Waltham Windmill 15th June 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Waltham Windmill 15th June 2026:

Meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett, Tim Newbery, Steve Croton, Rob Cook and a welcome return of Mike Leverton. Good to see you again Mike. Chris Owen had indicated that he’d meet up with us at Waltham Windmill. Tim had estimated an arrival time of 11.30 am for the group.

A rainy start to the day but Rob had previously assured Tim that there would only be a small chance of any slight rain or a shower for the ride and indeed as we set off at 10 am skies were brightening and it was already feeling quite warm.

A tail wind helped us through Brackenborough but it was a bit of a push into the slowly freshening breeze to Utterby and North Ormsby, a climb now all the way up to Boswell Road. Steve and John were the first to arrive at the summit as usual, allowing John to take a few photos of those following on behind, trying to smile in an attempt to mask their exertions. ‘Lambcoft’, today’s highest altitude at close to 420 ft AMSL with a great view across the Wolds.

A pleasant undulating ride was enjoyed through Wold Newton and Ravendale followed by a fast descent to Brigsley. The group re-assembled at the Windmill around 11.30 am, perfect timing. Chris would arrive shortly afterwards.

The mill looked resplendent following a major restoration to its cap and sails by Suffolk Millwrights over the last couple of years, finally opening to the public over the Easter weekend.

The first mill (a trestle post mill) was built in 1666 but was blown down in 1744 in a ferocious storm. The current six double sided sailed tower mill was commissioned in 1878 and built by Saundersons of Louth at a cost of £500. An extra £50 to add a balcony was deemed too expensive. The mill was active for many years before becoming very run down in the 1950’s and closing in 1966, before being saved by the Waltham Windmill Preservation Society which now looks after the mill.

Mike bade farewell and would retrace steps back to Brigsley to visit Rod and Flora Forster whilst Chris departed at Waltham, leaving a quartet to continue to Holton le Clay and Tetney. 

John had given an ETA back into Louth at 1.35 pm. Tim wondered if that was a little optimistic. However, Rob lead for a good part of the way into the stiff breeze before Steve and John nipped ahead for the last few miles to grab an outside table at Betties of Louth (adjacent to James Street Veterinary Centre). Co-ordinated timepieces recorded 1.35 pm, John was spot on. 

37 miles for the Louth contingent. Many thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive’ video: https://www.relive.com/view/vYvExL4wzGq