Get Lost Mountaineering

Skellingthorpe Odder Broxholme Saxilby & Old Wood

Start/Finish

Skellingthorpe community centre where there is usually ample free parking. This is most easily reached from the Skellingthorpe roundabout on the A46 Lincoln bypass. Take the road into Skellingthorpe and the car park is roughly where the cycle track from Lincoln crosses the road.

Distance/Time

15 km/9 miles    About an hour

Introduction

This is a short pleasant cycle which uses cycle tracks and quiet roads. The River Till is crossed 3 times and the route goes through Sxailby village. Some of the route is alongside the Foss Dyke which is a bit rough as a cycle track but passable.

Route

(1) From the community centre car park, cross the road and follow the sustrans track towards Lincoln. Reach a junction almost below the A46 Lincoln bypass and continue ahead on a narrower track, in the trees and below the bypass. This leads up to the side of the bypass and crosses by a self contained but narrow bridge so you are safe from the traffic. Cross the Foss Dyke and railway then descend the other side which has a tight hairpin bend early in the descent. At the second hairpin, go straight on and join the cycle track alongside the Foss Dyke. Turn right, towards Saxilby, with the bypass bridge now behind you. Continue on the rough cycle track. Pass Burton Waters (houses and marina) and continue until the track ends and one is directed off to meet the main A57 road opposite a used car garage. Cross over and follow the old road, left, towards Saxilby. This crosses the River Till just before it joins the Foss Dyke. The cycle path then follows the side of the A57 towards Saxilby before ending. Soon reach the sign for Broxholme and turn right; this is at the hamlet of Odder.

(2) Follow the long straight road towards Broxholme, crossing the River Till. Reach Broxholme crossroads and turn left for Saxilby. Reach a T junction on the edge of Saxilby village. Turn left then, soon after, turn right into the village. Pass the church, short detour on the right, and continue past the Co-Op into the village. The station can be visited by a short detour on the right after passing the village hall. The road eventually runs alongside the Foss Dyke before leaving the shops behind and bends round to reach Mill Lane. Turn right to reach the busy A57. Turn right and go up onto the bridge then take the left turn on the top of the bridge for Skellingthorpe.

(3) Follow the back road towards Skellingthorpe, initially alongside the Foss Dyke then over a level crossing. Continue past a small industrial estate then around a left handed bend to reach the road, on the right, into the Old Wood. After a couple of bends, the road straightens out and continues for some distance until it ends at a five way junction of rough roads and bridleways. Turn left onto the rough road and follow it to a T junction where there is a pillar box. Turn left and go past a cemetery to reach the back road left earlier. Turn right and pass the Plough Inn and Co-Op to reach a triangular junction. Turn left and follow the road back to the community centre.

Notes

(a) This cycle ride took place in March, 2020.

(b) Those not wishing to visit the Old Wood can stay on the back road which shortens the route by about 2 km.

(c) St. Lawrence's church is worth a short detour. Go straight on at the right hand bend, Ferry Lane, after leaving the triangle by the Co-Op.