Woodhall Spa 27th September 2026

Cycling UK Louth’s Sunday Ride to Woodhall Spa 27th September 2026 ... 

A ride to Woodhall Spa via Horncastle was the plan for today with refreshment stops in both town and village.

Weatherwise, the chance of a little rain but after a chilly start, it was forecast to warm up nicely with a top temperature of 21 Degrees Celsius. Meeting up at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett, John Parish (who’d ridden in from Horncastle), Tim Newbery, Harvey Wright, Ty Harness and guest rider Ken Wooley.

Heading westbound past Hubbards Hills, Halfpenny Lane would take us to Hallington before the long climb up to the Bluestone Heath Road. John Rickett had nipped ahead to take photos of the group’s exertions as riders took a breather at Pewlade Hill (today’s highest altitude at about 500 ft AMSL). A good day for spotting raptors it would seem with several pairs of Buzzard and Red Kite in full view. Buzzard and Red Kite are predominately scavengers, feeding off carrion but are capable of killing small animals.

We’d continue through Goulceby via ‘Shop Lane’ where as the name implies, the village store was once located. No time for a cuppa at the Three Horseshoes Public House today but instead a climb back up to Green Lane on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds giving a great view all the way across the Bain Valley.

Arriving into Horncastle around 11.00 am we plumped for a short refreshment break at The Big Chair Company Café on the Wong. This would be Ken’s first visit here. Surprisingly quiet today, we were quickly served with tea and coffee and for some their first scones of the day.

Departing at 11.30 am, time for our ride along the ‘Spa Trail’ which also forms part of Viking Way (celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year), initially along open ground alongside the Horncastle Canal. Sir Joseph Banks was influential in the canalisation of the River Bain from Horncastle to the River Witham near Tattershall, opening in 1802.

Continuing through ‘The Wilderness’ and the more enclosed woodlands, we were soon to arrive in Woodhall Spa. As The Melrose Café was closed, we took residence at the Woodlands Café with just one outdoor table for six vacant. Thanks to John Parish for its securement. More tea and coffee along with a variety of scones and tea cakes (square tea cakes!) were thoroughly enjoyed.

Up to now we had been blessed with a largely fine and dry day but as we were preparing to leave, a short shower hastened our departure. Luckily as we set of off through Old Woodhall, the sunshine returned, before bidding farewell to John Parish in Horncastle.

It turned warm as we toiled up the steady incline to Fulletby and after a steep decent to Belchford, we eagerly anticipated the reciprocal climb back up to The Bluestone Heath Road (Ty perhaps not quite so eager, although the consumption of a banana aided his endeavour).   

Undulations now all the way along Oslear’s Lane, past the Greenwhich Meridian Trail and along to Haugham and Little Cawthorpe.

Arrived back at the Meridian Leisure Centre around 3 pm having covered 48 miles. An enjoyable day out; thanks to all for the company.

Tim’s ‘Relive Video: https://www.relive.com/view/vAOZVnD2yoO