABITAT WALK - The Hive, Nocton ///blink.spearing.meaty 4 miles
Join Dyson Farms Environmental Coordinator for a walk around Nocton's landscape to take a look at how it is managed and if we are lucky, a close up of hunting barn owls foraging for their young.
SUNDAY 22nd JUNE
11am TEDDY BEAR'S PICNIC - Millennium Green, Station Road entrance ///couple.accented.fenced 1 mile ♿ 🐕🦺
Join us for a teddy bear's picnic. Bring your favourite bears and a lunch for a little walk round the Millenium Green at North Hykeham with our very own giant bear!
2pm SCOPWICK HERB WALK - Scopwick Beck, opposite Holy Cross Church ///deed.shop.resorting 2 miles 🐕🦺
£11.55pp (Booking req'd)
A gentle interactive medicinal plant walk around the beautiful village of Scopwick in Lincolnshire, with Medical Herbalist and Wild Plant Guide, Hannah Sylvester, identifying plants and trees that can be foraged in your own gardens, and sharing how you can use these plants safely and ethically in the home for. Places are limited, to book a place on this walk please visit Medicinal Herb & Tree Walk - Scopwick Tickets, Sun 22 Jun 2025 at 14:00 | Eventbrite. Tickets are £11.55pp.
3pm TRANQUIL GONG BATH - Natural World Centre, Whisby ///headlight.lungs.thinnest 1 mile £25pp (Booking req'd) ♿
Join us for a wellbeing walk around Whisby nature reserve, followed by an inspiring and energising gong bath with green man gongs in the cygnet suite. Booking is essential. Some equipment is provided but you are welcome to bring your own yoga mat, blanket, pillow and eye mask. £25 pp. Visit Events and Activities – Natural World Centre to book a place.
MONDAY 23rd JUNE
6:30pm RIVER WITHAM WITH RICHARD FISH OUTDOORS - Playing fields car park, Fen Lane, North Hykeham ///suffer.bandaged.sung 4.5 miles 🐕🦺
Starting in North Hykeham this is a 4.5 miles/7.5kms circular evening walk including some stretches along the River Witham. We’ll meet at 6:30pm in 23rd June and it’ll take around 2.5 hours. All abilities welcome. The walk will be led by walk leader Richard Fish Outdoor Adventures
TUESDAY 24th JUNE
9:45am NATURE WALK WITH RICHARD FISH OUTDOORS - Natural World Centre, Whisby ///abandons.grumbles.situated 🐕🦺 2 miles
This is a short “talking walk”, the emphasis on spotting wildlife and looking deeper at what’s around us. We may walk around 2 miles in 2.5hrs. Last year we spotted a broad range of waterfowl, woodland birds, kingfisher, goldcrests, grass snake, bee orchids and much more. The walk is led by Richard Fish from Nature Lincolnshire and is open to beginners, improvers and more experienced wildlife folk. Richard is particularly interested in birds and will meet you at 9:30 on 24th June outside the Natural World Centre. No dogs please.
10am BECKINGHAM COUNTRY TRAIL - Beckingham Village Hall ///eagles.waltzed.event 4 miles 🐕🦺
Starting from Beckingham the walk will take you on an adventure across 4 miles of easy-going flat terrain, heading out to the hamlet of Sutton then onward into farmland before joining with the River Witham to head back to Beckingham. The walk is led by ranger John who's love and knowledge for the natural world, know no bounds.
1pm COLEBY CIRCULAR - The Green opposite the Tempest pub ///lorry.mainly.encamped 8 miles 🐕🦺
Coleby Circular Walk is a 7.7 mile walk around Coleby and the neighbouring villages, with beautiful views and many points of interest along the way, from Mrs Smith's cottage in Navenby to Somerton Castle.
WEDNESDAY 25th JUNE
9:30am BERNARD GILBERT COUNTRY TRAIL pt1 - Walcott - Walcott Village Hall ///storybook.agree.cycled 4 miles 🐕🦺
Discover Bernard Gilbert Country with three walks which will take in locations featured in the writings of this Billinghay-born author and poet. Join us at Billinghay Community Rooms for a fascinating talk by Professor Andrew Jackson about Bernard Gilbert.
2pm BERNARD GILBERT COUNTRY TRAIL pt2 - Tattershall Bridge - Royal Oak pub, Tattershall Bridge ///dares.evaded.dude 2 miles 🐕🦺
A gentle walk along the River Witham with a view of Tattershall Castle, the setting for Bernard Gilbert’s tale of ‘John of the Fens’ set during the English Civil War. Come along and hear some of Gilbert’s writing about the Castle and surrounding area. This walk is one of three focused on ‘Bernard Gilbert Country’ The day includes an evening talk at Billinghay Community Rooms about Bernard Gilbert’s work. Do join us for this fascinating insight into Lincolnshire’s forgotten author.
5pm BERNARD GILBERT COUNTRY TRAIL pt3 - Billinghay - St.Micheal's Church, Billinghay ///dares.provider.refers 2 miles ♿ 🐕🦺
A walk around Billinghay, the birthplace of author and poet Bernard Gilbert (1882-1927). The walk will take in places featured in Gilbert’s works. Is Billinghay the Fletton or Low Barnet of Gilbert’s books? Come and find out. The walk is one of three focused on ‘Bernard Gilbert Country’ The day includes an evening talk at Billinghay Community Rooms about Bernard Gilbert’s work. Do join us for this fascinating insight into Lincolnshire’s forgotten author.
THURSDAY 26th JUNE
5pm TUNMAN WOOD - Natural World Centre, Whisby ///abandons.grumbles.situated 5 miles 🐕🦺
A leisurely walk with Tom, to and around this little-known area of woodland.
FRIDAY 27th JUNE
10:30am RAF CRANWELL NORTH - Upper Level Carpark, behind main guard room ///tides.appeal.boardroom 3 miles (Booking req'd) 🐕🦺
A wander around RAF Cranwell North, with its significant aviation history, including some sites relating to the WW1 Airship era. This walk is led by Ray Holloway, a resident of Navenby who has led the Navenby Wellbeing Walk since Jun 2016. He is a retired Royal Air Force aircrew officer and civilian Electronic Warfare Trainer, who volunteers as a guide at the RAF Cranwell Heritage and Ethos Centre. Booking for this walk is essential. SOLD OUT
2pm MINDFUL WALK with STUART COULING - Leisure Centre, Sleaford ///sofa.begin.extend 1 mile 🐕🦺
This mindful walk will be slower than other walks to be able to take in the surroundings. The session will include meditation, movement and some breath work. The aim will be to be in the present moment in nature. You will learn the benefits of mindfulness. This walk is led by Stuart Couling, Stuart runs a business called Stuart Couling – find your inner peace. I offer mindfulness, reiki, meditation, psychic mediumship readings and now animal reiki and communication. I love being out in nature with my husband and Boggle our dog. I really treasure the power of the present moment and love teaching the benefits, especially out in the Lincolnshire countryside
8pm MILLENNIUM GREEN EVENING WALK - Station Road entrance, North Hykeham ///couple.accented.fenced 1 mile ♿ 🐕🦺
A leisurely evening stroll around the beautiful lake at Millennium Green.
SATURDAY 28th JUNE
10am MEDIEVAL SLEAFORD: A GUIDED WALK THROUGH HISTORY - Outside Navigation House ///update.risky.laws 1 mile 🐕🦺
Join us for a fascinating guided walk exploring the medieval landscape of Sleaford and Old Sleaford. Discover what remnants of this rich historical period still exist today as we journey from Navigation Wharf to Cogglesford Watermill. This 1.5-hour walk offers insights into Sleaford’s medieval past, highlighting key features and stories from this pivotal era. The tour concludes at Cogglesford Watermill around
11:30 AM, where you’ll have the chance to explore the mill as part of Cogglesford History Day. Dr. Simon Pawley is a dedicated volunteer and esteemed local historian at Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. He leads free monthly history tours, offering visitors in-depth insights into the mill's rich heritage. Beyond his regular tours, Dr. Pawley has hosted special visits, such as guiding small groups through the mill's operations and history, enhancing public engagement with this historic site. His expertise and passion have been instrumental in educating the community and preserving the mill's legacy, and he’s the author of the mill’s history and souvenir guide.
6pm NOCTON BECK WETLAND WALK - The Hive, Wasp Nest ///blink.spearing.meaty 4 miles 🐕🦺
Join Dyson Farm's Environmental Coordinator for a walk that looks at a proposed wetland scheme protecting peatland and then a walk over to a present scheme and seeing the enhancements and developments that are occurring.
9pm BAT WALK at HILL HOLT WOOD - Car park ///disengage.zest.ranking < 1 mile
Visit Hill Holt Wood as the sun begins to set to watch the bats of Hill Holt Wood emerge from their slumber to feed. Led by Hill Holt Wood's Ranger Gav who will guide you around the woods imparting his knowledge of bats as well as listening out for the different species, using the bat detectors. No dogs please.
SUNDAY 29th JUNE
2pm NORTON DISNEY & DISNEY - Green Man Pub, Norton Disney ///tearfully.emailed.defected < 1 mile 🐕🦺 (Booking req'd)
Join local historian, Richard Parker, for a short stroll around Norton Disney looking at the history of Norton Disney and the links with Walt Disney. Booking is essential for this walk. Too book a spot on this walk please visit https://nortondisneywalk.eventbrite.co.uk .
6.15pm WHISBY SUPPER WALK - Natural World Centre ///abandons.grumbles.situated 2 mile £12.50 for food (Booking req'd for food) ♿
Celebrate the end of the walking festival with Jacket potatoes from 17:15 followed by a gentle stroll around Whisby Nature Park at 18:15. Booking for the Jacket Potato is essential and cost £12.50pp. To book for the food please visit Events and Activities – Natural World Centre
9pm SUNSET WALK - Station Rd entrance, Millennium Green ///couple.accented.fenced ♿ 🐕🦺 1 mile
The end of the walking festival is seen out with a sunset walk round the Millenium Green at North Hykeham. Come and watch the sunset and share your stories from this years North Kesteven Walking Festival 2025.
During the Walking Festival we encourage you to head over to Wellbeing Walks | Lincolnshire Co-op for their regular walks throughout the year.
About
The North Kesteven Walking Festival is a celebration of the countless walking opportunities available within the district. Hundreds of walkers tied their laces and joined in last year for over 200 miles of walking. From short saunters to long hikes, all ages, abilities and fitness levels enjoyed the social walking experience only a festival can provide. The festival demonstrates NKDC’s commitment to physical activity and is part of the Countryside NK partnership with Hill Holt Wood (a charity and social enterprise) who maintain over 130 miles of Stepping Out walks in the area and have been running the festival since 2018.
This year you can join us on walks which will be scattered across North Kesteven’s 356 square miles of picturesque villages, medieval churches and thriving landscapes.
The festival thrives on the enthusiasm and knowledge of volunteer walk leaders who make the walking festival possible – so thank you!
Important information
Everyone taking part in the Walking Festival does so at their own risk and it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are fit and well to participate. It is also recommended that appropriate clothing, footwear and weather protection is worn / applied. If you are feeling unwell or have tested positive for Covid please do not come on the walk. If you bring a dog (except on specified walks) they must be kept on a short lead and under firm control at all times. The walk leader has the right to refuse participation if they feel a walker is not being respectful and or behaving inappropriately.
To keep up to date with the latest news on the Walking Festival, details on how to book through Eventbrite and for any changes to the walk schedule follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can also visit www.hillholtwood.co.uk or email gavin.warhurst@hillholtwood.co.uk Or scan the QR code for more information.