Alford 08-02-2023

Cycling UK Louth

Wednesday Wander to Alford 08-02-2023.

Previously on the Sunday Paul Linder, John Rickett and John Ambler had enjoyed a fine ride to Donnington on Bain and Ludford. Paul’s home baking skills were in evidence once again with giant cheese straws on offer outside Jenny’s Village shop, whilst supping hot drinks. At the Viking Way Garden Café & Gift Shop discussions with the owners revolved around improved cycling facilities.

Today a less hilly route to Alford and meeting up at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, John Rickett and a guest appearance by Cycling UK Gainsborough member Karl Everatt. We hoped Karl would enjoy his ride with the group. Both Steve Croton and Paul Linder had indicated that they would meet up with us en-route.

For Tim, temperatures would be considerably lower than his rides last week in Tenerife but with forecast highs of 8 Degrees Celsius and brilliant sunshine from clear blue skies it all looked very promising.

Our route would take us along Stewton Lane and Furze Lane, thankfully with no sign of any frost or ice. Indeed, it was a very pleasant journey to Legbourne where we met up with Steve, and onto the Carlton’s where we met up with Paul. Although a true ‘Yellow Belly’, some new routes for Karl and we were impressed by the ease of his bike’s electronic shifting.

With the sun shining brightly and feeling almost warm, we crossed over the Great Eau and onwards through Woodthorpe into Alford.

Paul had confirmed that the Crafty Café was going to be open and we were given a warm welcome and enjoyed a mix of bacon buns and cakes whilst other customers were enjoying a ‘Knit and Natter’.

Alford has a rich history and although now going through some quieter times, it was granted a market charter in 1283, which helped its prosperity through the Middle Ages.

Charter of Edward I to William de Welle

“Know you that we have granted and by this our charter confirmed unto our beloved William de Welle, that he and his heirs shall forever have a market upon Tuesday in each week at his Manor of Alford in Lindsey in the County of Lincoln, and a fair there in each year lasting for three days. King Edward I”.

Refreshed and sustained, the club would continue to Well and pause briefly at ‘Crossing Cottage’, the building harking back to the days when the East Lincolnshire Branch line of the Great Northern Railway passed through here. There’s a sign still on the gate keeper’s cottage declaring “GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY. LOOK BOTH UP AND DOWN THE LINE BEFORE CROSSING”.

LCC Cycle Route C4 would now take us to Miles Cross Hill where we would say farewell to Steve. For the remainder it would be a pleasant ride through the attractive Well High Lane passing through Rigsby, Haugh and South Thoresby, the sun intriguingly dappled through the trees. Great too to see the bountiful display of snowdrops lining the banks of the Great Eau at Belleau Bridge.

A deviation through Burwell Park, the land held by Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland who's claim to fame was being at one time betrothed to Anne Boleyn, and then a straightforward route back to Louth via Muckton and Little Cawthorpe.

John Rickett would kindly provide hot drinks at the Leisure Centre before members departed for their various home destinations. Thanks to Karl for his company, you’d be welcome anytime.