Wold Newton and Caistor 13th September 2026

Cycling UK Louth's Sunday Ride to Caistor.

Ride Report: John Rickett...

With the Supreme Leader away on another sojourn it was the motley bunch of Ty Harness, Ken Wooley and John Rickett who gathered at 09.30 for the planned ride to Caistor Lakes with the obligatory stop at our favoured resting place - Wold Newton village Hall. The rain had cleared and although a bit chilly, feeling especially so after the glorious summer, the wind was light and forecast to be a dry day.

The outbound route was through Louth trading estate then onto Fotherby before the climb up to North Elkington. Shortly after Boswell, Chris Owen could be seen pedalling toward us, so we were now four and with the time approaching 10.00 we wondered just how many others had set out for the tea and cake. The normal volunteer ladies, raising money for the village hall refurbishments had relinquished the day to another group supporting the village church. No problem securing a table outside (or inside if we had wanted) and although the variety of cakes were not as great as we've previously been spoilt by, there was still a good selection. The same system of paying was being upheld, £5 for a piece of cake and a pot of coffee.  The ladies were friendly and welcoming and keen to be of service so the charm of the village hall was undiminished. 

With the sun just coming out it was pleasant enough to get started again for the climbs to Caistor. Chris decided to return to his car at the top of Clickem hill, leaving the threesome to continue the undulating terrain which marks the route through Thorganby, Rothwell to Caistor. Safely arriving at the Ugly Duckling café within Caistor Lakes caravan park, we had to see the resident tortoise and fish near the entrance. Sitting outside with more coffee and watching the sky cloud over it looked as if we could be in for a wet return. Setting off to retrace our steps as far as Rothwell, the heavens had obviously opened some minutes earlier as the road was quite wet, but dry again once through Rothwell, so perhaps just an un forecast shower.

From Rothwell a diversion had been routed in to take us via Cuxwold, Swallow, Beelsby, Hatcliff and Ravendale before rejoining the outbound leg at Wold Newton. No one cared for another coffee so the journey was continued the way we had come. Another patch of damp was noted, we must have been fortunate for missing the showers. At the bottom of North Elkington hill, John returned home to Fotherby leaving Ty and Ken to negotiate the main road as far as the trading estate. It always feels like running the gauntlet with the number of cars wanting to pass, lets hope they made it back ok.

Approximately 44 miles and no need for wet weather gear, can't be bad!