Wednesday Wander to Manby Wetlands 13-05-26

Cycling UK Louth’s Wednesday Wander to Manby, 13th May 2026:

The weather forecast for today’s ride was less than appetising suggesting showers or longer periods of rain, perhaps heavy with hail and thunder. A chilly NW breeze, temperatures struggling to rise even to 10 Degrees Celsius.  

Turning up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre, it was indeed quite showery with foreboding skies. Tim Newbery, who today would be ‘Billy No Mates’ opted for a short ride to Manby Wetalnd with hot drinks to be taken at Café@Mimi’s.

Stewton Lane provided a green and peaceful routing to Legbourne Furze, sounds of Skylark calling from the meadows. Otherwise, a very quiet morning with no other cyclists, few vehicles and one lone horse rider sharing Craker Lane (bridleway) that passes over the Old Eau Drain on its way to Castle Carlton. Strictly for fans of green lanes and gravel tracks. Passing through the Carlton’s, arrived at the former guardroom at Manby to be warmed up by a mug of tea at Mimi's.

Following refreshments, a short detour past the sewage treatment plant along Church Lane to visit the ‘Manby Wetlands’ nature reserve, set up and managed by the local farmer. Great views of the wetlands from Wally’s Wildlife Hide to include sightings of Barn Swallow, House Martin and Swift. Our summer visitors have arrived! Sounds too of Reed and Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. A great way to spend a few moments solitude especially as skies were brightening following on from a torrential downpour. 

A return route via South Cockerington and Keddington was uneventful, arriving back at the Magna Vitae Meridian Leisure Centre about 12.30 pm. There are now signs on the doors advising visitors that bikes and scooters are no longer allowed indoors.