Caistor 12th July 2026

Cycling UK Louth's Sunday Ride to Wold Newton and Caistor 12th July 2026:

Following a cloudy day on the Saturday, Sunday would turn back to Summer with plenty of sunshine, top temperatures a refreshing 21 Degrees Celsius courtesy of a brisk Nor’Easter from Scandinavia.

Meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, John Rickett, Ty Harness and Rob Cook. Chris Owen had indicated he’d meet up with us near Wold Newton. ETA back into Louth about 3 pm.

Departing Louth we’d wind our way through Fairfield Industrial Estate, a short but necessary section of the A16 and then the rural lanes via the Dales to North Elkington.

Approaching Boswell Farm at about 400 ft AMSL we’d stop for a water break but it wasn’t long before bowling along to Salters Lane, passing by a patchwork of cereal fields either recently harvested or soon to be shorn by the ‘Mega’ threshing combine harvesters kicking up clouds of dust.

Chris Owen would now join us for our leg to Wold Newton with Chris racing his way to the finishing post. Arriving at 10.30 it was surprisingly busy, although a table was secured inside for us to enjoy the usual fine fayre of delicious cakes and unlimited cups of tea and coffee.

Departing around 11 am we would now continue across the Wolds via Thorganby and Croxby where Chris would depart for home, heading coastbound and away from the hills. Road surfaces turned particularly uneven and potholed near Rothwell but at least it wasn’t too far to Caistor (where 'The Sting' running challege was in full flow) and a short section of main road took us to Caistor Lakes, arriving at midday. This venue was Ty’s suggestion as Caistor Arts Centre is no longer open on a Sunday.

The Ugly Duckling Restaurant based at Caistor Lakes Leisure Park has been significantly updated and renovated over the last decade and the staff were welcoming and accommodating to our needs (none of us wanted the full Sunday Roast which I’m sure would have been substantial). Outside we noted a large, very large fishtank and two Sulcata Tortoises, Syril and Lily. Native to the Sarhara Desert and the Sahel, they were relishing the warm sunshine.

We’d return to Rothwell via the same outbound route and then along the undulating lanes through Cuxwold and the pretty villages of Swallow, Beelsby and Hatcliffe, the latter boasting a rather fine clear chalk stream running along the roadside backed by cottages whose gardens were in full summer bloom, a visual treat.

Arriving back at Wold Newton, John opted for a direct route home without stopping whilst Ty, Tim and Rob opted for a final cuppa and slice of cake as the venue wasn’t due to close for another 10 minutes. Opening hours are now 10 am till 2 pm. Great to see a planning application for continued refurbishment of the Village Hall. Responses from the public can be submitted up to 26th July.

https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/plannin.../planning-applications/

Reference: DM/0417/26/FUL

Back into Louth on schedule about 3 pm having covered 45 miles and about 2000 ft ascent.

Thanks to all for the company.

MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW ...

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vRO7Np4Y9Kv