EAST MIDLANDS
05 Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, Lincolnshire/Leicestershire
Distance: 7.8 miles/12.5km | Time: 4.5 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 119m
This walk on the Lincolnshire-Leicestershire border takes in the disused Grantham Canal, with great views across the Vale of Belvoir, followed by a stroll up to Belvoir Castle.
Belvoir Castle (pronounced Beaver) is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland. Despite its medieval appearance, it was extensively rebuilt in the 19th century (the first castle on the site was built after the Norman invasion) and the turrets and towers are for effect only.
The canal, some of which is joined by the Viking Way long-distance footpath, was constructed between 1793 and 1797 to link Grantham with the River Trent at Nottingham. It was abandoned in 1929 but gradual restoration is underway. It is an extremely popular spot with anglers and birdwatchers alike.
1. START
From the village of Woolsthorpe by the small village green, head east on Belvoir Lane. At the end of the lane, follow a path and then turn right at a fork and cross a brick bridge over the River Devon.
Climb over a stile and follow a line of trees on the right, then climb another stile and continue along the right-hand edge of a field. In the field corner, climb a stile and turn half right along a field-side track waymarked Jubilee Way, to reach the road.
2. 1 MILE
Turn left and follow the road around a bend. You will soon arrive at the entrance to Belvoir Castle and car park (toilets are available here). The castle is open to the public and well worth a visit while you are in the area. Turn right along the road signposted to Redmile and Bottesford.
3. 2.3 MILES
About 200 metres past the Works, turn right along a lane. Pass Belvoir Farm and Munston Grace Farm before the way continues on a rough track.
4. 3.2 MILES
Immediately after crossing a bridge over the Grantham Canal, turn right on to the towpath and stay on it for 2.5 miles.
There are many resident waterbirds to enjoy, such as swans, mallards, moorhens and coots, which are joined in the summer by willow warblers, blackcaps, whitethroats and chiffchaffs. Buzzards and kites are also common, while kingfishers and herons visit the canal, too. Many species of butterflies have been spotted along the canal, which is also a popular site for damselflies and dragonflies.
5. 6.2 MILES
500m beyond the lock at Woolsthorpe Wharf next to the Dirty Duck pub, leave the canal and cross the bridge, following the lane to a road.
6. 7.1 MILES
Turn right on to the road, then turn left after 300m on to a footpath to return to Woolsthorpe.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
The postcode is NG32 1LT. Free roadside parking. Bus service between Woolsthorpe and Grantham.
Terrain
Hilly in parts, flat along the canal. Some stiles. Not wheelchair/pushchair friendly.
Map
OS Explorer 247
Eat/drink/stay
The Dirty Duck pub next to the canal does food. thedirtyduckpub.co.uk
The Chequers, Woolsthorpe, is a gastropub with four stylish ensuite bedrooms. chequersinn.net
