Saltfleetby 19th August 2026
Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Saltfleetby 19th August 2026
The early morning rain had cleared by assembly time at Louth’s Leisure Centre (the third night in a row of rain) and a fine morning was forecast. Showers or longer outbreaks of rain had been forecast later in the afternoon. Temperatures a seasonal average of 21 Degrees Celsius.
Today’s destination would be The Little Village Tea Room and Café in Saltfleetby, the route initially taking us to Louth Navigation’s Ticklepenny Lock. Considering the drought, there was a surprisingly fast flow of water through the old lock whilst a team of Canal Trust volunteers were working hard on the adjacent banks and repairing the brickwork of the lock structure.
Onwards through Alvingham, noting how much greener the grass verges had become in the last few days in response to welcome rain. Further ahead along the increasingly subsided Howdales Road, the cavernous depressions still held large puddles of water.
Not far now to refreshments at The Little Village Tea Shop and Café. Empty on arrival at 11 am, the staff were preparing for several dozen customers who had pre booked lunches and afternoon teas. For Tim, a pot of tea and a toasted teacake would suffice.
Skies were now darkening, threatening showers somewhat earlier than expected. Indeed, on passing by All Saints Church, Saltfleetby, shelter from a sudden downpour was taken with an impromptu visit inside. This notable Marshes Church is in need of repair inside and outside (I’m sure the tower is continuing to lean!) but it is never the less worth a visit. The octagonal 11th Century font has some fascinating if rather grotesque faces carved at it base.
Departing in brighter conditions, Church Street led to Three Bridges where another sign alerted the road user to the fact that the Tour of Britain was coming along this route on 3rd September. Judging by the rough surface and potholes which are still present in places, the riders will need to proceed with care!
For those interested in the routes, see LCC'S link below:
On arrival at the Long Eau, more showers threatened and so a decision was made to cut across to Willow Row Bank for a more direct route to the fortified Hall at Manby. The metalled surface on this public right of way soon gives way to gravel but it’s a pleasant enough track with the chance to admire the unspoilt rural scenery whilst watching flocks of Swift, no doubt soon to make preparations to return to Africa. Plenty of berries in the hedgerows for the birds with bountiful blackberry and blackthorn (sloe) fruit.
The last leg along Stewton Lane, affording some shelter from the increasingly strong north west breeze and a return to Louth at about 1 pm having covered 23 miles.
Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/v36ADrokxZO
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