Ulceby Cross 26th July 2026

Cycling UK Louth's Sunday Ride to Ulceby Cross 26th July 2026…

With a route originally devised by Ty Harness and last tackled back in February it was high time to revisit Tom’s Kitchen, the café at the Spar Filling Station at Ulceby Cross. Ty last time had succumbed to a virus and once again had to miss out on today’s hilly route with over 2300 ft of climbing. ETA back into Louth 2.00 pm.

Weatherwise, there had been a little rain early in the morning, the first for well over a month. A few showers were forecast later in the day with temperatures peaking at a pleasant 22 Degrees Celsius. The only downside was a strong westerly wind set to gust to 35 mph and test our stamina further.

Along with today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Rob Cook, John Rickett, Paul Linder and Harvey Wright. Steve Croton had arranged to meet up at Miles Cross. 

Our outbound route took us through Stewton, Legbourne Furze and Authorpe, then up the hill to Belleau. Always pleasant to pass by the historic 13th Century church of Saint John the Baptist.

A farewell was bid to Paul who would now return home via Woodthorpe where he’d arranged fine dining. For the rest of the group an undulating route past Rigsby and up the hill to Miles Cross, famed of course for the location of Alford’s ‘plague stone’. No need to leave money or goods today, instead a short ride up to the Spar facilities at Ulceby Cross, arriving 10.45 am.

A large selection of hot and cold food and drink was available from Tom’s Kitchen; a 10 item breakfast could be obtained for £5. The staff were welcoming and all recognised Steve who was rewarded with a staff discount. The murals on the wall still have some finishing off, masterminded by one of the managers, Lois. She’s a talented artist.

11.30 am and John, Steve, Rob, Harvey and Tim would now to tackle the delights of Fordington Hill, Langton Hill, Gibbet Hill and Harrington Hill. Notice a theme here? The steepest climb perhaps at Sutterby, Sat Nav devices stating a 13 percent incline.

Downhill now through Brinkhill, a number of notices advertising weekly Sunday Afternoon Strawberry Cream Teas at the church of Saint Philip throughout August (2 pm till 5 pm).

Only a few more miles before the afternoon break and the Walkers and Cyclists’ Hut at Sheep Dip Paddock, South Ormsby provided the perfect opportunity. A full jug of hot water enabled us to take advantage of the hot drinks whilst John provided slices of Pocklington’s Bakery Luxury plum bread obtained at the Spar shop. Thanks John!

12.45 pm and fully fortified, a hilly ride to Swaby with yet more climbing along Long Hedge Lane to Meagram Top where John took the lead. The familiar Top Road routing through Muckton and Little Cawthorpe soon had us back at the Leisure Centre, arriving ahead of schedule at 1.40 pm. 

Bidding farewell to Harvey, for Tim, one final cup of coffee. 38 Miles for the Louth contingent. Many thanks to all for a fine day out in the unexpectedly dry and bright afternoon conditions.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ Video: https://www.relive.com/view/vMq5z1zmMQv