The last section of the 'Water Rail Way', (a link in the Lincoln to Boston Footpath and Cycleway project), was opened in Nov 2008.
This means there are now two new off-road sections, for Route 1 of the National Cycle Network (Harwich to Hull Cycleway), along the River Witham; Boston to Anton's Gowt and from Kirkstead Bridge near Woodhall Spa to Lincoln via Bardney.
The route is appropriately named the 'Water Rail Way', after the disused Boston to Lincoln railway line on which it is built, and the secretive wetland 'Water Rail' bird, which lives along the River Witham. The route will provide an opportunity for a circular route from Woodhall Spa to Kirkstead Bridge, north to the disused Stixwould, Southrey or Bardney stations and back to Woodhall Spa along the road (or in reverse, of course) for both walkers and cyclists.
South of Woodhall Spa
The route south crosses Kirkstead Bridge and follows a quiet road on the west bank of the River Witham to Tattershall Bridge and beyond. To reach the Water Rail Way from Jubilee Park turn left onto Stixwould Road and then left again onto Green Lane. Follow the road round to the left onto Mill Lane and then turn right onto Witham Road (careful this can be a busy road). Bear left at the point Witham road bends to the right and rises to cross the River Witham by Kirkstead Bridge. Pass the Railway Hotel, Woodhall Junction Station and the old river ferry crossing point. Pass through the old crossing gates and you are now on the former railway track bed.
Water Railway mile marker
North of Woodhall Spa
With the exception of a half mile stretch near Bardney the route north has now been 'tarmacced' all the way to Lincoln.
The remaining half mile stretch of the old railway line to Bardney belongs to British Sugar and cannot be used, so at present it is necessary to divert onto a bridleway. You have a choice of a 'summer' or 'winter - all weather ' route:
To follow the 'summer route' north you should stay on the Water Rail Way to the end of the tarmac (Bardney Manor Pumping Station) and then pass through the metal gate. Continue along the track to Southrey Wood and then turn left onto the bridleway heading for Bardney village. Turn left onto Station Road and then rejoin the tarmac track by turning right right just before the Witham bridge traffic lights.
The bridleway and track can be muddy in winter, so for the 'all weather - winter route' you should leave the Water Rail Way at Southrey and head for Bardney along Ferry Road. Pass Bardney Post Office and bear left down Station Road. Rejoin the tarmac track just before the bridge traffic lights.
Local history and wildlife boards, sculptures, benches and mile markers have now been installed along the route. Signs to inform you of the location of nearby shops, cafés and pubs have also been erected.
if you experience any problems on the Water Rail Way, please email the Sustrans Volunteer Ranger: webmaster@woodhallspa.org
Updated 1 Jan 24
Sustrans
Sustrans' vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Sustrans is the charity behind practical and innovative solutions to some of the UK's biggest transport challenges, including the award-winning National Cycle Network, Safe Routes to Schools, Bike It and TravelSmart.
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To find out more about the work of Sustrans visit their website: www.sustrans.org.uk