Walks you can reach from Ruskington by train

A long, mostly good route on field paths, riverside banks, quiet lanes and surfaced tracks, with stretches following the Spires and Steeples trail. Steps, stiles and muddy sections and in wet conditions ploughed fields can be very muddy. Some field crossings have no cut path on the ground. Predominantly follows the Spires and Steeples waymarked trail, though it diverges at several points. Ruskington, with shops and a railway station, makes a good place to break the journey.

Warnings: Steps, stiles (around seven) and a small flight of steps down to the path below the A17. Ploughed fields and field paths can be very muddy in wet weather. Some field crossings have no marked path; the riverbank section is narrow at times. Note the route diverges from the Spires and Steeples trail in places.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A straightforward route through lovely Lincolnshire countryside and villages, following the Spires and Steeples Trail almost all the way. It is mostly tarmacked cycleway or track, with some field footpaths, quiet road walking and one early set of steps. Sections can be very muddy or flooded after heavy rain. Follows the waymarked Spires and Steeples Trail almost the whole way (signage through villages can be confusing or missing). Starts on the flat, tarmacked Water Rail Way to Washingborough. Branston has a useful Co-op and a main bus route.

Warnings: The level crossing between Branston and Potterhanworth marked on the GPX is no longer usable and is blocked off; use the road nearby to cross under the tracks instead. Sections between Washingborough and Branston can flood badly after heavy rain, sometimes requiring a sizeable diversion. An early footbridge with steps. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A mix of public footpath, country lanes and some pavement alongside busier roads through Lincolnshire farmland. Some footpaths are not well trodden and cross ploughed fields and but the route is generally well signposted.

Lunch: Numerous refreshment options in Nettleham.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Excellent walk. Field paths.

Time: 2h30

Warnings: Short stretch on a fast-traffic road with limited verge.

Walk details: Railwalks.

The Foss Dyke section is excellent. A largely flat, very accessible route following the Foss Dyke canal on firm tarmac or gravel paths for most of the way and with a short grassy section near the Pyewipe Inn. The final couple of miles leave the canal to follow a decent but noisy pavement alongside the busy A57. Follows the Foss Dyke; Lincoln Cathedral is visible from a long way off.

Lunch: Excellent chippy on the approach to Saxilby station; cafe by the A57 junction.

Warnings: The A57 crossing on the alternative direct line has no central refuge; this route uses a safer signposted cycle crossing with a central refuge but no lights. The A57 pavement is noisy and narrow in places.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A generally pleasant walk mixing field paths, farm tracks, roads and lanes. The first part is along a busy road with pavement only at the start, then road verges; field sections can be very muddy after rain and footpath signage is not always clear. No facilities at Burton Pedwardine village midway. The railway station is about 0.4 miles from the start/finish point in Heckington village centre.

Lunch: No facilities at Burton Pedwardine village midway.

1 end-of-walk reward: Heckington Windmill tea room

Warnings: An early section is along a fairly busy road without pavement (a decent verge with clear views of oncoming traffic, but treacherous with more traffic); field paths can be very muddy after heavy rain, and footpath signage is poor in places, with one field near a solar farm completely unmarked.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Mostly footpaths and quiet roads across farmland and through an escarpment and with a fair amount of road walking and a hill up into Grantham at the end. Some sections with overgrown brambles but passable; paths through farmland aren't always obvious. Uses a new path through access land on the escarpment.

Lunch: A shop and a pub off route at Silk Willoughby.

Warnings: A long stretch of road between Oasby and Welby, though it has decent verges and is not busy; paths across farmland can be hard to follow.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Scenic route with mixed terrain. Mostly flat and almost entirely off-road, following the river through Nene Park then field paths and quiet lanes between villages and with a short stretch of roadside walking without a pavement between Ailsworth and Sutton. Follows the Hereward Way in part and passes through Nene Park and Burghley Park; a few stiles. Can be navigationally tricky around Sacrewell Farm.

Lunch: A couple of pubs and a coffee shop at Castor and Ailsworth, otherwise no eating places until the towns at either end.

Warnings: About 1km of verge-less road walking between Ailsworth and Sutton where you may have to step aside for traffic, plus a crossing of a fast 60mph road. The footpath between Sacrewell Farm and Sutton can be closed during A47 roadworks, forcing a road diversion.

Walk details: Slow Ways.