Mablethorpe 18th March 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Mablethorpe 18th March 2026

Although still a couple of days short of the Spring Equinox, it felt like Spring with a waft of warm air all the way from Spain and Portugal. Was it the sweet floral scent of orange blossom we could smell or the fine aroma of strong espresso and Portuguese Pastéis de nata. Or was it last night’s Paella?

John Rickett, having recovered from the lurgy, met up with Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre for the ride to Mablethorpe. Steve Croton had suggested we try one his favourite café’s, ‘Mable’s’. Steve would meet up with us at Withern and Alan Hockham en-route. Paul Linder had sent his apologies.

Departing under clear blue skies and the thermometer already at 12 Degrees Celsius, we pedalled our way through Stewton and Legbourne Furze to Little Carlton where Alan joined the duo of Tim and John. Winds were mercifully much lighter than on Sunday but it was still a brisk headwind to Withern and our rendezvous with Steve.

The warm sunshine had encouraged a number of other cyclists out on this fine day and pleasantries were exchanged. On entering Mablethorpe, Steve would lead the group directly to Mable’s Tea Room where we were well looked after by Elaine, who had previously worked at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant in Woodthorpe. She had no doubt served us there before. Upon the recommendation of Steve, Tim opted for the Cheese Melt Baguette (delicious) whilst Alan opted for a soup and chees toastie. There was a wide-ranging menu to choose from. 

Discussions over lunch included our summer overnight excursion to Southwell. Several expressed an interest to repeat last year’s successful ride.

On departure, Alan would head for home whilst Steve would go on to join Tim and John through Theddlethorpre, Gayton Engine and Three Bridges, after which he too turned for home. The remaining duo enjoyed a pleasant ride via Howdales, North End Lane displaying plenty of yellow spray paint indicating imminent pot hole repair or perhaps a resurfacing where the road has subsided. Here’s hoping!)

Arrived back at the Leisure Centre exactly on schedule at 1.30 pm having ridden 34 miles. Temperatures now being recorded at 18 Degrees Celsius, well above the seasonal average of 10 degrees.

Tim’s Relive Video: https://www.relive.com/view/vMq5RYQze8v