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Torksey River Trent Loop

Start/Finish

Torksey village ideally from just up the road towards the golf club from by the dismantled bridge on the main road. There is limited verge parking on this road. Torksey is on the A 156 road from Lincoln to Gainsborough.

Distance/Time

4 km    About 1 hour

Peaks

This is a virtually flat walk.

Pathfinder 764: Lincoln & Saxilby.   Explorer 271 Newark-on-Trent

Introduction

Just a simple, flat walk which crosses the restored viaduct at Torksey follows a flood bank almost to Cottam Power Station before following the River Trent back to the viaduct with good views of the ruined Torksey Castle across the river. This route starts in Lincolnshire but the majority of it is in Nottinghamshire. At certain times of year, large flocks of migrating birds can be seen around the large fishing lake.

Route

(1) Locate the dismantled railway bridge at the Gainsborough end of Torksey and find the steps up to the viaduct which start almost next to it on the western side of the road. Cross the viaduct which makes use of an island in the River Trent. Descend the steps on the far side then stay on that side of the viaduct and head slightly away from the river to gain the flood bank off to the right which has a grassy path on it. Follow this, diverging from the river towards Cottam Power Station. After a while go through a gate and cross a track. Continue, almost to Cottam Power Station, to meet the River Trent at the head of a bend.

(2) Take a reverse left fork, over a stile, and continue by the river with Cottam Power Station now behind you. Cross another stile further on and continue. There is now a large fishing lake on your left. Soon the path curves left between the lake and the river. Continue to reach the river junction for Torksey Lock where the Foss Dyke, from Lincoln, meets the Trent. The fishing lake is still on your left. Continue following the river which heads towards the viaduct. Note the remains of Torksey Castle across the river. Reach the viaduct and cross over back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place in November, 2020.