300-mile King John Way cycling route unveiled across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire

A cross-county cycling trail through historic villages and cultural landmarks has officially launched.

The King John Way — named after the infamous 13th-Century monarch who lost his treasure in the Lincolnshire marshes, was allegedly poisoned by a monk at Swineshead Abbey, and died at Newark Castle in 1216 — celebrates Lincolnshire’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes, as well as parts of neighbouring Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

The 300-mile circuit was the vision of cycling YouTuber Roy Redman, of the channel Ride with Roy (and Wendy).

Roy said: “Cycling in Lincolnshire is one of the UK’s hidden treasures.

“This project is about showcasing that beauty and making it accessible to all. I can’t take all the credit though — I’ve had incredible help from local cyclists who shared their favourite routes and hidden gems across the region.”

The route is split into sections suitable for everyone from novices to pro cyclists, with the shortest route just seven miles long.

“Many people assume Lincolnshire is flat,” Roy added.

“But they’ll be surprised by our High Wolds route, or the gruelling Terrace Climb, just over the border in Leicestershire.”

The circuit passes through historic villages, market towns, a cathedral city, and the stunning Lincolnshire countryside, taking in landmarks including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, Newark Castle, The National Civil War Centre, Tennyson’s birthplace at Somersby, The International Bomber Command Centre, Burghley Park near Stamford, and the remains of the Templar Preceptory at Temple Bruer.

It also explores Lincolnshire’s role in the second world war, passing airfields where missions were launched during D-Day and Operation Market Garden, curated by RAF veteran and military historian Mike Ainsworth.

Roy added: “This project has been created without financial backing, so I’m especially grateful to Ride with GPS for providing their mapping app free of charge, and to Kevin Baker, inventor of the Tyre Glider, who has kindly sponsored the website hosting.

“By using online mapping instead of print, the project remains dynamic — we can update routes as new options emerge and continually add cyclist-friendly cafés, and accommodation with secure overnight cycle storage.”