A Walk along the Humber
From Barton-upon-Humber to Far Ings National Nature Reserve
Enjoy a walk along the southern bank of one of the UK's largest estuaries with views of the River Humber on one side and clay pits and reedbeds on the other.
The Humber Estuary
- Distance: 7km, 4¾ miles (not including the detours to see Blow Wells and the Chowder Ness managed realignment).
- Time: approximately 2½ hours with stops in birdwatching hides.
- OS map: OS Explorer 281, Ancholme Valley. Barton-upon-Humber, Brigg, Scunthorpe and Kirton in Lindsey.
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| | The Humber Bridge is the fourth-largest single-span suspension bridge in the world with a centre span of 1,410 metres and a total length of 2,220 metres.
It was opened in 1981. |
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The walk starts at the train station in Barton-upon-Humber. From here, turn right and walk down Waterside Road towards the Humber Estuary. There is an alternative start, with more car parking, at the Waters' Edge Country Park. From the Waters' Edge centre, cross the small bridge over Barton Haven to join the walk along the bank of the Humber.
When you reach the Humber estuary turn left and walk along the bank of the Humber in a westerly direction, passing beneath the Humber Bridge.
The first section of the walk follows the route of the Viking Way, a long distance path from Barton to Oakham near Rutland Water (235km/147miles), along the southern bank of the River Humber.
The Humber Estuary is one of the largest river estuaries in England and the rivers draining into it drain about one fifth of the entire area of the country. It is a dynamic landscape which is always changing in both appearance and mood.
On the left you will pass an old tile yard, immediately beyond is Far Ings National Nature Reserve.
The complex of lakes and reedbeds at Far Ings forms part of a string of lakes along the southern bank of the Humber. These lakes are the result of the tile and cement making industry which flourished between 1850 and 1950. In the early days of the industry in the late 1800s, hundreds of men were employed to dig the clay by hand. Many tile yards were later abandoned, leaving old clay workings bare and to fill naturally with freshwater.
Walking along the Humber bank there are views into the nature reserve and out across the estuary.
On your left, you will pass the former Outdoor Pursuits Centre with its distinctive pyramid roof.
Building work is currently taking place to convert this derelict building
into the new Far Ings National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre due to
open in Spring 2007.
On your left pass the Reeds Hotel, just beyond the Hotel, a path drops down off the Humber bank to your left. Turn left onto this path and enter the Far Ings reserve. Follow the path northwards to the Far Ings Visitor Centre. The centre is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.
It is possible to take a short detour to view the new Blow Wells Pits. Carefully cross the road and walk along the path that takes you to the blow wells that gives the area its name. Return to the Visitor Centre.
From the Centre, go through the gate and across the field to Ness Hide. There are often Hebridean sheep in this field. The sheep are a vital to the management of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves. After visiting Ness Hide for views across Ness Lake, return to the path and continue in a clockwise direction around the reserve, passing Target Lake.
The view from Ness Hide in spring
When you reach the Humber bank it is possible to take another detour, continue westerly along the bank to see the new Chowder Ness Managed Realignment Site. The sea wall of this fifty acre site, managed by Associated British Ports, was breached in August 2006.
The flooding of this area will help to alleviate flood risk and create
habitat for a variety of species.
Walk for a few hundred metres, and then take the path to the right that drops back down into the reserve. Another short detour to Reedy Hide is possible. Continue on the path through the North Meadows until you meet the Humber bank again (where you left it originally).
Retrace your steps back along the Humber bank to Barton. There are further hides along the route which you may wish to stop at.
The walk can be extended along the Humber Bank in either direction
Go easterly to New Holland to see more worked out clay pits which are now nature reserves in this direction.
Go westerly passing South Ferriby Cliff, South Ferriby village and for views across on to Read's Island.
Other points of interest on the South Bank of the Humber
Winteringham Haven
Paths on the Humber Bank with views across the reedbeds of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve Winteringham Foreshore and past fields and hedgerows.
Alkborough Flats
A huge managed realignment project covering nearly 400 hectares and breached Autumn 2006. Viewpoint from Alkborough village overlooks an ancient turf maze (known as Julian's Bower) with views to RSPB Blacktoft Sands reserve and as far a York Minster (when visibility is good!).
Barton-upon-Humber
For information about Barton: www.bartonuponhumber.btinternet.co.uk
South Humber Bank Wildlife and People Project
Better opportunities for people to engage with the natural and historical environment of the south Humber are being provided by the South Humber Bank Wildlife and People Project (SHWAP).
Find out more .... see "South Humber Bank Wildlife and People Project".
