Spilsby 16th August 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Spilsby 16th August 2026

Following on from last week’s heatwave, today’s weather looked set fine with more manageable temperatures of about 21 Degrees Celsius. A mostly cloudy morning too with sunnier conditions developing in the afternoon. 

Meeting up with today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery at the Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett (having ridden several hundred miles last week on a cross-country bike ride), Ty Harness and guest rider Ken Woolley. It turned out that Ken knew Ty from the Men’s Shed in Louth. Ken also volunteers for ‘Sailabilty’ at Covenham Reservoir where Ty’s Steady Saturday rides sometimes end up and is well acquainted with Cycling UK Gainsborough’s Trevor Halstead, with connections to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.   

Today’s destination SPILSBY to try out Cunningham’s new café Maddie’s Bistro and Bakery at the former White Hart Hotel. This Hotel has the prestigious cast iron CTC Winged Wheel circa 1881 proudly displayed on its wall, denoting that it was recommended to members offering discounted tariffs. Maybe we'd be lucky! ETA back to Louth about 2.30 pm.

Departing promptly at 09.30 am, we’d head to Stewton and Legbourne Furze along lanes which Ken had never tried out before. A pleasant journey to Authorpe with time for amiable chat before a bit more of a push on the pedals up the hill to the church of Saint John the Baptist at Belleau. From here, a steep descent to the Great Eau, following the boundary of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) all the way past Haugh, Rigsby and onto Well.

Today we’d miss out the circuitous route through Skendleby Psalter. The name does not come from the Old Testament prayer book known as a “psalter” but in this case, "psalter" is a corruption of the Old English words saltere and haga, meaning "the salters' enclosure" reflecting the area's historical salt-making industry.  

Instead, we’d head directly up to the Bluestone Heath Road and from here to Skendleby passing the village’s Blacksmith’s Arms known widely for its legendary catering. Less well known is the villages’ connection with the World War II radar system, operating as Chain Home Low and Extra Low. The station’s location was meant to be secret with the entrance disguised as a bungalow but it did none the less have a 200-foot wooden mast placed on top of a constructed mound which must have given a clue. 

Arriving at Maddie’s Bistro and Bakery on schedule at 11.30 am we’d find Paul Linder sitting out side looking relaxed, sipping a hot drink (maybe his first or second or third depending on how early he’d arrived on his trusty tricycle). A good selection of savoury and sweet fayre although no freshly baked scones, which was a bit of a disappointment for John. The Ride Leader will have to do better next time and put in a special request in advance. 

The statue of John Franklin outside the hotel looks resplendent. Rear-Admiral Sir John Franklin was born in the town and after a successful career is of course best known for his ill fated attempt to traverse the Northwest Passage in 1845.   

Bidding farewell to Paul, the intrepid quartet would continue their own expedition back to Louth. Our route would end up similar to a few weeks ago taking us through Sausthorpe and Aswardby before the ascent of Harrington Hill. An owl had been spotted near Spilsby but here, a number of birds of prey were circling overhead, ready to swoop down on any cyclist showing signs of fatigue. 

Fortunately, all safe, sound and accounted for before our descent through Brinkhill and a final refreshment stop at the Walkers’ and Cyclists’ cabin at the Sheep Dip Paddock, South Ormsby. Ty would stay a while as he intended to attend the Village Show at Aby so after a short rest, Tim, John and Ken would continue back to Louth via Muckton and Little Cawthorpe, arriving about ten past two. 45 miles for the Louth contingent. Many thanks to all for the company and we hope to see Ken with us again before long.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vXOdr31M14q