NT Sandilands 30th September 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to National Trust’s Sandilands Nature Reserve 30th September 2026.

Another Wednesday when early weather forecasts had suggested the chance of heavy outbreaks of rain throughout the morning prompting the chance of a postponement. On the day itself, luckily just a few outbreaks of rain till midday with an unseasonably warm and sunny afternoon to follow. Very windy however with gusts of up to 35 mph.

Turning up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre was stalwart John Rickett accompanied today by Tim Newbery. Our destination would be the newly opened ‘Flyway’ café at Sandilands National Trust Nature Reserve.

Departing about 10 am we’d take Stewton Lane and then head to Manby for a route through the Carltons. The gusty wind was rustling the trees, the section to Woodthorpe particularly exposed. With the wind now due south, the ride eastbound to Hagnaby was a little easier and we were making good time to Sutton le Marsh. The rain was also manageable being quite patchy. 

Arrived at about 11.30 am at the new National Trust Café, Sandilands to find that there was plenty of room both indoors and outdoors. Pristine, as with the toilets, having only opened on the previous Saturday. Tim highly rated the Lincolnshire Sausage toasted bap from the ‘Flyway’ cafés extensive menu!

The visitor hub was primarily funded by a £2 million investment from the Towns Fund, supported by ‘Connected Coast’. The wider £7.3 million transformation of the former golf course into a wetland nature reserve came from several sources, the reserve itself opening last Autumn. The name of the café, ‘Flyway’ comes from the fact that it lies on the route for migratory birds, offering a vital stop off. There was a board listing recent arrivals to include pink footed geese and departures to include Spoonbill and not surprisingly House Martin, Swallow and Swift.

Leaving in bright, warm sunshine about 12.30 pm, we made our way in what was now a strong and gusty westerly wind. We’d have to wait until Alford for the much-promised backwind (Tim should never promise such luxuries!) and a decision was made for a final cup of coffee to be taken at the Vintage Shop and Tea Room. Very pleasant it was too sitting in the sunshine; temperatures having risen to 24 Degrees Celsius. Thanks to John for the refreshments.

Onwards along Lincolnshire County Council’s Cycle Route C4 to Devils Square, we’d then cross over the Great Eau at Claythorpe before ascending to Burwell Park (the only part of today’s route designated as a ‘climb’ by Mr Garmin).  

Arrived back into Louth a little after 2 pm, the Louth contingent having recorded 43 miles. Thanks to all.