History, art and steeples… inspiring walks in Lincolnshire

Spires and steeples are set to welcome walkers and runners next month in a charity event celebrating a countryside heritage trail offering a walk though time – and an open-air gallery.

Lincolnshire’s Spires & Steeples Arts and Heritage Trail winds its way through 26 miles from the iconic Lincoln Cathedral to the market town of Sleaford.

Covering fenland and heaths, woodlands and flowing streams, the trail winds its ways from village to village and church to church.

And the area’s rich history is reflected in works of art along the route, each created by local communities to celebrate their own local heritage. From the modern to the more traditional, artworks range from a stainless steel sundial to a 20-foot mosaic.

While offering a gentle stroll along sections, or a hike along the whole route, at any time of the year, the trail also hosts an annual charity walk/run.

The fourth Spires & Steeples Challenge is set for Sunday 13th October 2013 when walkers or runners can challenge themselves whilst taking in the artworks, church architecture, villages and countryside of the area.

For those who relish long distance treks, the Spires & Steeples Challenge 26 follows the Arts and Heritage route from Lincoln Castle to The National Centre for Craft & Design in Sleaford, a converted 1880s seed warehouse now home to galleries, artist workshops, craft shop and café.

But for a less challenging route, Spires & Steeples Challenge 13 covers a half marathon distance, again finishing at The National Centre for Craft & Design.

As well as picturesque scenery, the trail - which takes its name from the landmark church spires as well as being a reference to the rural sport of Steeple chasing - provides a walk through time.

From Prime Ministers to Henry VIII, from World War Two through to Saxon Chieftains, the trail has its fair share of history. The open-air gallery comes courtesy of the artworks along the route, all designed and made by local people, which celebrate that history as well as local stories.

In the village of Nocton visitors can discover a sundial crafted from stainless steel, an artwork of a Roman centurion's head… and the ‘Cow’, created by schoolchildren from old scrap farm tools ploughed up in fields. In Dorrington, the traditional wood carved ‘Dorrington Demons’ recalls a local legend about how the church became so isolated from the village.

Throughout the trail mosaics are a recurring theme and in Branston, the local community has chosen to depict their history through an impressive 20-foot mosaic.

Entry forms for the 2013 Spires & Steeples Challenge are now available from spiresandsteeples.com and entry costs £15 in advance or £18 on the day; the entry deadline is Wednesday 9th October 2013.

More information about walking the Spires & Steeples Arts and Heritage Trail at any time of the year – as well as details of other nearby way-marked walks – can also be found on the trail website.

For details of more things to do and places to stay in Lincolnshire, log on to visitlincolnshire.com.