Horncastle Hilly 29th March 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Ride to Horncastle Sunday 29th March 2026 - ‘Horncastle Hilly’

A mix of weather in today’s forecast. Fine and dry at first with a moderate south westerly breeze but outbreaks of rain or showers due in the afternoon with winds gusting to 35 mph. At least there’d be a helpful tail wind on return.

Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were John Rickett, Steve Croton (an unexpected appearance but always a pleasure), Paul Linder, Ty Harness, Alan Hockham, Tim Newbery, Harvey Wright on a newly acquired bike and Charlie Calderwood who had met up with us briefly last week. We were hoping have John Parish and Sven Livesey join us en-route. Quite a turnout!

 Setting off and passing Hubbard's Hills, we’d climb up Goulceby Road to meet up with the Bluestone Heath Road at Pewlade Hill. Today’s highest altitude of a little over 500 ft AMSL. John Parish was waiting for us but no sign of Sven.

A descent of Red Hill allowed a bit of a freewheel before making our way through Asterby. John Rickett pointed out what looked like to be a new bench at Saint Peter’s Church. A lovely spot to sit and relax with views over the Deserted Medieval Village. As the settlement of Goulceby expanded, it’s ‘Eystri’ or eastern lands became known as Asterby.

One more push on the pedals to meet up with Green Lane then downhill all the way to Hemingby. Skies were bright, no sign of the rain just yet so a pleasant enough ride past the Sheep Cote and the Wolds Wildlife Park to the outskirts of town. Arrived at the ‘Big Chair’ on schedule at about 11.15 am and within minutes we were joined by Mike Housley who’s ridden across from Nettleham. With numbers now up to ten we were wondering how quickly we would be served but food and drink arrived without too much of a wait. 

Tim had estimated the journey from Horncastle back to Louth would take about 2 hours and with Charlie wanting to get home in good time, departed ahead of the main group. Leaving about midday, Mike and John Parish would head directly home whilst Paul was on a journey to Burgh le Marsh. That that still left six of us to continue a route up and over the Wolds once more. 

The road to Fulletby ascends steadily and there are some splendid views passing Castcliffe Hill, Stained Hill and Belchford Hill. The climb up to the Bluestone Heath Road is always a tough one, members tackling the ascent at varying speeds. Congratulations to those who made it look easy.

A helpful tailwind which was gaining strength resulted in a speedy passage through Maidenwell and even up to Haugham, although by now Harvey’s chain had come off a couple of times. A few adjustments before the next ride will have it running smoothly. 

The back lanes past Haugham Pasture and Maltby Wood to Little Cawthorpe gave attractive secluded views but the road surface is becoming increasingly potholed with a lot of loose gravel to contend with. Patchy rain was setting in too but we were on the last leg for the return to the Leisure Centre, arriving well ahead of Tim’s original estimate. Must have been the tailwind, averaging 20-25 mph and gusting 30-35 mph.

36 miles covered by the Louth contingent with over 1800 ft of climbing. Thanks to all for such a good turnout. Great to have had Charlie riding with us and Mike joining in the refreshments at Horncastle. 

Tim’s Relive Video: https://www.relive.com/view/vLqejBg9Adv