Saltfleetby 3rd December 2025
Cycling UK Louth ‘Wednesday Wander’ to Saltfleetby 3rd December 2025:
The first ride of ‘Meteorological Winter’ and judging by the early morning satellite picture, Lincolnshire got the short straw, covered as it was in a thick, damp, grey, chilly, blanket of fog and low cloud whilst most of the country was enjoying another day of glorious sunshine.
Never the less, club stalwart John Rickett turned up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre for a ride. On this occasion he wouldn’t be ‘Billy No Mates’ as Tim Newbery had opted to accompany John, at worst for just part of the route and battery assisted. One step at a time.
Departing at 10.00 am precisely, the route took us past Louth Abbey and over the Louth Navigation at Ticklepenny Lock. A few months ago following the summer drought, the canal had run almost dry so it was with some astonishment to hear the waters thundering over the weir where the lock gates once stood. More spells of rain and heavy downpours are forecast over the coming days.
Layered clothing and for some heated gloves enabled a comfortable journey through the Cockeringtons and along the newly resurfaced Saddleback Road at Howdales, where we noted cracks once again showing tell-tale signs of subsidence. Over the Grayfleet Drain (an apt name considering the early December dank) to Saint Peter's Church at Saltfleetby Saint Peter where large crowds were gathering for their coffee morning which takes place the first Wednesday of the month from 10.30 - 12 noon (duly noted for future rides).
John and Tim had however plumped to take refreshment at The Little Village Tea Shop and Café, following tales of the highly rated scones from a few weeks ago. Delicious, with or without lashings of butter and jam. A group of cyclists from Cleethorpes were also enjoying the hospitality. Discussions too on using this venue for the club’s 40th Anniversary on Wednesday 29th April 2026, which should be fun.
Having been sat cosy and warm next to a large radiator it was with a little reluctance to venture back out for a return to Louth. Roads were thankfully largely traffic free and at long last skies were brightening with increasing amounts of welcoming sunshine. On return to the Leisure Centre, temperatures had crept up to a balmy 6 Degrees Celsius.
Next ride (weather permitting) on Sunday 7th December to Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Parlour.
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