Cycling UK Louth Summer Camp 2022

Cycling UK Louth Summer Camp 2022.

Having thoroughly enjoyed a few days at Lodge Farm Meadow Campsite in Hilgay a couple of years ago, members and guests had been invited to a return visit between 22nd and 25th June 2022. In the end only Tim Newbery and Rob Cook were available to attend.

Wednesday 22nd June.

Tim had arranged to meet up with Rob at Dowhham Market on Wednesday 22nd June. Rob had initially cycled from Louth for an overnight stay in Long Sutton before the ride to Downham, whilst Tim would head to Downham by car before joining Rob by bike.

With temperatures up at a very warm 24 degrees Celsius, lunch would be the first order of the day at the ‘Whalebone’ before travelling along Sustrans NCN 11 to Denver. Its name came from Anglo-Saxon Dena fær meaning "the ford of the Danes".

Denver windmill is missing its four sails following recent storm damage but next door is a micro-brewery that displayed signs indicating that there would be a beer festival on the Friday. Something we considered attending.

A few miles into the journey we would pass though Denver sluice, a complex system of water management situated as it is at the confluence of five watercourses. In 1651 the first sluice was built across the river at Denver by Dutch engineer Sir Cornelius Vermuyden, works carrying on into the 1970’s.

The ride along the River Great Ouse (Ten Mile River) was particularly enjoyable with views across the fens. At Ten Mike Bank, Sustrans NCN 20 would now take us to Hilgay although the short section of the very busy A10 required skill and a steady nerve to navigate.

Hilgay’s main claim to fame is that it was the home of Captain George Manby who invented the means of firing a rocket to send a life line to ships in distress. Prototypes were tested from the roof of the church tower. It also hosts an attractive, small and secluded campsite set in meadows in which we were to stay for three nights.

Thursday 23rd June 2022.

Rob would be in charge of the campfire and brews of tea, coffee and porridge were soon enjoyed as the sun climbed high into the sky. Forecast temperatures today a hot 25 degrees.

Plans had been put into place for a ride to Ely which would be a first for Rob. Back across the A10 to Ten Mile Bank and the Great Ouse, we would soon be pedalling alongside the New Bedford River to Welney Wetland Centre.

The reserve takes in 1,000 acres of the Ouse Washes, Britain’s largest area of seasonally-flooded land. Rich in fauna and flora it also attracts large numbers of birds. We were lucky to see several Avocet which are said to be the descendants of a population which settled here during World War Two, re-establishing a species which had been extinct in Britain for around 100 years. We were also fortunate to view Black Tailed Godwit in addition to Gadwall, Curlew and Tufted Duck.

Following cups of coffee from the café, time to head along to Ely. With "Eel Island" situated on high ground, the cathedral could be seen from miles away and it seemed forever before we arrived. Being Market Day, the streets were crowded but armed with sandwiches, we enjoyed a picnic in shade at the rear of the rather imposing cathedral. A sundial indicated 12 noon, just about spot on. The motto in Greek means “Know The Time”.

Our return would follow the same route, soon passing through Little Downham. Decorations and flags marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee were still in evidence with a decorated bicycle outside St. Leonard's Church. Rob also noted a bus shelter doubling as a ‘mini library’ whilst a plaque outside the village hall indicated that an airfield operated here in World War One. 75 Squadron RFC Home Defence, were on the lookout for Zeppelin.

Closing onto the home straight near Ten Mile Bank, cherry trees laden with ripening fruit offered a perfect opportunity for foraging for our evening meal. Indeed, after a period of recuperation back at the campsite, ‘Chef Rob’ was soon in production of mince and onions and mixed fresh vegetables. ‘Sous Chef Tim’ would endeavour in making a cherry compote for dessert (Chris would have approved). De-stoning however proved a nightmare!

Thanks to Rob for beer and chocolate. A rewarding day and pleasant now to relax in the warmth of the setting sun. 36 miles covered.

Friday 24th June 2022.

With another hot day forecast, a decision to take Alan Hockham’s recommendation of a route to Swaffham (Old English Swǣfa hām = "the homestead of the Swabians"). Starting on the north side of the Great Ouse Cut Off Chanel, Hilgay Road would take us through shaded woodland towards West Dereham.

On passing by St Andrew's Church, a combine harvester stood decorated for a wedding. We enquired and the happy couple were due in about 15 minutes. We wish them many years of happiness.

Tim had anticipated a headwind to Swaffham but the wind seemed to be swirling around. It was at least dry and the cloud slowly lifting to promise some sunny spells later in the day. An ‘undulating’ route took us through a very rural landscape (it seemed that there would be a bumper crop of blackberries this year), narrow lanes leading to Thetford Forest with a final run into Swaffham.

Rob would treat Tim to a ‘Full English’ at Pedlars Hall Café. Thanks Rob. This would seem to be the favoured meeting place for bikers. Swaffham has a number of attractive Georgian buildings facing onto the market square including a fine looking Buttercross topped by a statue of the Roman Goddess Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, grain crops and fertility!

Alan’s route would now take us back west to Cockley Clay passing a number of pig farms. The much-anticipated backwind promised by Tim, turned into another headwind and Tim requested a brief rest at the Twenty Churchwardens and half a pint of the best. We were discovering that some of Norfolk’s villages and its amenities hark back to the 70’s or 80’s.

Surprisingly the return route appeared to be less hilly. Fine views of the National Trust Hall at Oxborough were enjoyed and it wouldn’t be too long before we passing West Dereham and approaching our starting point. 32 miles covered. Thanks to Alan for the route.

Back at the camp, the sun was now shining and after a refresh, time for a mile walk to the local pub, the Rose and Crown. A unique ‘character’ pub, the landlord is teetotal and is currently experimenting in mastering the art of making pizza. Never the less a fine pint of ‘Wherry’ was served.

All in all, a very enjoyable camping trip in fine, warm and largely sunny conditions. Thanks to Rob for his company.