Baumber Walled Gardens 05-07-2026

Baumber Walled Gardens 5th July 2026

An all-year-round venue for the club, last visited back in October 2025 with Tim Newbery absent on that occasion recovering from surgery. Today’s venture would follow an identical route and would prove hilly with close to 2,000 ft of climbing. The weather forecast had suggested largely cloudy skies, the radio presentations all suggesting a little rain. Temperatures however would be pleasantly warm at a seasonal average of 21 Degrees Celsius.

Departing Louth’s Leisure Centre at 9.31 am were: Rob Cook, John Rickett, Ty Harness, Harvey Wright and Tim Newbery. John Parish had indicated that he’s meet up with us near Donnington on Bain.

Heading past Hubbard’s Hills and the familiar Halfpenny Lane to Hallington, Donnington Road would facilitate an ascent to the Bluestone Heath Road, John dashing ahead to take photos of those toiling up the hill. On paper a stone’s throw to Donnington on Bain but there’s a sharp short rise to contend with before the dip to the River Bain. Close to the Mill Stream Barn we met up with John Parish and the group of six would continue to Benniworth Haven, the old railway bridge testament to the former Louth and Lincoln Railway. Donnington on Bain was the highest station on the line. 

On reaching the Caistor High Street, we were rewarded with fine views right across the Witham Valley enjoying clear views of Lincoln Cathedral perched on top of the Lincoln Cliff. For the team it was now downhill and then a gentle undulation through Panton Park, Hatton and Minting, the grass verges showing evidence of recent heatwaves and adjoining cereal fields looking ready for harvest.

Arriving at Baumber Walled Gardens at about 11.15 am, we were pleased to meet up with Paul Linder. The next trick was to find suitable tables as some preferred indoors, some outdoors. At this point it had started to rain so both options were employed. With a warning from staff members that orders may take quite a while, we were in the end pleasantly surprised in a relatively quick delivery of teas and coffees, fruit scones and sausage rolls.

The rare, double walled gardens date to the early nineteenth century and once belonged to the former Stourton Hall. Interestingly, the hall had connections to Sven Livesey as it was home to the Livesey family (of Blackburn, Ludborough, Burwell and Great Sturton) until 1953 when it was demolished.

Paul and John Parish would return for home with the remaining group opting for one last refreshment stop at the The Three Horseshoes in Goulceby. Along with Baumber, Rob hadn’t visited for many a year. This gave us time to ready ourselves for the ascent of Red Hill, today’s last big effort.

By now the brisk westerly wind would assist and we arrived back into Louth on schedule at a little after 2 pm, having covered 37 miles. Many thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ Video: https://www.relive.com/view/v1OwkpJEYXO

JOHN RICKETT'S PHOTOS TO FOLLOW