Easter at Lincolnshire Wolds Railway 2025

Easter Sunday and for those who weren’t devouring a hoard of chocolate Easter Eggs at home, a ride had been devised to visit the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway at Ludborough. The plan was to arrive as the first steam train was departing, to leave the Steaming Kettle Buffet Café temporarily empty(ish). 

 

Arriving at the Meridian Leisure Centre were today’s ride leader Tim Newbery, Ty Harness, Steve Croton, Paul Linder and Martin Wood. Chris Owen had indicated that he’d meet up with us at Manby. Apologies had been received from John Rickett.

 

A chill north east wind was blowing in off the North Sea, skies were overcast but at least it was dry and our route today would take us to Manby. No sign of Chris at the Middlegate traffic lights so after a few minutes wait the ride continued along the narrow, rather potholed lanes to Red Leas and North Cockerington where we did eventually meet up with Chris. 

Plenty of other cyclists enjoying this Easter Sunday too, with a large group heading south at Covenham St. Mary. Just about enough room for us all on the tight bend although we did hear them coming listening to the characteristic clunks and kerchunks of full carbon fibre bikes, transmission and wheels.

 

The first steam train of the day was scheduled to leave Ludborough at 10.45 am and arriving at 10.50 am we were fortuitous that loco ‘Cranford’ was running 5 minutes late. We were given enthusiastic waves from the nearly full carriages as the train steamed past the railway crossing gates. The Steaming Kettle Buffet Café was empty as anticipated and we were able to sit in luxury in the first-class dining car.

 

Cranford Loco 0-6-0ST was built by Avonside Engine Company in 1924 for the Staveley Coal and Iron Company. In recent times it’s been based at the steelworks at Scunthorpe where the Appleby Frodingham Railway is located.

 

Departing at about 11.30 pm, our next port of call was Conisholme where scoops of ice cream could be purchased from Appleby’s Ice Cream Parlour. Chris turned down the opportunity, instead opting to return home via Low Farm and the the bridleway over the Louth Navigation.

 

Roads had so far been quiet but the short section of the A1031 through Palmers Nook to Conisholme showed signs of holiday traffic. Luckily, we were soon seated in the patio at the Ice Cream Parlour, some enjoying single or double scoops. Surely justified by the fact that warm sunshine had now broken through the cloud.

 

With the weather having turned for the better, our plan was to head south to Skidbrooke and Three Bridges. Martin however had received a call to help sort out a power cut (not a good time with the Easter Sunday lunch in the oven) and headed back to Louth. Paul needed to return to Alford with Ty choosing to accompany him for a longer ride, wishing to cycle into the sunset. 

 

That would leave Steve to help Tim pedal back to Louth via the Carltons and Stewton. Arrived back at a little after 2 pm, the Louth contingent having clocked up 44 miles. Paul and Ty will no doubt have ridden many more. Much milder by now, temperatures having risen to a seasonal average 13 Degrees Celsius.

 

Tim’s Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vmqXJ3D4JoO