Burgh le Marsh 12th July 2023

Wednesday Wander to Burgh le Marsh.

Wednesday 12th July 2023:

Following on from Tuesday’s torrential downpours and thunderstorms, further afternoon showers had been forecast today but we were hoping for the best.

Meeting up with Tim Newbery at Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre were John Rickett, John Ambler, Paul Linder and Steve Croton (who had arrived early for a pre-ride swim). Rob Cook had sent apologies as he had a prior engagement.

A request had been made for a ride to Burgh le Marsh with lunch at the Roman Bank Bakery which we had visited on our return from Boston a few weeks ago. Departing from Louth at 10 am we had estimated returning about 4 pm.

Our outbound route would take us through Little Cawthorpe and Muckton along the ‘top road’, then along the Great Eau valley to Aby and Claythorpe. The weather proved warm and bright and a brisk south west wind would keep us rolling along at a steady pace that would accommodate John’s e-bike motor cut-out limits.

Lincolnshire County Council’s cycle route C4 would then take us to Alford where Paul had suggested we take refreshment at the newly opened R&R café next door to the library. Tea, coffee and a mix of cake and bacon buns went down well. We’ll have to ask John Ambler for a ‘baconometer’ report in due course.

With the skies still bright we’d now set off on the cycle route to Farlesthorpe. Careful not to make this a ‘Church to Church’ ride (Café to Café is certainly acceptable) we’d pass on by Saint Andrew’s Chapel, only to record that it’s made of the local brick. Not far away in Farlesthorpe marsh stood the medieval chapel of Saint Leonard, home to Augustinian Monks in the early 12th Century.

C3 would now take us all the way through Sloothby, Boothby and Orby, not far from Paul’s old stamping ground. Steve also knows the area well from his rides from home. A crossing of the busy Burgh Bypass and we were soon rolling up outside the Roman Bank Bakery in Burgh le Marsh. A large table inside was free, perfect for us to take lunch. Fine fayre was enjoyed and indeed proved just as good as the last time we visited.

Paul would take the lead from here along narrow country lanes lying close to the Gunby Estate. The hamlet of Bratoft has a fascinating history. Once much larger with a sizable population, the name derives from an old Scandinavian name 'breithr' meaning 'broad' and 'toft', which translates as 'homestead'. It has close links to Gunby Hall in that the medieval manor house (built in 1409 but demolished in 1698) was originally the seat of the Massingberds.

We stopped at the nearby Whitegates Cottage, a traditional ‘mud and stud’ walled building, once owned by Mrs Padley. The cottage under the stewardship of the National Trust, can be rented out.

Near Monskthorpe and with local knowledge, Paul would take us to the recently renovated RAF Spilsby Memorial. Although the airfield was only operational for two years, the Lancasters of 207 Squadron flew over 6,000 individual sorties from here, both day and night. It was also home to No.144 Squadron RAF. During the Cold War, the station re-opened to host units of the USAF, eventually moving out in 1958. The interpretation board tells the full story.

No time today to visit Monksthorpe Chapel and the rare outdoor full immersion baptistry (it’s currently closed till 2024 due to renovation anyway) so onwards to Candlesby where a short section of Lowgate Road needed to be negotiated before quiet, rural lanes were once more enjoyed through Scremby and Grebby. Beautiful countryside with sounds of yellowhammer and the rather fine song of the ubiquitous blackbird.

In Skendleby, Tim pointed out the unassuming cottages that were once home to a 54 cm Radar Station in WWII, part of the Chain Home Low radar system. The 200 ft wooden tower has long since gone but underground there’s still a two-storey operations room that served throughout the Cold War. Few knew of its existence.

Climbing up and across the Bluestone Heath Road to Skendleby Psalter (a biblical reference) we observed fine farm buildings along the route to Ulceby. A turning at Boggle Holt would now take us through Rigsby and Haugh (the pronunciation of the latter is contentious) and back to Claythorpe where John Rickett had very kindly promised everyone a cuppa at the watermill.

The Louth contingent would finally arrive back at the Leisure Centre a little before 4 pm, a few minutes ahead of schedule. We had noticed showers in almost every direction but had been blessed with a fine dry ride. 53 miles for Tim. Thanks to all for a great day out.