Wren Farm 13th August 2025

Cycling UK Louth Wednesday Wander to Wren Farm 13th August 2025:

Our destination today would be Wren Farm at Helsey near Mumby and Hogsthorpe, famed for Appleby’s Ice Cream and Alpaca Trekking (we’d partake sampling the ice cream).

With the farm not opening till 12 noon and with a hot day forecast (up to 25 Degrees Celsius near the coast and nudging 30 Degrees in Louth by mid-afternoon) a decision was made for a short break for coffee at Mandy's Plants & Garden Centre in Ailby. 

Turning up at the Leisure Centre in Louth were Tim Newbery, Steve Croton, Ty Harness and John Rickett. Paul Linder had indicated he’d meet up en-route or at Mandy’s.

Avoiding ‘The Splash’ at Little Cawthorpe we’d almost immediately be greeted by Alan Hockham who had time enough to join us as far as Alford before duties beckoned back home. We’d have a headwind all the way to Muckton but this was refreshing as temperatures began to climb. There was also more cloud than forecast which made for a very pleasant ride along the top road and it wasn’t long before we met up with Paul on his fixed gear cycle. 

Arriving at Mandy’s shortly before 11 am, cups of coffee were enjoyed by most whilst relaxing in the gardens by the coffee shack. For some this would be their first visit although the venue had been suggested by Steve well over a year ago. Glad we finally made it on a club ride and well worth a return visit. 

After passing through Alford, Alan took the Farlesthorpe Road whilst the remainder would continue to Willoughby, John pointing out the railway station and the hump in the road as evidence of where the railway crossing used to be. Willoughby railway station was opened in 1848 serving the East Lincolnshire Grimsby to Boston Line, before finally closing in 1966. 

We turned into Wren Farm a little after noon and found the venue almost deserted. Indeed, the roads and lanes had been particularly quiet up to now, perhaps everyone had already made their way to the coastal resorts. Ty who had so far restricted himself to water, succumbed to an ice cream as did Tim. Paul plumped for pancakes filled and topped with strawberries whilst John ordered a ‘panino’ with all the fillings that were on offer. Who knew (apart from John) that panino is the singular form of panini?!

Looking on in the field behind us was a herd of Alpaca, and visitors can opt to take afternoon tea with these wonderfully amusing camelid mammals, or perhaps indulge in an Alpaca trekking experience.

Our return would take us back to Alford via the pretty village of Farlesthorpe where we’d bid farewell to Paul who had gardening to attend to. The backwind was by now aiding our journey, with Steve and John putting on an extra burst of speed. Steve was firing on all cylinders and enjoying the ride on his back up cycle whilst his new steed is undergoing a service. 

One final stop at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant at Woodthorpe before Ty too would leave the ensemble at Withern with the remaining trio to arrive back in Louth about 3 pm having covered 44 miles. Thanks to all for the company.