Cycling UK Louth Spring Camp Brook Meadow 2023

Cycling UK Louth ‘Spring Camp’ Brook Meadow 2nd-4th May 2023:

This would be a new venue for the club and a chance to sample cycling across several counites, in scenery akin to the Lincolnshire Wolds. Brook Meadow is situated in Leicestershire, close to the borders of Rutland and Northamptonshire.

The weather forecast had initially looked less than promising and the camp might have been cancelled but in the end, we were fortunate to enjoy a ‘weather window’ of fine dry and even sunny weather. Strong winds and rain were set to return for Thursday signalling time to strike camp. Tim Newbery and Rob Cook would have the pleasure of the company of Barry Jepson who had travelled all the way from Winchester where he is a member of Winchester CTC.

DAY 1 Tuesday 2nd May 2023

Having arrived at the campsite in the afternoon and following a pleasant chat with the owners, there was time to pitch tents, SUV’s and a gazebo before embarking on a ride to view the battlefield sites of the major campaign of the First Civil War at Naseby.

Our route would take us to Sibbertoft where there’s a memorial to the Polish crew of a Vickers Wellington which crashed following significant damage by German anti-aircraft battery over a raid in Cologne on 24th December 1941.

Heading north, we would climb an escarpment of the River Welland Valley giving superb views at Coombe Hill. Hothorpe Hall, a private Georgian Manor wedding venue with renowned restaurant and executive chef, contrasted significantly with our accommodations!

Descending to Theddingworth and crossing the River Welland (best described as a stream or perhaps a brook at this point) it wouldn’t be long before our first view of the Grand Union Canal near Foxton. Rob had cycled along the towpath some years ago. A visit to the flight of locks at Foxton was planned for the Wednesday.

Winding our way back to the Welland Valley we would pass through Lubbenham and cross over the river once more. Situated in rich fertile grazing land Lubbenham’s agricultural heritage is evident but it’s also famed for being the place where King Charles I slept the night before the Battle of Naseby in 1645.

The narrow, rural lanes were reminiscent of those in Lincolnshire judging by the number of potholes! whilst the ‘undulations’ reminded us of our journeys across the wolds. A test on bike and rider. Tim had previously ridden here on his shopping bike and was now finding the Merican much more comfortable.

Today’s ride was billed as ‘Naseby Battlefield Sites’ and after some climbing we would eventually arrive at ‘Rupert’s Viewpoint’. The decisive battle of the English Civil War was fought in the fields of Naseby, Sulby, Sibbertoft and Clipston parishes on a foggy morning of Saturday 14th June 1645. The Parliamentarian New Model Army, under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax alongside Oliver Cromwell, would defeat the Royalist Army, commanded by King Charles I and Prince Rupert of the Rhine.

Following almost three years of fighting, the 14000 strong Roundhead Army would go on to defeat the 9000 strong Cavalier Army at Naseby although the outcome initially swung in the balance. In the Royalist camp the victorious Parliamentarians discovered Charles I’s personal correspondence, showing his plans to arrange support and reinforcements from the Catholic powers on the continent.

Toiling up the hills to Naseby and today’s highest altitude of 200 m (650 ft) we would take time out for refreshment and a look around this attractive village, the noticeboard advertising a range of local activities. Sadly, the Fitzgerald Arms has been closed for many a year but the pub’s signpost indicated the landlord ‘hedging his bets’ of the outcome of the civil war with a Cavalier on one side and a Roundhead on the other. Naseby is also known for being the source of the River Avon, the spring rising adjacent to the Church of All Saints.

Our return to Sibbertoft would take us past more battlefield viewpoints and we would eventually return to the village around 6 pm having completed close to 20 miles. Although the sun was now shining, a chill wind had picked up and a decision was made to take supper at the Red Lion. Very much a ‘local’s’ pub, Sarah our landlady, provided us with homemade meat pies and for Tim, a large portion of fish and chips. Thanks to Barry for supplying the drinks.

DAY 2 Wednesday 3rd May 2023.

Waking up to bright sunshine, it was on the chilly side with overnight temperatures of 4 Degrees Celsius. However, we had been promised clear blue skies and highs of a seasonal average 14 degrees. With shelter afforded by Rob’s gazebo, hot drinks were soon served and Tim and Rob enjoyed bacon and egg baps, the eggs sourced from Brook Meadows. Barry opted for bowls of Muesli.

Set up for our ride to Medbourne and we looked forward to visit Foxton Locks enroute. Our journey would take us once again through the Welland Valley, this time looking resplendent in the sunshine, verges covered in bluebells.

Foxton Locks were well worth the hour and a half visit, indeed worthy of at least half a day. We initially headed to ‘Bridge 61’ for coffee where we chatted to a midlands branch of the Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club. Entertaining.

Continuing our visit, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers would provide us with the site’s information and history. Barry assisted lock keeper Matthew operate the lock gates by the top of the flight to allow passage of a barge owned by a Canadian. Foxton Locks consisting of two "staircases" each of five locks is located on the Grand Union Canal and are the longest and steepest flight of locks on the English canal system. Construction work started in 1810 and took four years to complete.

Time now to continue our journey to Medbourne where Tim had suggested we took lunch at the Nevill Arms. Heading east into the freshening breeze, we would pass through Great Bowden, a mile north of Market Harborough. Any number of fine houses and Barry would point out their architectural details. The ‘Shoulder of Mutton’ public house looked inviting but if we were to arrive in Medbourne in time for a meal we needed to continue.

From here a Sustrans route closed to traffic would take us alongside the River Welland to Welham, passing a number of joggers also enjoying a day out. Inevitably, a climb out of the valley was necessary and a steep ascent followed to Slawston Hill (120 m / 400 ft). Such was the effort from Barry, his chain came off but effective repairs were soon made and descending back to the Welland Valley we arrived in Medbourne at 2 pm. Perfect timing for a tasty steak sandwich at the Nevill Arms. St Austell’s Tribute went down well and bar manager James informed us that he had researched the provenance by visiting the brewery.

Medbourne (a large market settlement dating back to at least Roman Britain) is another attractive village with a notable medieval pack horse bridge leading to St Giles Church. It is regarded as the most sought-after village to live within the Welland Valley.

Continuing eastwards we would pass close to Great Easton and along a road which Tim and Rob had cycled on their Wing camping holiday. Familiar perhaps but never the less very pleasant and we would cross over the River Welland once more before finally turning westwards to pick up a back wind at East Carlton Countryside Park.

Onwards through Desborough and Great Oxenden and full of high spirits, we enjoyed the rural gated lanes with fields occupied by flocks of sheep to Clipston and Sibbertoft. Arrived back at Brook Meadow at 6 pm having covered close to 40 miles.

Very breezy at the campsite making it difficult to sustain a campfire so off to the Wharf Inn at Welford for evening drinks over a chat. Great to meet up with pub local Dave Thomas who owns a number of aircraft at Bruntingthorpe and runs the Classic British Jets Collection Supporters Club. An interesting guy with a wealth of experience and an interesting life.

DAY 3 Thursday 4th May 2023

As anticipated, winds were already gusting to 30 mph when we awoke in the morning and with rain forecast later in the afternoon, we struck camp. A short morning ride would have been possible but we had thoroughly enjoyed two very decent days in the saddle. Options of different rides if we wished to return. Possibly a visit to Bruntingthorpe and Tim has tried and tested the old railway line cycle route that runs from Market Harborough to Northampton. Fascinating and navigating two long tunnels. Hopefully much less wind, to allow campsite cooking and an open fire for warmth and cheer.

Thanks to all for the company.