The Fat Seagull 5th April 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Easter Sunday Ride to The Fat Seagull 5th April 2026...

Storm ‘Dave’ had brought gales and heavy rain overnight but members awoke to sunshine on Easter Sunday morning. However, heavy squally showers were forecast by 11 am with gusty winds of up to 35 mph!

Meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery (assisted), John Rickett and Ty Harness. Steve Croton had messaged that he’d meet up with us at Woodthorpe whilst John Parish had sent apologies.

We were to depart along our usual route through Stewton and Legbourne Furze, heavily wind assisted. Snapped twigs and small branched festooned the narrow lanes following the stormy conditions but it wasn’t long before we were at the junction in Withern where we were greeted by Paul Linder. Tim had thought of taking refreshment at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant at Woodthorpe but in the end, we’d continue, meeting up with Steve outside the Garden Centre. Numbers now up to a very respectable five, considering the weather conditions.

Approaching Sutton le Marsh, skies were darkening and the forecast band of heavy showers arrived. A sudden drop of at least 5 Degrees Celsius so we were glad to arrive at the newly refurbished Fat Seagull Café at Sandilands in order to warm up, dry out and take refreshment. Ty had luckily raced ahead and secured a table for us (the last remaining free one indoors). Service was prompt and we enjoyed a mix of hot drinks and light snacks whilst looking outside through the large windows at ever brightening skies and increasing amounts of sunshine. The Fat Seagull had been a suggestion by Paul.

Passing National Trust’s Nature Reserve at Sandilands, the new café in still under construction, said to open sometime this summer. We were due to head along Lincolnshire County Council’s Cycle Route C7 to Huttoft, but a local resident appeared at the junction waving his hands to let us know that the road was closed and impassable even on foot or cycle. Plan B and with Paul needing to get to Burgh le Marsh, a decision was made to head south to Anderby Creek. We bade farewell to Paul a little further along, the main group now heading inland to rejoin C7 near Thurlby.

With Steve departing the group at Bilsby, there was a possibility of a short break at Alford with a coffee at the Manor House (it was Alford’s Easter Market) but a decision was made to continue back to the Leisure Centre before the café was due to close.

Tothby Lane took us within feet of the old railway line running from Alford to Aby and Claythorpe. A segment of the historic East Lincolnshire Railway, this line first opened in 1848 but was closed to all traffic by 1970 (‘Aby for Claythorpe’ station was closed as early as 1961).

It was a tough ride into a strong headwind all the way back to Louth, but John and Ty persevered and, in the end, we arrived back a little before 2 pm. The café was still open and thanks go to John for supplying everyone with a final cup of coffee. For the Louth contingent, 45 miles. Thanks to all for the company.

HAPPY EASTER.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/v1vjZLn8wJv