Hills And Hollows

The landscape around Grantham tells a geological story if you know where to look, and Hills and Hollows is exactly that - a sprawling patchwork of ridges and valleys that break up what you might otherwise take for flat Lincolnshire countryside. It's the result of glacial action thousands of years ago, and walking through it feels oddly dramatic for the East Midlands, with sudden dips and rises that catch you off guard.

You're looking at a proper rambler's spot rather than a tourist attraction with visitor facilities. There's no cafe or gift shop, but that's rather the point. The terrain suits walkers who enjoy a bit of undulation without needing a mountain, and it's genuinely interesting if you're the sort who likes to understand why the land looks the way it does. The hollows themselves are quite pronounced in places - you descend into them properly, not just a gentle slope.

Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a decent loop, though you can do a shorter 45-minute walk depending on your route. It's free, obviously, being countryside. The paths are generally well-maintained, though they can get muddy after rain.

If you're basing yourself at Wagtail Country Park four miles away, this is an easy afternoon escape that feels far more interesting than you'd expect. It's not dramatic or Instagram-worthy, but it's the kind of place that makes you realise Lincolnshire has more character than its reputation suggests.