Picnic Old Bolingbroke 2nd August 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s 2026 Picnic Ride to Old Bolingbroke 02-08-2026

Time once again for our annual picnic at Old Bolingbroke Castle. We had been pretty unlucky with the weather over the last couple of years with showers and thunderstorms or longer periods of rain. Today however, the weather looked perfect. Not too hot with a maximum temperature of about 21 Degrees Ceslius, a refreshing slight to moderate easterly breeze and sunny intervals. 

Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery along with Ty Harness and Rob Cook. We looked forward to a steady, relaxed ride, ETA back to Louth 3.30 pm. As is usual at this time of year, several members were away on holiday. 

Departing at 10 am, our route would take us past Hubbards Hills along Halfpenny Lane where a steady climb along Goulceby Lane would take us to the Bluestone Heath Road at Pewlade Hill. Cracking views over the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Passing by Cadwell Park we would hear the roar of a private motorcycle trackday. The Bluestone Heath Road was indeed busy with motorbikes. This undulating road gave us intimate views of Gaumer Hill, Rosin Hill, Park Hill, Juicetrummp Hill (honestly, it’s a real name) and Belchford Hill before we turned off to descend Tetford Hill. The 16th Century White Hart Pub used to be a regular stop for the group and although a sign outside indicated the pub was open, its business hours are Monday to Thursday from 4 pm. A visit another time perhaps.

Onwards over the pretty River Lymn synonymous with Alfred Lord Tennyson we were soon passing St Margaret's Church in Somersby where he was baptised. Ty remembers studying Tennyson’s Ulysses, a dramatic monologue that explores aging, restlessness, and the unending human desire for adventure … today’s travels of "three old geezers on a bike" fits well.

A vote to take refreshment at JJ’s Café at Hagworthingham gave us time for amiable conversation and a pleasant break before the final leg to Old Bolingbroke. With some choosing to ride through the ford at Furze Hill Nature Reserve, Water Lane was surprisingly busy with a stream of classic cars on a rally. Indeed, we’d continue to see these vehicles all the way through Lusby, Hareby and to Old Bolingbroke where a splendid Morgan was parked outside the Black Horse Inn.

12.15 pm and ‘Picnic Time’ at Old Bolingbroke Castle with riders unpacking a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. We had the site almost to ourselves which enabled a pleasant meander around the site to view the various interpretation boards.  

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. 

By the time of the civil war, the castle was in decay but it was briefly held by Royalist troops until the Parliamentary victory in 1643 at the Battle of Winceby just three miles away. Parliamentary forces took control of Old Bolingbroke but as they left, deliberately ruined the castle. 

Over decades and centuries, stones were robbed and by 1949 there was nothing more than a grassy mound. Under the custodianship of English Heritage the remains have been excavated and stonework consolidated.

Departing a little before 1 pm we’d now head back to Louth but instead of heading to Alford, we decided instead to see if we could enjoy ‘Cream Teas’ at Saint Philip’s Church Brinkhill which we saw advertised last week. En route Ty noted the splendid tower of Saint Andrew’s Church Sausthorpe which is the spitting image in miniature of Louth’s Saint James’ tower and intentionally so. 

Arriving at Brinkhill a little before 2 pm, we didn’t have to wait too long before the good folk of Saint Philip’s were serving hot drinks and delicious homemade cakes and scones. This was the first of the weekly Sunday offering throughout August. £5.00 for tea or coffee and cake or scone, cream and jam. Great value for homemade fayre.

Passing South Ormsby a climb now to London Road where Ty would take the lead suggesting we try Cowdyke Lane (bridleway) at Manor Farm Walmsgate, near to where Ty’s relative lives. Tim had previously ridden the bridleway from Pinfold Lane near Swaby which connects up with Cowdyke Lane but never the full length of the lane from Walmsgate. We ended up at Milne’s Walk Plantation near Dark Lane with a a final leg to Louth via Muckton and Little Cawthorpe. Arrived home on schedule about 3.30 pm, temperatures having risen to 23 Degrees. 41 miles covered and an enjoyable day out.

More photo’s from Ty to follow …

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video

https://www.relive.com/view/vDqgA8d4AVO