North Sea Observatory 6th September 2026

Cycling UK Louth Sunday 6th September 2026...

It’s been a couple of years or so since the club last visited ‘Seascape Café’ at the North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point, so high time for a return. The weather forecast had been somewhat inconsistent with latest predictions suggesting the chance of a little rain at times. Warming up however, eventually reaching 22 Degrees Celsius.

Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were John Rickett, Ken Woolley and Tim Newbery. Chris Owen had messaged that he’d meet up somewhere on our way to Alford.

Routing through Little Cawthorpe and Muckton, we encountered several groups of cyclists with greetings and pleasantries duly exchanged. After a bright start, skies darkened and by the time we met up with Chris near South Thoresby, the rain was heavy enough to don waterproofs. Arriving into Alford Market Place, we would bid farewell to Chris. Unexpectedly, we were greeted outside the Library by Paul Linder who had manged after all, to take time off from home duties for a ride to Chapel Point.  

Twisting narrow rural lanes of Lincolnshire County Council’s Cycle Routes C1, C3 and C7 took us through Farelesthorpe, Bonthorpe and Hogsthorpe (Thorpe=settlement is a familiar Danelaw suffix) before we finally stopped to shed our waterproofs as skies were turning increasingly blue, temperatures steadily rising in response.

After weaving our way through the housing estates of Chapel Saint Leonards it was only a short distance to the North Sea Observatory and the Seascape Café. Standing guard outside was the senior fundraiser of the local ‘Coastwatch’, proudly announcing over 20 years of service. In spite of a brisk breeze, we sat outside enjoying drinks and refreshments whilst admiring the views.

The North Sea Observatory opened in 2018. The £2 million project was designed to be the gateway to the area's Coastal Country Park, providing information, hosting exhibitions as well as including an art space, a cafe, public toilets and 'National Coastwatch'. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and attracts large numbers of summer migrants. In August and September thousands of swallows and house martins normally roost in the reedbeds, although this year, many have already departed on their long journey south.

‘Chapel Point’ derives its name from a chapel at Mumby Chapel dedicated to St Leonard of Noblac (Mumby Chapel was washed into the sea on 5th October 1570 in a ‘violent tempest’ – locals saying they can still hear the bells tolling from out to sea!) whilst in more recent times it was an important part of the coastal defences in both World Wars. The WWI pillbox was converted into 'The Sentinel' but has long since been demolished.

Our return took us back to Hogsthrope and then westbound to Willoughby. With the wind turning to our favour at Well Turn we bade farewell to Paul and a brisk pace was set back along the Top Road through Muckton to Little Cawthorpe. Arrived back at the Leisure Centre about 2 pm having covered nearly 48 miles. Well ahead of schedule. Time enough for a final cup off coffee and a slice of lemon drizzle courtesy of John. Many thanks. 

Tim's 'Relive' video: https://www.relive.com/view/vevYGxGJ4y6