Alford 22nd April 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Alford 22nd April 2026...

A mostly sunny day would lift our spirits although a nagging, easterly wind would limit temperature’s to around 13 Degrees Celsius. Average for this time of year.

Meeting up at the Meridian Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, Harvey Wright along with Paul Linder and Steve Croton having ridden in from Alford. Alan Hockham had indicated that he’d meet up with us at Castle Carlton.

Departing at 10 am with the sun shining down we were soon weaving our way through the narrow lanes via Stewton and Legbourne Furze. A short section of the A157 led us to Castle Carlton where Alan was waiting for us to arrive. 

Now a quintet, we’d all enjoy the minor roads, with increasingly verdant hedgerows, through Authorpe and Claythorpe. From here Rye Lane took us past the woodlands of Galley Hill, sounds of birdlife increasingly noisy but a joy to hear none the less. Finally, the main road was taken to Alford.

In the Marketplace, what used to be Cooplands has been transformed into a café / bakery named ‘Naughty but Nice’. Having only opened a few days ago it was surprisingly busy. This was Paul’s suggestion to visit the new café as Soul Foods is undergoing refurbishment for a couple of days. Steve who had passed by yesterday reported that it was doing good business. Open every day of the week and providing everything from full English breakfasts to snacks, cakes and pastries there was a large menu to choose from. The apple and almond slice was delicious!

Tracy and the staff rallied around to provide enough seats at a table by the window and we were delighted to meet up with Fred James who also joined us for a chat over drinks and refreshments. It was great for Harvey to meet up with Fred as Harvey is restoring one of Fred’s original hand-built bicycles, returning it to its original colour scheme.

Paul, Steve and Alan would now return directly home whilst Tim and Harvey would continue back to Louth, initially via Tothby and Ailby. The wind partially across and at times behind us, good progress was made up to the ‘Top’ road through Belleau and Muckton. A little bit of a push on the pedals to reach Fir Hill, today’s highest altitude of a little under 250 feet AMSL. 

Arrived back in Louth at 1 pm having covered 30 miles. Thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/v8qkKJd293q