Mablethorpe 4th November 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to the seaside 4th November 2026

Today, a route proposed by Rob Cook with a visit to the seaside to include Sutton on Sea, Trusthorpe and Mablethorpe. A brisk easterly breeze was forecast so it would be a bit of a battle outbound but the return would be aided by a welcome back wind.

Turning up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Rob Cook, John Rickett and Tim Newbery. Steve Croton had arranged to meet up at Alford. Rob had arrived on his Gary Fisher backup bike as the primary Focus was still being repaired and the large Dutch cycle bell shone brightly in the sunshine, indeed it would stay largely sunny all day. A chilly start however, temperatures a little below 10 Degrees Celsius which prompted John to bring along his newly purchased electrically heated gloves. 

(American Gary Fisher co-founded the brand "MountainBikes" in 1979. The company was later taken over by Trek).

Outbound via Little Cawthorpe with the Top Road leading us through Muckton and Belleau before a descent to the Great Eau. No other cyclists but a few horse riders enjoying the fine country roads as we ran alongside the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Arriving into Alford Market Place about a quarter past eleven, we were pleased to see Steve waiting outside ‘Vintage at Hart’. Eventually, all were persuaded to stop long enough for a cup of coffee which was very kindly purchased by John. Great to sit out in the sunshine in the shelter of the breeze.

Continuing past St Wilfrid’s Church, we noted the installation of hundreds of hand-knitted poppies for the remembrance display, before taking the Sutton Road as far as Asserby Turn. Here we turned right along a narrow rustic lane which took us through the village of Asserby. Caution signs alerting us to ‘Mud on Road’ were sadly accurate as a section of thick sludge would no doubt mean a clean of the bikes at the end of the day. 

Back onto the main road opposite Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour from where we’d head north through Sandilands and Miami Beach. The forward party of John and Steve relayed back the information that Coral Café was closed so in the end we all headed to Mables Tea Room, seating once again out of the wind and in the sunshine. Tim thanks Rob for an early birthday present of a fine brunch.  

Before departing the coast at Mablethorpe, a brief run up of the pullover to view the waves crashing onto the shore. Winds were by now gusting 25-30 mph.

A return initially on the long stretch of the flat as a pancake Stain Lane passing through the outmarsh and middle marsh all the way to Withern which is where we’d bid farewell to Steve. We hope to meet up with him again for our ride to Cleethorpes.

For the rest of the group a deviation of the route at Little Carlton to take us through Grimoldby and South Cockerington. An ideal opportunity for John to take his leave for a more direct route home to leave Rob and Tim to enjoy one final cuppa back at the Meridian Leisure Centre. Arrived at 2.15 pm having covered 40 miles. Many thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vXOndzDBm5q