Old Bolingbroke Picnic July 6th 2025

With much of the summer so far having been blessed with warm (or at times hot) sunshine, today the weather forecast had suggested very unsettled conditions with a spell of heavy rain, soon to be followed by heavy, thundery showers. Quite understandably, a number of club members had sent apologies and hoped that we might put on the Old Bolingbroke again before too long … in fine weather. John Weeks and Alan Hockham had indicated that they’d meet up at the café at Lusby.

 

At the Meridian Leisure Centre Tim Newbery met up with Ty Harness who was willing to at least ride to Lusby to meet up with John and Alan. With rain falling steadily, Rob Cook arrived and opted to have a coffee first and wait half an hour, perhaps longer to see if conditions improved. Weather apps hinted at a clearance by 3 or 4 pm. Tim and Ty decided to give it a go anyway and headed out into the inclement conditions at 9.30 am.

 

Near Hallington we passed by a number of cyclists also braving the elements. One had a flat tyre, certainly a lot of debris having been washed out by the rain. Ty, ready to step into action was stood down as a fellow colleague of the cyclist had already gone to provide transport.

 

A steady plod up to the Bluestone Heath Road where we’d follow this ancient drove way past Rosin Hill and Belchord Hill before a swooping descent of Tetford Hill. By now, thankfully the rain had eased and we stopped for a short break in Somersby, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s birth place. He was born on 6th August 1809 at the Old Rectory, his father serving as rector of the church which lies opposite.

 

No stopping at Hagworthingham for a change but instead onto The Manor Farm Café at Lusby for refreshment. This would be a first for us and the venue had been suggested by Paul Linder and Steve Croton. We would indeed meet up with Alan and John and all enjoyed hot drinks, and a mix of cake and bacon sandwiches. Plenty of room at this small family run business and well worth a return.

 

With rain just slight and patchy, Alan would encourage Tim and Ty to continue to Bolingbroke Castle whilst John plumped for a route home. Great to have met up with John none the less. 

 

On arrival at the castle, we were surprised but delighted to have enjoyed a period of relatively fine dry weather for our picnic. No soggy sandwiches today which makes a change as we remembered our first visit back in 2017 along with Barry Jordan on a wet and rainy day. Barry had taken a picnic basket backpack full of goodies with Jim arriving by car with another big hamper, rugs, chairs and umbrellas for us all. 

 

This English Heritage site is rich in history. It is thought that originally there was a Saxon fortification here in the 6th or 7th Century but much of what can be seen today are the ruins of the Castle built in the 1220’s by Ranulph de Blundevil, Earl of Chester and Lincoln after his return from the Crusades. The castle eventually passed to the house of Lancaster in 1311 and John of Gaunt was the last to have lived here. John of Gaunt’s son, King Henry IV was born here in 1366 and it became a Royal Castle when Henry succeeded to the throne in 1399. However, the castle was never used as a royal residence and Henry IV never returned to visit.

 

Much of the moat is still visible and interpretation boards would inform us that the large ‘Rout Yard’ derives its name form an Old Lincolnshire term meaning a place where unclaimed stray cattle are kept. 

 

With skies darkening rapidly and rain starting to fall once more, we packed up but just upon leaving, heard the distinctive roar and throb of Merlin Engines and were treated to a fly past of BBMF’s Lancaster. Right over our heads so just a glimpse on this occasion but were honoured to have had such a treat just for us!

 

Onwards and upwards (a lot of upwards), passing by the Church of Saint Andrew at Sausthorpe which looks remarkably like a miniature Saint James’s of Louth. Langton Hill and Fordington Hill a challenge for those unassisted but it wasn’t long before we were rolling along Psalter Road past the Iron Age Long Barrow at Deadman’s Graves and eventually to Alford where Alan bid Tim and Ty farewell. 

 

Thunderstorms were breaking out a little further down the road at Ailby, so we took shelter at Mandy's Plants & Garden Centre with Ty treating Tim to a coffee. Steve has been suggesting a stop here for ages and we were well looked after.

 

Arrived back in Louth a little past 4 pm with the rain and showers having finally stopped. 48 miles covered. Looks to be very warm and sunny next Sunday!

 

Tim’s Relive video: https://www.relive.com/view/v4OG84JdA56