There are lots of lovely walks in Lincoln, but this one is my go-to. It’s got fresh air, lots of scenery, and takes in many different faces of Lincoln in one circular loop.
And I’m rarely doing it alone.
If you spot a black Labrador with a gentle face and a few white whiskers, that’ll be Mr Darcy, my beloved 12-year-old Lab, and faithful walking companion. This year is our 10th year hosting Lincoln House on Airbnb, so he’s known the holiday let as long as I have. He’s been here through every season and plenty of “just one more loop” walks.
Starting out on our favourite walk!
This route starts right outside the front gate of The Lincoln House and it’s one of the reasons I love being here. In a single walk you get big open views, ancient common land, peaceful canal-side paths, and then you’re right into the Lincoln city centre for one of my favourite little quirks (the “Glory Hole”) and a well-earned coffee stop.
If you’re staying with us and you fancy a walk that feels properly Lincoln, this is the one I’d recommend first.
At a glance:
· Start/finish: The Lincoln House (Wordsworth Street)
· Style: Circular walk, about 2hrs or so, at a slow strolling pace and allowing coffee stop
· Best for: A relaxed half-day wander, first-time visitors, anyone who loves a mix of green space + history + waterside calm
· Good to know: You’ll cross a couple of busier roads (take care), and the city-centre route home includes the climb up Steep Hill. Very steep!
The walk, step by step (with the bits I love along the way)
1) Out the front gate: Wordsworth Street → Drury Lane → Carline Road
Turn right outside the front gate onto Wordsworth Street, then make your way along Drury Lane and Carline Road. I love this first stretch because it sets the scene straight away, you get those high-up views that remind you Lincoln is a city built on layers. Look out for: - City views from up high as the skyline opens out on the left and The Castle walls on the right (a proper “we’re in Lincoln” moment)
2) The Lawns: one of Lincoln’s best “old-to-new” spots
As you continue, you’ll pass The Lawns, once an asylum, now a buzzing modern corner of Lincoln. These days it’s a brilliant hospitality hub with restaurants, cafés, wellness studios, a hotel, and gardens. Even if you don’t stop today, it’s one to remember for later.
3) Across Yarborough Road to West Common (ancient land + horses)
Horse grazing on West Common
Carry on across Yarborough Road and onto West Common. This is where the walk changes mood. It suddenly feels open and timeless. West Common is ancient common land, and you’ll see horses grazing. It’s one of those unexpectedly lovely sights that makes you slow down without meaning to.
4) Cross Carholme Road to the golf course stretch
Next you’ll cross the busy Carholme Road (take care here – there’s a pedestrian crossing), then you’re onto a quiet stretch alongside the golf course. Look out for golfers!
5) Onto the Fossdyke Canal towpath (Roman history + pretty boats)
From here, follow the track and turn left onto the towpath beside the Fossdyke Canal, a canal with serious history (it was built by the Romans). This is one of my favourite parts of the whole loop. As you stroll towards the city centre, you’ll pass canal boats moored along the edge, and everything feels calm. Just water, sky, and that gentle towpath rhythm.
The towpath of the Fossdyke canal
6) Continue into Lincoln via the Brayford (modern Lincoln, waterside energy)
Stay on the towpath and continue towards Lincoln city centre. You’ll pass the University of Lincoln campus on the other side of the canal, a modern highlight that sits surprisingly nicely alongside all the older history. Soon you’ll arrive at the Brayford Marina, with lots of moored vessels and a lively waterside mix of restaurants, bars, a cinema and shops. It’s a great spot for a pause, even if it’s just to watch the boats and decide what you fancy next.
The “Glory Hole”: Lincoln’s quirkiest little shortcut
The quirky alleyway “The Glory Hole”
At the end of the riverside walkway past the Brayford Pool, look for a very old, narrow alley and steps beside Lincoln’s historic High Bridge. This is called the “Glory Hole” (yes, really). The name originally referred to the narrow, crooked arch of the bridge itself. It limited the size of boats that could navigate the River Witham between the Brayford Pool and the sea.
Climb the steps and you’ll pop out onto Lincoln’s pedestrianised High Street.
Stopping at Stokes on the High Street for coffee and cake.
Perfect timing for a treat: right at the top of the steps you’ll find Stokes High Bridge Café, an ideal stop for coffee and cake.
Stonebow to The Strait to Steep Hill (the famous climb)
To keep the loop going, turn left and head towards the Stonebow, the historic stone archway that marks the transition from High Street towards Steep Hill. The Stonebow also houses the Lincoln Guildhall, where the city council still meets. It replaced the original Roman southern gateway to the city, and the High Street follows the line of the ancient Roman road, Ermine Street.
Just beyond is a short street called The Strait. Keep going (and feel quietly pleased you stopped for coffee). Now comes the climb: Steep Hill. Steep Hill is Lincoln’s world-famous cobbled street linking the modern city centre to the historic Cathedral Quarter. It’s known for its charm, and for being unapologetically steep (the clue’s in the name).
As you keeping walking upwards, you’re walking through centuries of history:
· Norman Houses: You’ll pass the Jew’s House and Norman House (c. 1170–1180), among the oldest surviving domestic buildings in the UK.
· Independent shops: Boutiques, tea rooms, chocolatiers and bookshops, perfect for a browse.
· Roman fragments: Keep an eye out for remnants of the Roman city (Lindum Colonia) embedded in walls along the way.
And then… you’re home
As you get towards the top, you’ll see Wordsworth Street on your left. And just like that, you’re back at Lincoln House, with that lovely post-walk glow, and the feeling you’ve properly arrived in Lincoln.
Mr Darcy will be ready for a nap. I’ll probably be thinking about the next coffee.
If you can’t visit us in person soon, do think about staying in touch through: https://www.facebook.com/thelincolnhouse and https://www.instagram.com/wordsworthstreet/….
love to see you soon!