Far from the flat, arable land that typifies the rest of the county, the Lincolnshire Wolds are a beautiful range of rolling hills running from the River Humber in the north to Spilsby in the south. This leisurely circular walk offers some of the best views of this area of outstanding natural beauty from the hilltops that surround the chocolate-box village of Tealby, utilising parts of the long-distance Viking Way. As well as the impressive estate of Stainton Hall, the route visits two must-see Norman churches, including one at Walesby known as the Ramblers’ Church that features a unique stained-glass window of Jesus walking among modern-day ramblers and cyclists. A truly spiritual experience for any walker!
[1] Once you’ve enjoyed the attractions of Tealby (TF158908), from the village hall turn left to the church.
(A) The famous poet Alfred Tennyson has a family crypt in the graveyard, and an information board in the church explains why he’s not buried in it!
Walk past the church on your right, bearing left on to the main road for about 200 yards until turning right by a clearly marked Viking Way sign towards Walesby All Saints Church – aka the Ramblers’ Church (TF137924).
[2] After paying homage to that stained-glass window, walk through the church yard gate and head downhill into the village. Turn right at the road and then left along another road, past the last house on your right. Pick up the signposted Viking Way here on your right towards Norman-le-Wold.
(B) At the church in Norman-le-Wold’s, St Peter’s and St Paul’s (TF123947), search out the curious medieval stone carving of a man appearing to be struggling with toothache. It’s certainly unusual!
[3] Afterwards, follow the Viking Way past the church and leave it at a right turn on to a public bridleway going downhill. Eventually it turns sharply right over crossing fields, skirting past a wood before descending to a road.
[4] Turn right on to the road and then, 200 yards or so later, turn left, following the road for over a mile to a T-junction. Turn left and follow the road until you meet with a bridleway on your right just outside Thoresway Village.
[5] Follow the bridleway all the way to the quaint little 14th century church at Stainton-le-Vale (TF175944) and turn right, following the road for nearly a mile to the entrance of the well-tended Stainton Hall estate.
[6] Turn left on to the bridleway past the Stainton Hall estate building, looking back at the impressive views as you climb the hill. After more than a mile, turn right at the road and then first left, continuing down the quiet road until you reach a crossroads. Turn left and walk for over a mile until you reach a barn.
[7] Turn right on to a bridleway here and follow it up to, and through, Risby Manor Farm until you see a gate with the Viking Way signposted. Turn left here and follow the Viking Way back into Tealby.