Burton Constable Camp 10-12 June

Burton Constable Camp 10th - 12th June 2021

Day 1, Thursday 10th June 2021

With the weather looking suitable for a couple of nights under canvas, Tim Newbery decided on a few days based at Burton Constable. The club had already been here a few times and Holderness is a superb area for gentle touring. On this occasion Tim would be joined by Mike Housley.

Travelling up on Thursday 10th June the plan was to meet up at ‘The Stables’ café at Burton Constable Hall. Following a splendid breakfast, we set off about 10.30 am for a ride which would take us to Hornsea.

A fine dry day too with some sunshine. Mike used to live near Hull and although he had cycled the main roads, he was pleasantly surprised at the very fine network of small minor roads criss-crossing the region. Road surfaces were remarkably good too with very few potholes, and some of the minor roads had been completely resurfaced.

Initially eastbound to Aldbrough and rather than going inland, the coast road was taken to Mappleton. A stop to take advantage of the conveniences along cliff lane also gave us fine views of the ever-eroding chalk and clay cliffs. We also had a pleasant chat with a female cyclist who was riding solo. Living in Otley, she had cycled across Europe on many a journey. Today she would be heading to Withernsea and Spurn Point. (*Mike educated the lady and Tim on the correct pronunciation of Withernsea and Hornsea*).

North again and into Hornsea where we would follow the very last part of the Trans Pennine Way (TPT 65) and Hornsea Rail Trail to the old railway terminus. The railway arrived into Hornsea in 1864 but costs had spiralled to an enormous £122,000 due to the problems with the clay soil. Time for lunch and a visit to the Floral Hall Café.

Mike chose the bridleway route out of town before turning west and a climb up to Bewholme and Catfoss. There are some fascinating village names across North and South Holderness, many reflecting Norse and Viking influence. Once again, the small country roads and tracks were mostly in very good order and a fine ride was enjoyed southbound towards New Ellerby where we decided to try a few miles of the Hornsea Rail Trail. Narrow and rough in places, best suited for bigger tyres and ideally some suspension.

Back at the Hall having covered 29 miles and in plenty of time to re-position at the Burton Constable Campsite for pitching the tents. Luckily the weather stayed dry although a bit of a breeze meant a helping hand for each of us in getting the tents fully pegged down. Tim had the luxury of an electric point (the only remaining pitch was with electric and Tim was glad he brought a travelling electric kettle!) and we had been told that the site would be full the following day (Friday). On-site by the pub, a mobile catering van was soon providing home-made pizzas and very fine they were too.

View route HERE

View video HERE

Day 2, Friday 11th June 2021.

A route to Patrington and ‘Sunk Island’. Our ride would take us through Sproatley, Humbleton, Ostwick and Roos where a stop for a check of the map was taken at a bench that marked the site of the ‘Pinfold’. Onwards to Winestead, and Mike remarked that he had previously worked at Winestead Hall Hospital (once a stable block of the great Hildyard Country House - Red Hall - which was demolished in 1936). Not too long now for our first refreshment stop at the café in Patrington. A chance too to visit the Church of St Patrick’s, known locally as the ‘Queen of Holderness’ such is its fine gothic architecture.

From Patrington, a route south to Sunk Island village and then to the banks of the Humber at Stone Creek. Views across to Lincolnshire. The creek once separated the newly forming sand bank from the mainland but boatloads of stone were dumped here forming a land bridge, hence its name ‘Stone Creek’. Here too are the remains of a WWI and WWII gun battery. The WWII Anti-Aircraft Battery known as Station J, was under the operational direction of RAF Fighter Command.

Northbound now towards Ottringham where a decision was made to enjoy a cup of tea at ‘Sunk Island Garden Centre'. Very enjoyable sitting in the increasingly sunny skies. Following refreshments time to continue through Wadworth (a hill!) and then time to visit a sit awhile at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Burton Pidsea. Interesting to note the Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones which included Alfred Hooson of 7th East Riding (Withernsea) Bn., Home Guard who died on 14 December 1941 Age 25. The final leg back to Burton Constable Hall passed through the village of Elstrowick and the remains of the grain mill at Lelley. Originally built in 1790 for Peter Sumper (Miller) it’s best known for the C19 adaption of the original windmill machinery to allow operation by steam power and the extremely rare survival of the vertical steam boiler, with its associated chimney.

Back to the campsite having covered 45 miles and time for another brew and a bit of a rest before the evening meal at ‘The Constable Arms’ in Sproatley. Delicious fish and chips.

The camp site was by now close to capacity, with a selection of tents and camper vans. Mike noted that Tim’s tent was by far the smallest on the site and should have deserved a prize, perhaps the ‘wooden spoon’. However, Tim maintained that he was very comfortable and that it’s not size that counts.

View route HERE

View video HERE

Day 3, Saturday 12th June 2021.

Our final day. It’s always much easier striking, than pitching tents and once all cleared away it was a drive to Spurn Point to pick up a cycle route that would take us to Withernsea. There’s a café at the visitor’s centre and we both enjoyed a hot drink and munchie bar before heading off to Kilnsea where there were more fine views of the estuary. North now through Easington and the Gas terminal. The road follows numerous bends, taking us away from the coast at Out Newton as the old road and church! are now underwater as a result of the cliff erosion. Further north we passed through Holmpton and it was near here on a track towards the coast that Mike stayed a week at a youth centre hut back in the 1960's (for sure now having fallen off the edge of the cliff!) Along the coast road and it wouldn’t be too long before we arrived in Withernsea (‘With’ to the locals). Mike had visited many a time as a youth although he turned down the opportunity of a dip in the sea on this occasion. Time for more refreshments and a pleasant time was had at a café close by the entrance to the pier (the pier long since demolished). A return by the same route and back to Spurn Point Visitor’s Centre. 22 miles covered. A very enjoyable few days with lots of other cyclists around.