Alford 24-01-2024
Cycling UK Louth Wednesday Wander to Alford
24th January 2024:
Although temperatures were some 10 Degrees Celsius higher that last Wednesday, Storm Jocelyn had given 60 mph winds overnight and it was still blowing 40 mph at 10 am. Consequently, a two-hour delay was decided on to allow winds to ease, with a midday departure from Louth to Alford. A good turnout all things considered with Steve Croton, John Rickett, Paul Linder and Tim Newbery all looking forward to the club ride.
The ‘quartet’ would head along Stewton Lane, in spite of the road closure signs and indeed the trench across the road had already been completed. On our journey we noted a number of fallen trees, felled no doubt by the gale force winds from Storms Isha and Jocelyn. We wondered when ‘Kathleen’ would arrive!
Both Steve and Paul commented that that there had been quite a headwind on their journey into Louth but now we all enjoyed a ride with a largely favourable breeze passing through North Reston, Castle Carlton along the back lanes to Claythorpe and Aby. No flooded roads on this occasion.
Arriving in Alford at about 1 pm, it was time for lunch at the R&R Café next to the library. We were given a warm welcome and hot food and drink went down a treat.
With errands to complete, Steve would return home directly whilst Paul would accompany Tim and John as far as Well and along Cycle Route C4 to South Thoresby.
Although today Well is a small estate village, it has an interesting history. Dating to at least the Roman Period (several hoardes of Roman coins have been found), the manor is said to have been held at the time of the conquest by Richard de Well(es). He supplied the army of William the Conqueror with flour and by this service was known as “Baker” to the king.
The original name of this family was ‘Everaux’ in Normandy, with Everaux or Euille meaning a spring or stream. Richard de Euille took the name of Welles here in Lincolnshire, later shortened to Well and giving the village its name, or vice versa as Well (wella) is also Old English for a spring or stream.
The route from South Thoresby to Meagram Top and Muckton proved very quiet both in terms of wildlife and other road users. We did spot a few clusters of snowdrops but the characteristic spectacular displays would no doubt have to wait another week or two.
Arrived back at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre ahead of schedule at 3.15 pm and thanks to John for coffee and a small slice of freshly baked ginger cake. 30 miles for Tim. A splendid ‘Wednesday Wander’.