All Souls' Day Ride to Horncastle

An ‘All Souls’ Day' ride to Horncastle. 2nd November 2021.

Following a decision to reschedule Sunday’s All Hallows' Eve ride due to heavy rain and gale force winds, a re-run of the event was scheduled for today, *All Souls’ Day. Luckily the weather gods were on our side as it turned out to be a fine day with light winds and plenty of sunshine.

Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Tim Newbery, Rob Cook, John Ambler and John Rickett. Chris Owen had indicated that he would join the group near Red Hill Nature Reserve. Apologies had been sent by Alan Hockham and Reg Bagshaw.

Today’s route would take us past Hubbards Hills, Hallington and then the rewarding climb to Flint Hill. Great views of the Lincolnshire Wolds on this stunningly clear day. A left hand turn at the Bluestone Heath Road would then lead us to Cold Harbour Lane were we would meet up with Chris as scheduled. Highest point on today’s ride, Pewlade Hill coming in at a respectable 151 m (495 ft).

A steep descent past the Nature Reserve at Red Hill once again affording wonderful views of the Bain Valley, eyes watering in the chill wind as we all made it safely to Goulceby. The ‘Summer Bistro’ at the Three Horseshoes Pub was understandably closed for the season so we would continue without a halt to Horncastle via Hemingby. Rob would temporarily leave us at this point as he would make his way to Fulletby for lunch whilst the remainder plumped for refreshments in town. In the end we would settle in at the delightful ‘Bridge Tea Room’ overlooking the River Bain.

Fuelled on a variety of cheese topped crumpets, bacon sandwiches and ham baguettes, we would make headway up Horncastle Road to Fulletby in the hope of catching up with Rob. We would find out that this was not Chris’ favourite hill and there would be Belchford Hill to follow! Indeed, Rob was waiting for us at the Bluestone Heath Road looking cool calm and collected. At this point we would be joined by a pair of Buzzard, brazen in their close approaches looking for easy pickings.

Chris would soon peel of west to Scamblesby to leave the rest of the group to follow Oslear’s Lane to Maidenwell. The wind and sun were now on our backs and the temperature a pleasant 11 degrees Celsius. A little jig across London Road and the leafy lined Haugham Pastures Lane would lead us to Little Cawthorpe. A favourite of Flora Forster, our former club secretary.

An easy ride back to Louth now and for the Louth contingent a total of 2,000 ft of climbing, 35 miles and arriving home at a little before 2.30 pm. Many thanks for the company. An enjoyable day out.

*All Souls’ Day. Traditionally, that part of Allhallowtide when the poor would go round from door to door and be given a sweet ‘treat’ (normally a Soul Cake) in exchange for a prayer for the souls of the faithful departed, who had not yet been admitted to heaven. One cake eaten was thought to release one soul from Purgatory, opening its way to Heaven.