Viking Way: Some comments

When I enquired of people who had walked the Yorkshire Wolds Way what they thought of it they were enthusiastic, but on asking the same question of veterans of the Viking Way they were more equivocal. Good bits they said, such as in the Wolds, and less interesting bits. This about sums up the route. 

For me the low point was definitely the unnecessarily extended excursion through the modern housing developments of North and East Lincoln. The deeply rutted, muddy and waterlogged byways on the southern part of the route were also a pain. Highlights included the historic centre of Lincoln and the many small towns and villages visited such as Woodhall Spa. Hospitable old pubs were an essential part of the villages' charm together with the churches. The Humber Bridge itself was an iconic place to begin the 147 mile, 237 kilometre journey, and I enjoyed the stretch beside the wide river estuary. Rutland Water was a similarly dramatic place to end the trail. As many people commented, the Lincolnshire Wolds were attractive and I liked the views from the Lincoln Edge.

Most of the people who I encountered that had completed or were walking this long distance path did so as they lived in the area. As it was nearby they could conveniently tackle it in stages. It was also commented to me that there are a lot of straight sections, at the end of which the route may turn at right angles. The Viking Way is almost entirely within the county of Lincolnshire and as the name implies is in an area invaded and occupied by Scandinavians over a thousand years ago as attested to by many Danish place names. I completed the long distance path in 11 days. Waymarking was good but not comprehensive throughout, so a GPS with the route and a digital map loaded is needed, or a paper map if you are "old school". Accommodation is scattered throughout the route, often associated with village pubs, and there are a few campsites. It is not wild camping country being mostly farmland. 

Sign at Viking Way Café by the Humber Bridge at start of Viking Way, note the yellow waymark used throughout the trail.

Update: In March 2025 I spoke to a person from Visit Lincolnshire, who said that the route around the north of Lincoln was to bring walkers in by the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral and the historic part of the city. To achieve this and avoid an industrial area the Viking Way was diverted well to the north. On the deeply rutted byways at the southern end of the route, bylaws and other measures have and are being taken to minimise the use of the track by four-wheel drives. This can only improve the experience of those walking the route.