Red Hill Nature Reserve – RAF Stenigot Radar Tower loop from Donington on Bain

Mountain biking trails

Red Hill Nature Reserve – RAF Stenigot Radar Tower loop from Donington on Bain

Easy

riders

Red Hill Nature Reserve – RAF Stenigot Radar Tower loop from Donington on Bain

01:32

21.2km

240m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

13 m

St Andrew’s Church, Donington on Bain

Highlight • Historical Site

St Andrew’s is a stunning 12th-century church in the heart of Donington on Bain. Whilst there has inevitably been many restorations over the years, the Grade II-listed church has plenty of original features, including the nave and chancel, as well as an interesting drum font, which all date to the 12th century.

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5.25 km

Market Stainton RAF Lancaster Memorial

Highlight • Historical Site

8.27 km

Roman Infrastructure in Lincolnshire Wolds

Highlight (Segment) • Other

8.89 km

Romans East of the River

Highlight (Segment) • Other

12.7 km

Witchhole Plantation

Forest

14.0 km

Asterby

Highlight • Settlement

15.3 km

Red Hill Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Red Hill Nature Reserve is a chalk escarpment with acres of plateaued wild landscape, wildflower meadow and disused quarry famous for its exposed red chalk rich in fossils.

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18.4 km

RAF Stenigot Radar Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

HISTORY OF RAF STENIGOT
WORLD WAR TWO CHAIN HOME STATION
The RAF base at this site had existed since the 1930’s, and was originally part of Britain’s communication network to detect incoming German bombers during World War Two. The base was originally a “Chain Home Station”; providing early warnings to Sheffield, Nottingham and the central Midlands on incoming enemy aircraft. This advanced system was the first early warning radar network in the world. This radar system watched the coastline of Britannia, detecting and tracking incoming aircraft from Germany. By the end of the war there were over forty stations included in the Chain Home Network. The radar station was pivotal during the crucial Battle of Britain.

COLD WAR ACE HIGH COMMUNICATION RELAY STATION
After the Second World War, RAF Stenigot continued to operate and played a part in the Cold War. This time the site was part of the “ACE High” radio communication system. The radar dishes were added at this time. They flanked a relay station which was added inside the base compound. Two dishes faced north, to pass signals towards the next relay station in Northumberland. The southern dishes sent information to Kent, the nearest southern relay in the network.

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