Lincolnshire Wolds Railway New Year's Day 2026

Cycling UK Louth's New Year’s Day 2026 ride to Ludborough for a steamy day out at Lincolnshire Wolds Railway.

After a particularly cold day on New Year’s Eve, Tim had been keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast for New Year’s Day. Courtesy of a band of cloud and rain, overnight temperatures were expected to dip no lower than 3 degrees, thus preventing any ground frost, hoar frost or ice. 

The forecast was spot on and temperatures were indeed several degrees less cold than on Wednesday morning, Tim’s garden thermometer registering 4 Degrees Celsius. Having pre checked and risk assessed the roads as far as Brackenborough, Tim Newbery, Ty Harness and John Rickett set off at 10 am with plenty of weak sunshine beaming down to cheer us on our way.

Would we see any other cyclists on this first day of the new quarter century? Initially not but on passing through Brackenborough, we were overtaken by a small group heading northbound. Otherwise, a quiet ride to Fulstow with a left hander taking us along Station Road to the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, where Ty would complete his target o cycling 200 miles over the festivities. Congratulations.

The first steam train of the day had been scheduled to depart Ludborough Railway Station at 10.45 am and on our approach, we could hear the steam whistle indicating imminent departure. John dashed ahead to watch the loco and carriages head out to wards North Thoresby. By the time Tim and Ty arrived, the Steaming Kettle Buffet Car was almost empty and a variety of refreshments were consumed as we sat in the splendour and comfort of the GWR first class carriage. 

Just as we due to depart, LWR’s loco ‘Cranford’ hauled the train back into the station giving everyone a fine view. Plenty of customers disembarking whilst others readied to board.

Departing under cloudier skies and with temperatures having nudged up by one degree to 5 Celsius, we’d take the back lanes through Little Grimsby to Fulstow, noting the permissive path under the bridge of Little Grimsby Lane. Certainly muddy but fit for a gravel bike. 

John departed for home from here wilst the remaining duo headed back to Louth, arriving at 12.30 pm. About 20 miles covered by all of us. No takers for yet more mince pies at Tim's!

Thanks to all for the company and wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR.