Gunby Hall 30th August 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday ride to Gunby Hall, 30th August 2026…

The final ride of the ‘Summer’ and a week ago, the weather forecast was suggesting an ‘Autumnal’ stormy spell of weather. Thankfully, in the end, just a few showers were predicted until evening, when thunderstorms were expected. Top temperatures a pleasant 21 Degrees Celsius.

Today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery would have the company of Rob Cook, John Rickett, Harvey Wright, guest rider Ken Woolley and we had hooped to meet up with Paul Linder near Well. ETA back into Louth about 3 pm.

Departing the Leisure Centre at 09.30 am, we’d soon turn off Station Road and along the quiet lanes through Little Cawthorpe, Muckton, Haugh and Rigsby, following the boundary of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It was here that we were greeted by Paul and the group of six would now continue through Well to Well Turn.

Having ascertained that roadworks had been completed on the B1196, Mawthorpe Hill Road directed us to Willoughby, passing by the Clay Pidgeon Shooting range at Welton Le Wold. We would later discover that Neil Parhnam who used to cycle with the group was in attendance.

A hill to climb up to the old Roman Road at Redland’s Holt Wood (an old salt road, traceable even today to Burgh le Marsh), Paul recounted that he used to ride here with the Skegness Wheelers back in the early 70’s.

With some navigating Gunby roundabout whilst others chose to take the footway, we all safely made our way to the National Trust car park to greet the staff at the ticket office. 11.00 am and well ahead of schedule with some spirited riding into a stiff breeze.

Today, Gunby Hall estate covers over 1,500 acres including many properties (and Gunby Hall itself) and is one of the largest of all of those within in the care of the National Trust.

Archaeology investigations suggest an early Iron Age settlement lies beneath the gardens extending to adjacent fields. Remains of the medieval village of 'Gunnebi' can also be seen in the bumpy contours of the park. However, the long established in Lincolnshire Massingberd family came to own the lands in the 15th Century and built the hall in 1700. The stables by the clock house and tower now houses the cafe where we enjoyed hot drinks, cakes and scones in the warm sunshine.

Approaching 12 noon and time to return home, although Paul would continue southbound to Burgh le Marsh. Probably not along the salter’s road!

A safe journey to Welton for the remaining members but it was on the journey to Sloothby where mechanical issues beset Harvey’s bike. After investigations and temporary fixes, John, Harvey and Tim made it to Hanby Lane Willoughby where Harvey then picked up a puncture. Ken followed road signs which eventually indicated a route back to Louth and after a bit of ‘to-ing and fro-ing’, made it home safe and sound. Well done Ken! Meanwhile, with John’s help in pumping up Harvey’s front tyre, Harvey, Tim and John made it as far as Alford where Harvey joined family and arranged transport home.

One final cup of coffee for Tim and John at the Manor House (thanks John) before the duo took the prescribed route back to Louth through Ailby, Aby and Authorpe. Skies had briefly darkened near Willoughby with a few spots of rain, but now we were blessed with warm sunshine. A very pleasant ride then followed taking the riders through Legbourne Furze and Stewton.

Arrived back at the Leisure Centre at 2.45 pm, in spite of the unscheduled stops. 45 miles for the Louth contingent. 55 miles for John.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/v26MDGMRg3O

Next week it’s Chapel Point.