Alford 11th April 2024
Cycling UK Louth’s ‘Thursday Trundle’ to Alford. 11th April 2024
By 10.00, the morning was developing into a better shape, weatherwise. Sunshine and temperatures in excess of 18°C promised a pleasurable ride via Alford. Meeting Cycling UK Louth Leader, Tim Newbery at the Leisure Centre proved to be the only other member available to accompany me on today's ride.
Strong winds having abated markedly we set off at 10.05.
An unremarkable ride through Stewton Lane, a backwind (almost) along the main Manby Rd and the twisting lanes through to Legbourne saw us soon heading through the Carltons. Little Carlton, Great Carlton and Castle Carlton.
Reaching Castle Carlton, a moderate headwind would accompany us through Authorpe and on towards Aby. Dry and quiet roads indeed, all the way to Alford and the expectation of a stop for coffee.
Alford's Manor House was an unexpected treat to stop at. The sun shone brightly as we sat in the front garden, out of the wind and bathed us in its warmth. All the more reason then, to enjoy a large scone, full of plump raisins and laced with cream and jam. Coffee for me and tea for Tim. Well, Tim, tends to stick to convention. The freshly brewed coffee was excellent.
A plaque above the entrance proved a conversation piece. Small and difficult to read, faggots and a fire appeared to have been meant to represent something. We concluded that some sort of fire insurance was indicated. Tim resolved to do the research.
(Tim can report that the Manor House having been built in 1611 was insured from fire by a private insurance company marked by the ‘Protection’ plaque / fire crest attached to the front of the building. This practice was common in both the 18th and 19th Centuries, predating any government run fire service. Each insurance company maintained its own fire brigade, which extinguished fires in those buildings insured by the company. If a building did not carry a fire plaque crest, it might be left to burn!).
Resuming the ride through the village of Well and further to Rigsby, the road skirting South Thoresby soon had us climbing up to Meagram Top and on to Muckton with a helpful backwind.
Here, it was decided to stop at the Kings Head to enjoy more of the sunshine accompanied by more coffee.
The little stream which gives the Kings Head Pub it's 'Splash', name can be walked along for a short distance. There it darts beneath the road and trout are often in evidence. Quietly approaching on foot, the observer often rewarded by sighting several fish in the area of water around the bridge. But a quiet approach is very necessary.
The road into Louth from little Cawthorpe is relatively busy on most days. Usually, cyclists bat along past the Garden Centre, intent upon reaching home. Today, however, impressed by the number of new houses which have suddenly shot up, we decided upon an inspection and spent a little time exploring the development.
Right next door, we found a massive, three story building complex designed as residential care for the elderly. Quite impressive and to some extent surprising for a small market town. No doubt, employing many in the caring professions, the cost to residents could only be imagined.
Arriving back in Louth at 13.25, we agreed that the best of the day had been enjoyed...