Saltfleetby 24th September 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Thursday Trundle to Saltfleetby 24th September 2026...

The first day of Astronomical Autumn fell on the Wednesday. The weather forecast had consistently been predicting an appropriately unsettled day with showers or longer periods of rain, perhaps heavy and thundery. Even Paul Hudson on Tuesday night’s TV weather forecast concurred. Armed with this information Tim had suggested a ride on the Thursday instead. Of course, hardly a drop of rain fell on Wednesday! Sadly, Steve Croton wasn’t able to alter dates but did at least have a fine ride to the coast in sunshine regardless. Look forward to seeing you on the Market Rasen Ride Steve.

Turning up at Louth’s Leisure Centre on Thursday were Tim Newbery, John Rickett and Mike Housely, who’d travelled across from Lincoln. Chris Owen had messaged that he’d meet up at Alvingham. A fine dry day with plenty of sunshine and after chilly start (8 Degrees Celsius) it was expected to rise to a warm 20 Degrees. ETA back to Louth about 1 pm.

Heading off via Keddington, we came across several solo cyclists and eventually spotted Chris on the outskirts of Alvingham. Grange Lane led us around the far side of Cockerington whilst Red Leas Lane took us to Howdales. Road surfaces were on the whole manageable until the subsided and heavily cracked North End Lane required concentration and some evasive manoeuvres.

For the first time in many years, we turned off along ‘Long Gate Road’ and ‘Salter Gate’ to have a look at old St Peter’s Church. The ‘gates’ hark back to the time of Danelaw, the Old Norse word gata, meaning "street". The salt merchants would indeed have used the salt way with Saltfleetby historically having a close connection to the coast and salt making. With the coastline receding over the millennia, medieval residents established new linear settlements closer to the retreating water. This historical migration is why Saltfleetby grew into three separate, successive hamlets: firstly Saltfleetby St Peter (the furthest inland), then Saltfleetby All Saints, and finally Saltfleetby St Clement (the closest to the modern sea).

Just before arriving at the church, we noted where the old railway line crossed the lane. This was once part of the Louth and East Coast Railway but now barely recognisable. Turning the bend we stopped to admire what’s left of the old church of St Peter, known today as ‘The Stump’. The tower, built in the 15th Century sunk into the marshy ground and leaned so much that it was in danger of collapsing into the main body of the church. The entire building (except for the tower) was moved stone by stone in 1877 a half mile down the road to its new position on the main road. Local farmer Mark Stubbs successfully prevented its demolition and left money for its continued maintenance.

One final leg to The Little Village Tea Shop and Café where we were well looked after. We had arrived a few minutes early but were delighted to be joined by Paul Linder who’d pedalled in from Alford. Moving to a bigger table, the five of us enjoyed toasted tea cakes and home-made scones, served on its own for John but accompanied by jam and cream for Chris.

On departure at 11.30 am a route was followed to Saltfleetby All Saints and its historic marshes church complete with leaning tower (no time today to tick off the third of the hamlets, Saltfleetby St Clement’s) before heading to the Carltons, bidding farewell to Paul at Great Carlton and Chris at Little Cartlton for their respective journey’s home.

The remaining trio continued to Furze Lane where Tim and Mike on discovering laden apple trees stopped to take on supplies. John needed to return for an appointment so continued home. Tim and Mike would arrive back at the Leisure Centre at 12.50 pm, still ahead of schedule having covered 25 miles (closer to 35 for John).

Many thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video:

https://www.relive.com/view/v26MDrnVWEO