Horncastle and Hagworthingam 22-06-2025
Cycling UK Louth's Sunday Ride to Horncastle and Woodhall Spa 22nd June 2025:
Having had a scorcher of a Mid-Summer's Day yesterday (temperatures recorded at 31 Degrees Celsius) we had hoped for something a little cooler today. The forecast was 25 degrees in the afternoon. We would never the less have to contend with a strong westerly breeze averaging 20 mph gusting 30-35 mph.
Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, Ty Harness, John Weeks and Mike Housley. Alan Hockham has arranged to meet up with us at Horncastle whilst Sven Livesey would be waiting at the Bluestone Heath Road. Paul Linder had cycled in from home to wish us a pleasant ride although he was otherwise engaged in other duties.
Departing at 09.30 am we did indeed note the strong and blustery headwind climbing up past Hubbards Hills and the slow but steady ascent to Pewlade Hill. We eventually arrived at the Bluestone Heath Road to find Sven lying in wait, literally as he was being entertained by the numerous participants of the Ranby Tractor Run. All types, all sizes many of a vintage age. Perfect weather for them too.
A swoop down Redhill now (John only recently having climbed up it on his way to Louth) but a reminder to all that there’d be a climb out of Goulceby. Never the less this part of the Wolds via The Viking Way and over the Goulceby Beck chalk stream is very attractive. Unusually, instead of a call from the Ride Leader of “POTHOLE”, were was a warning of “TOADS CROSSING”.
A section of the Lindsey Loop would now take us to Hemingby before the road running past Sheep Cote Hill and Shearman’s Wath, running parallel to the River Bain, led us all the way into Horncastle. Of note is the late Neolthic Henge at Shearman’s Wath. We’ll have to visit one day although only reachable by public footpath.
With the sun still beating down, arrived at ‘The Big Chair Café on The Wong to find Alan already enjoying a cup of coffee. John’s wife Jane who had seen us ride by, also joined us for some excellent refreshment. There were a number of tables outside which we occupied but there’s a surprisingly large area indoors as well. For some of us, this was the first time of visiting.
Decision time. To return back to Louth (or Binbrook for Sven) or continue to Woodhall Spa. Luckily there were enough of us to break into groups with Ty and Alan electing to continue to Woodhall Spa, John riding solo back to Wood Enderby and Tim, Sven, and Mike heading back to Goulceby with the aim of a final cuppa at Jenny Ward's Store in Donnington on Bain. Riding up the long but relatively shallow rise out of Hemingby we’d stop to admire the old Roman Road, a ‘salt route’ running from Saltfleetby to Stixwould. This forms part of the ‘Lindsey Loop’ or more commonly 'A Lincolnshire Wolds circuit' connecting as it does the six market towns of West and East Lindsey.
By the time we’d reached Donington on Bain skies had clouded over and threatening either showers or longer spells of rain but fine enough to sit awhile and enjoy mugs of tea served by Jenny at The Village Shop. Much cooler too so a pleasant location for a chat.
Last push now through Welsdale, quite a challenge unassisted, with Sven turning for home at the junction with the Bluestone Heath Road.
Tim and Mike would arrive back into Louth at 3 pm having covered 36 miles. Thanks to Sven for all the photo's!
*Ty later reported to having completed 65 miles having travelled with Alan to Woodhall Spa and then a circuitous route back to Louth*
Tim's Relive Video: https://www.relive.com/view/vWqBdQpQKYO
Gallery
