Spilsby 4th February 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Spilsby 4th February 2026

With Tuesday being particularly grey and chilly (a maximum temperature of just 2 Degrees Celsius), club members were looking forward to today’s prediction of brightening skies and an above average 8-10 degrees.

Meeting up with Tim Newbery at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett and Paul Linder. Steve Croton planned to meet up in Alford. With a prompt 10 am departure we were soon heading down the lanes through Legbourne Furze, the Carltons and Woodthorpe. No stopping at ‘Woody’s’ today, arriving at the former five sailed windmill a little after 11 am. Steve had only been waiting a few minutes and we were soon ‘sailing’ along to Willoughby where we’d now need to climb Lincolnshire County Council’s cycle route C1 to Claxby and up to the Bluestone Heath Road (today’s second highest point at 255 ft).

A fine descent through Skedleby, skies now brightening nicely, and it wasn’t too long before we arrived in Spilsby. The bells were chiming noon. Cunningham’s Coffee Lounge beckoned and although busy, there was still room in the comfortable back rooms where we enjoyed hot drinks, beans on toast, cheese and onion pasties and home-made scones. Considering how popular the venue was we were served promptly by the very pleasant staff. 

Spilsby is best known as the birthplace of Sir John Franklin, Arctic navigator and explorer, although Cunningham’s is located opposite the historic Medieval Market Cross (Butter Cross). The original pre-9th century Danish settlement of Spilsby sited east of Partney Bridge, was relocated to its current location by 1305 when its charters and rights to hold a market were confirmed by Edward I. The cross probably dates to this time. 

On departure, Paul would head directly back to Alford which left Tim, John and Steve to continue north west through Raithby, over the River Lymn at Sausthorpe Bridge into Tennyson country, before the steep ascent of Harrington Hill and today’s highest altitude of about 300 ft.  Climbing continued to Brinkhill where Steve would depart for home, leaving Tim and John to admire the sundial, almost casting a shadow as glimpses of blue sky were now appearing. 

Near the church of St. Philip’s where in the summer months delicious strawberry cream teas are served, Tim was to find out what it’s like to ride a heavyweight e-bike with a powerless motor. Continuing with John giving valuable support and encouragement, Tim ‘enjoyed’ a cardiovascular workout, arriving back at the Leisure Centre in Louth a little after 3 pm. Thanks to John for a reviving cup of coffee and a couple of KitKat fingers. 

45 miles covered for the Louth contingent. Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vevYzZ72GyO