Wold Newton 8th March 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Wold Newton 8th March 2026

Having been forecast to be dry, Tim’s Garden rainfall gauge was already registering 2 mm by the time we were scheduled to leave the Leisure Centre. We held our nerve as the rain was soon to clear.  

Meeting up with Tim were John Rickett, Ty Harness, Steve Croton, Paul Linder, Alan Hockham and another appearance from Harvey Wright on his carbon fibre ‘Cube’. Sven Livesey had indicated that he’d meet up with us en-route to Wold Newton. ETA back into Louth, 1.30 pm.

The rain cleared as did the early mist and low cloud and we were soon approaching our main climb of the day stretching from North Ormsby to Boswell Road. A good test for Harvey on his newly acquired bike, we’d reached our highest altitude of the day at 410 ft AMSL. 

Meeting up with Sven, an easier and increasingly pleasant pootle across Salters’ Lane to Wold Newton, meeting several other groups of cyclists and walkers.

The team at the Village Hall had said we’d timed our visit to perfection as a little earlier there had hardly been a seat to spare. As ever, a variety of scones and cakes were enjoyed along with mugs of tea and coffee.

We bade farewell to Sven shortly after departure and after a climb up to the top of Hawerby Hill, looked forward to the descent through the Grainsby Estate and back into the Middle Marsh.

By now, skies were brightening so a decision to carry on the route as planned to Grainthorpe via Butt Lane where we paused to take a breath (Tim did anyway) at Saint Clement’s Church, viewing the array of daffodils. 

Butt Lane derives its name from "butts," a term for archery practice areas, established in the medieval period. A law passed in 1252 meant longbow practice was compulsory for men between the ages of 15 and 60. Some of our group would be exempt!  

Our return to Louth via Fen Bridge and Brackenborough was to enable a visit to Bettie’s Café in the Fairfield Industrial Estate. Now open on a Sunday but as the advance party discovered, had closed by 1 pm (3 pm on all other days). 

Final drinks were enjoyed back at the Leisure Centre, arriving on schedule at 1.30 pm. The Louth contingent having covered 33 miles, it would be over 60 for some! Thanks to all for the company and well done Harvey. A great turnout considering the weather.