Huttoft 16th July 2025

Following a cool, wet and windy day on Tuesday, today was forecast to be dry and bright with a moderate northerly breeze lifting temperatures to a pleasant 22 Degrees Celsius.

 

Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Mike Houslely (from Nettleham), Ty Harness, John Rickett, Martin Wood and Tim Newbery. Steve Croton had arranged to meet up at Woodthorpe. Paul Linder had sent apologies. Today’s destination: The Vista at the Boatshed at Huttoft with an ETA back into Louth about 2.30 pm.

 

Departing at exactly 10 am, we’d head out to Stewton and Legbourne Furze before trying out the newly repaired New Lane at Gayton Top. With various members taking turns at the front, a brisk pace was set aided as we were by the strengthening tailwind. Steve was lying in wait at Woodthorpe Garden Centre and we’d also be joined by Alan Hockham. Seven in the pack so a great turnout, although with duties in Louth to perform, Martin would soon have to head back to Louth.

 

Roadworks off the Alford Road along Ings Road resulted in a diversion to Sutton-on-Sea but we’d soon rejoin our intended route at Sutton le Marsh to join the fabulously resurfaced Roman Bank. Although the area has a rich history dating back to Roman Times (there’s evidence of salt workings, salterns and pottery kilns all along this part of the coast) the road name “Roman Bank” refers to a 16th Century clay embankment built to protect coastal erosion. There’s a later “Green Bank” closer to the sea built in 1670.

 

Avoiding the sandy promenade cycle route C4, we arrived at the Vista at the Boatshed in time for breakfast (if we had wanted) but most opted for hot drinks and sausage rolls. Great to sit outside in the increasingly sunny conditions with the staff once again diligently vacuuming up the loose sand of the veranda and making all things Ship Shape and in Bristol Fashion. Just for us. Maybe.

 

Great to see the Sandilands Nature Reserve just about complete and we saw a number of visitors enjoying the trails, walkways and boardwalks with ample seating. This new 30 hectare reserve is a vital haven for migratory birds although we didn’t see the elusive little stint today.

 

Our return required a bit more of an effort as we were pushing into the brisk Nor ’wester with Alan soon leaving us. Ty continued to Huttoft before also bidding farewell as he had a relative to visit and by the time we arrived in Alford, Steve was relaxing at home. A 10-minute rest for the remaining trio sitting on the benches in the shade of the trees in the Market Square was welcomed. 

 

The last 15-mile leg back to Louth was more relaxed and we’d end up back at the Leisure Centre about 2.15 pm, ahead of schedule. Due thanks to John for supplying a reviving round of coffee. 42 miles covered by the Louth contingent.

Tim's “Relive” video: https://www.relive.com/view/vRO7ZXrZ7Kv