9k Run Lincoln: Scenic Views from Carholme Road to Skellingthorpe

Route Overview & Local Insights

Enjoy a perfectly flat 9.0km out-and-back run that bridges the gap between Lincoln’s historic West Common and the quiet village of Skellingthorpe. This route is a local favorite for tempo sessions and long intervals, thanks to its predominantly paved surface (80%) and zero elevation gain. Starting near Carholme Road, you’ll join the Fossdyke Navigation path, a beautifully maintained waterside trail that offers a tranquil escape from the city. The course takes you under the A46 flyover before opening up into the Lincolnshire countryside, culminating in a rhythmic loop around Skellingthorpe before heading back toward the city skyline.

Steeped in local heritage, the Fossdyke Navigation you’ll be running alongside is actually one of the oldest man-made waterways in Britain, originally constructed by the Romans around 120 AD. As you depart from the West Common, look out for the resident Lincoln Red cattle that have grazed these lands for centuries. Skellingthorpe itself is home to the ancient Old Wood, a remnant of the vast lime woodlands that once covered the county. Whether you are chasing a 10k PB or looking for a scenic evening jog, this path provides a unique corridor of Roman history and natural beauty right on the edge of Lincoln.