Barnoldby le Beck 1st February 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Barnolby le Beck

Having belatedly discovered that ‘Back to Basics’ Café at Waltham Windmill doesn’t re-open until 5th February, a change of plan for our refreshment stop with John Rickett suggesting Veronica’s Larder in Barnoldby le Beck, just a couple of miles further up the road. The name Barnoldby le Beck is Old Norse. "Barnoldby," originates from the family name "Bjǫrnulfr or bear wolf", with "by", denoting farmstead. At least the weather was on our side today with largely dry conditions, a little sunshine (going against earlier forecasts) and mild too with temperatures up to 8 or 9 Degrees Celsius.

Joining Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Ty Harness (having dried out from a number of soakings), John Rickett, John Parish (good to see you again John), Steve Croton and Paul Linder. Sadly, Paul needed to depart straight to Halfords for some technical repairs (hope all went well Paul) and would have clocked up 30 miles regardless. Chris Owen had indicated that he’d meet us enroute or at Veronica’s Larder.

A southerly breeze for once and a straightforward routing through Brackenborough, the Covenham’s and Fulstow. Several pairs of cyclists heading in the opposite direction, and apart from one exception all responding to exchanges of pleasantries. 

Following our originally planned route to Waltham Toll Bar Academy, we’d continue along NCN 110 to the Memorial Gardens at Waltham where Chris Owen joined the group to take numbers up to a very respectable sextet. It was noted that The Blue Dragonfly Tea Rooms, which was to be our backup, is permanently closed following the owner’s retirement last summer.

Arriving a smidge ahead of schedule at Veronica’s Larder, we were warmly greeted by the good ladies serving us today, apologising that with a reduced staff, there might be a little wait. In the end we were served hot drinks and a mix of cakes and scones very promptly. 

With Chris departing for home and wanting to watch Aston Villa play Brentford, a route now to include a very short section of the Barton Street taking us past the award winning honeycomb residence at Mickling Barf. In the end Chris’ suggestion of Badgers Hills, Beelsby and Hatcliffe might have been better but we were soon enjoying pleasant views through the Round Hill plantations to the Ravendale’s. No stopping at the village hall at Wold Newton today (that’ll be for next Sunday) but a ride straight to North Elkington and the steep descent to The Dales. Finally arrived back at the Leisure Centre a little before 2 pm having covered close to 40 miles. Many thanks to all. 

Next Wednesday, a ride to Cunningham’s Coffee Lounge in Spilsby.

Tim’s Relive Flythrough: https://www.relive.com/view/vKv239BeYoO