Maltby le Marsh 1st March 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Maltby le Marsh 1st March 2026

First day of (meteorological) Spring and the weather forecast for the last few days had suggested outbreaks of rain during the morning, if not the whole day. A welcome relief then to find the morning dawned dry and bright with some sunshine. These conditions lasted most of the day, temperatures rising to a very mild 13 Degrees Celsius.

Joining Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre were John Rickett, Ty Harness, Paul Linder, Sven Livesey and guest rider Harvey Wright. At 17 years old he lowered our average age to 60! Glad to have had you along today Harvey. Steve Croton would be waiting for us at Withern.

Departing along Stewton Lane we safely navigated the flooded section by the old railway walk (something really needs to be done to alleviate the problem here) and continued to Legbourne Furze and the Carltons with John quizzing riders as to the name of the church ruins we had passed at Little Carlton. Apparently well signed but Tim had missed it. The ruins are of Saint Edith, a church built of chalk which dates to at least the Domesday Book of 1086, although re-built in the 13th Century and finally demolished in 1993.

With the sun shining and with Harvey seemingly well up to speed, we arrived in Withern right on schedule at 11 am to find Steve waiting for us at the bench by the Village Hall. The blustery wind now a little more helpful, a ride into Strubby, past the former RAF Airfield (no gliding in evidence today) and onto the Tea Baa’rn Café at Eastfield Farm Plants, housed in a 200 year old building once home to cows!

As promised, we were met by Harvey’s mum Holly and the family who would also enjoy refreshments here. On this occasion we didn’t have to wait too long to be served and Paul and Sven enjoyed rather fine looking servings of beans on toast. Harvey had mentioned that he was looking to restore a Fred James bike and having it resprayed. Hopefully we’ll be able to find out it’s history (frame number PY917118).

On departure it was a push into the wind along Rye Lane to Claythorpe and Aby, where Paul and Steve departed for their respective homes, having clocked up quite a few miles already. For the remainder a route up to the Top Road to Muckton and Fir Hill, fine views as ever across the Middle Marsh. Interesting to think that the quarry at Fir Hill was once part of the ancient sea cliff, similar to the White Cliffs of Dover.

Last leg now back to Louth’s Leisure Centre for final drinks and refreshment. 28 miles covered by the Louth contingent. Thanks for joining us today Harvey.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ fly through video: https://www.relive.com/view/vevYze3RxJO