Northcotes 17th May 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Landmark Café, Ashby Top and Northcotes Flying Club for their Summer Fly-In. 17th May 2026.

Largely sunny skies at dawn but the forecast was less promising with showers developing, possibly heavy with hail and thunder. Never the less, meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, Mike Housley (from Lincoln), Paul Linder who’d cycled in from Alford, Steve Croton, John Parish, Ty Harness and Harvey Wright. A good turnout.

Routing through Breackeborough, the Covenhams and Fulstow we noted some lanes had been re-dressed and loose gravel at the verge edges needed a close watch with caution required. Crossing the A16 at Waithe proved trouble free and now a climb along the Thoroughfare to the Barton Street. 225 ft AMSL and today’s highest altitude.

Skies were darkening, and rather earlier than expected we were seeing the signs of the first showers. Luckily, we were soon to arrive at the Landmark Café, just a few minutes before our booked table became free at 11 am. Open air devotees Steve and John opted for a seat outside and witnessed a sudden downpour. Others were safely seated indoors and enjoyed a selection of drinks and refreshments. Mike gave a high rating to the sausage ciabatta whilst Tim enjoyed a homemade scone, jam and cream.

Paul had duties to perform back home, and having already clocked up a few dozen miles, would head back. For the remaining group, a ride to Northcotes Fyling Club for their May Fly-In. On departure, skies had cleared and with the backwind and a ride downhill, we were soon passing the iconic 10 storage tanks at Tetney Lock. Crude oil arrives by marine tanker at the Tetney monobuoy near Spurn Point and from there, oil is pumped by subsea pipeline to Tetney before being piped to the refinery at South Killingholme for processing.

A detour now to Northcotes Flying Club where a number of light aircraft were arriving and departing from the short grass strip. According to the good folk at the café, it had been a quiet day so far but there’d be a whole afternoon ahead for visitors to arrive. 

NORTHCOTES

The former RAF Station has a wealth of history and there's a small but fascinating museum documenting the operations through the First World War and Second World War. Sadly, on this occasion we weren't able to spend enough time to do it justice but in between amiable chat, drinks and refreshments (thanks to Harvey for the Jammy Dodgers!) Tim enjoyed a short visit, noting the daring deeds of the Bristol Beaufighter and Bristol Beaufort stationed here in WWII. Alongside the Bristol's of 22 Sqn, Swordfish of 812 Sqn were also tasked with laying mines in shipping lanes and attacking ports and airfields along the coast of France, Holland and Belgium. These open cockpit bi planes were vulnerable to attack and many crews were shot down. One notable P.O.W. was actor Rupert Davies, who after the war was best known as 'Inspector Maigret'.

The promised showers had yet to arrive so we would embark of the final leg back home in good spirit with pleasant views of the middle marsh and coastal plain from West End. Crossing the Louth Navigation at Fire Beacon we’d pass Covenham Reservoir, our route now taking us to Alvingham and an arrival back at the Leisure Centre a little before 2.30 pm. 43 miles for the Louth contingent. Lucky once again with the weather as heavy showers were to follow an hour later. Many thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ fly-though: https://www.relive.com/view/vXOnz8pREBO