Donnington on Bain 28-02-2024

With Tim Newbery having escaped from the dentist’s chair unscathed, he was free to join John Rickett on a delayed Wednesday Wander to Donnington on Bain. This would be a short ride at only 18 miles but never the less a hilly one with well over 1000 ft of elevation gain.

 

We would depart the Leisure Centre at 1 pm, along with another cyclist who was returning home to Raithby after a swimming session. A pleasant conversation followed and we apparently are welcome to drop in for a cup of tea if we are passing by Saint Peter’s Church.

 

A pleasant enough ride along Hallington Lane, watching the mad spring hares (it’s almost March!) scurrying across the road. Unusually, before carrying onto the Bluestone Heath Road, a left hander along Station Road to Withcall. A first for John.

 

There’s a wealth of history attached to this tiny village on the eastern edge of the Wolds. The name Withcall is a Scandinavian compound from Old Norse viðr ‘a wood’; and Old Norse kjǫlr ‘a ridge (of hills)’.

There was a thriving Roman settlement here around AD 82-410 named Vita Cala, literally ‘wine chalk’. Sadly, the vineyards have long since gone.

 

The current church is relatively modern dating from 1822 but its dedication to Saint Martin of Tours harks back to the village’s Roman heritage. Saint Martin was originally a soldier in the Roman army and there’s a rather fine stained-glass depiction of this warrior saint in the west window.

 

We also had time to view the remains of the old railway line and platform which was of more interest to John. Originally a halt on the Louth and Lincoln Railway, the station played an important role in WWII as an ammunition distribution centre with bombs being delivered by road from here to storage units, in particular at Market Stainton Hall.

 

With skies darkening and the first few spots of rain dampening the ground, time to continue to the iconic Stenigot Mast and today’s highest altitude of 151 m (495 ft). From here a descent of Nobb Hill to the River Bain valley and a short hop to enjoy hot drinks and a chocolate bar at the village store in Donnington on Bain. This ‘open all hours’ shop has been run by Jenny Ward for over 50 years.

 

With a chill wind setting in, Tim and John were happy to return back to Louth via the ‘undulating’ Welsdale Road. Vistas all across the Wolds and the classic view of Louth’s Saint James’ church from Flint Hill is always impressive.

 

A fine breath of fresh air and thanks to John for the company.