Enjoy A Two Wheel Break In Lincoln

As cycle enthusiasts enjoy the Tour de France this month, the city of Lincoln and county of Lincolnshire have recreated a diverse group of cycle packages for the UK domestic market. Here’s a flavour:

Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area (155 miles)
The Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area cycle route provides a five-day suggested itinerary covering 248 km to see the many different aspects of the beautiful city

Based predominantly in Lincoln, you’ll be able to explore this ancient city in all its glory whilst also venturing further afield to take in the contrasting and captivating surrounding countryside.

One of the days’ routes gets you out of the city – you’ll follow the River Witham to Doddington and continue on a picturesque loop taking in ancient woodlands and the Whisby Nature Reserve before arriving back with time to explore the splendid Elizabethan Mansion that is Doddington Hall.

The Castle to Coast to Castle (100 miles round-trip)
Often shortened to C2C2C, the Castle to Coast to Castle route sets off from Lincoln Castle following a suggested route to Chapel St Leonards on the Lincolnshire coast, before returning back to the Castle.

Highlights on the route include the villages of Bardney, Hemingby, Alford and Chapel St Leonards alongside the beautiful views over the Lincolnshire Wolds. The route includes a small amount of hills but is fairly flat for the majority of the way.

The Water Rail Way (33 miles)
The Water Rail Way, which follows the River Witham from Lincoln to the market town of Boston, is a purpose-built trail with a range of artwork along the route. The mostly traffic-free off-road route is ideal for cycling. Starting from the shadows of Lincoln Cathedral and finishing at the famous St Botolph’s Church, known as ‘The Stump’, the 33-mile route is fairly flat throughout.

It passes through the village of Bardney. The Water Rail Way features vast open fenland landscapes, with long views and expansive skies. Enjoy the fresh air and discover commissioned artwork along the way, depicting Lincolnshire’s assets and inspired by the words of Lincolnshire's own Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Lincoln City by BikeLincoln is well connected by cycle routes and has great facilities for cyclists and the city can be accessed on National Cycle Network routes 1 and 93.

From Lincoln, there are other regional network routes and leisure cycle routes too. The Visit Lincoln site hosts a range of downloadable maps for the Lincoln Cycle Network and suggested routes to cycling Doddington Hall, Hartsholme Country Park and to the Old Wood. There is also information on how to get to the hire bike stations.

Cycling Friendly Places to Stay
To stay in the historic Lincoln city centre, The White Hart Hotel is on the doorstep of the Castle and Cathedral. As well as boasting fantastic views of Lincoln, the White Hart Hotel has an award-winning bar and restaurant, frequented by locals for their range of amazing cocktails. Rates for a double room start at £95 per night.

The Country House Hotel Washingborough Hall, is a welcoming boutique hotel and beautiful early Georgian House, set in three acres of mature garden and woodland in the heart of Washingborough village, just over 2 miles east from the historic city of Lincoln. B&B based on two people sharing a classic room is £139 per night.

The Grange, is an idyllic country retreat, situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty and situated on an immaculately run farm 16 miles from the centre of Lincoln. The Grange offers award-winning bed and breakfast facilities, with spacious en-suite rooms and picturesque farmland views. B&B from £174 per room based on two sharing. Self-catering cottages are also available for around £213 per night based on four people sharing.

Bike Hire
Hire bikes at Cliff Edge Cycle Hire with a full day bike hire from £22.

More information on routes can be found at www.cycle-lincolnshire.com.