Saltfleetby 4th March 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Satfleetby 4th March 2026

On the suggestion of Paul Linder, today’s ride would be to the Little Village Tea Shop at Saltfleetby, a favourite venue for the club. Meeting up at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth were Tim Newbery, John Rickett and Paul Linder. The weather forecast predicted largely clear blue skies, a light south east breeze with temperatures rising to 12-14 Degrees Celsius (tomorrow perhaps 15-17). The seasonal average is just 9 for early March.

A pleasant ride to Ticklepenny Lock where the Louth Canal is still flowing at full force and onwards to the Cockeringtons and Howdales, noting the patched-up surface of what was a relatively recently re-surfaced marsh lane. Just beyond the Greyfleet Drain, John had indicated we were close to where the old railway line crossed North End Lane (the OS Map confirms it’s by North End Farm visible only as a rough track partly lined by trees and shrubs).   

Turning off onto the B1220 the remains of ‘Old’ St Peter’s Church came into view, the medieval leaning and wonky tower (known as the Stump) distinctively marked by its recent and ongoing renovation. Indeed, the subsidence caused by the marshy ground was so severe that the main part of the church was moved brick by brick in 1877 to its new location on the corner of North End Lane and Main Road. 

No visit today (the last time was back in 2020 so we’ll have to include that into our itinerary next time) but instead a short hop to the Little Village Tea Shop for a variety of refreshment. Paul’s quiche looked good and Tim held off having a Full English which stumped him last time.

Replete, a route to take us past another very decidedly wonky marshland church, this time All Saints, Saltfleetby, known locally as ‘The Leaning Tower of Lincolnshire.

Southeast into the breeze, we crossed over the Great Eau at Gayton Engine with more watery landscapes at Hand Puddle Hole Bridge and Meers Bridge, where we bade farewell to Paul who’d continue directly to Maltby le Marsh and Alford. For Tim and John, Stain Lane would take us past historic Stain Hill (all of 9 m AMSL) and its Medieval Deserted Village. There’s a talk on this lost village at Theddlethorpe Village Hall on Tuesday 31st March.

The fine weather continued and we were treated to a sighting of a ‘March’ Hare, whilst listening to the sounds of Great Tit and Sky Lark. Weeping Willow were displaying abundant long and pendulous catkins, with pink cherry blossom a welcome reminder of the onset of Spring.

A brief stop at Little Cartlon was enjoyed, giving John the opportunity to point out to Tim the Church of St Edith (part of John’s ongoing quiz of the day) and we finally arrived back at base a little after 1.30 pm. 34 miles for the Louth contingent.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/v1OwkLmWJEO