Doddington 29-11-2023

Paul had made his way initially from Woodhall Spa whilst John had ridden from home. Pre-ride refreshments were taken at The Open Door café, where we were given encouragement and beaming smiles form the staff. Sunny maybe but it was a chilly start to the ride with patches of frost still to melt. We had been promised a top temperature of 3 Degrees Celsius.

 

Our route to Lincoln would be straightforward enough, utilising the track-bed of the former Lincoln to Boston ‘Witham Loop’. Once part of the Lincolnshire loop line, it was originally authorised in 1846.

 

Within a mile we’d pass by Bardney Lock where the River Witham splits into three waterways; The Old River Witham, the new canalised River Witham and on the south side of the old railway line, the South Delph Drain. John would go onto explain that this drainage channel was formerly the ‘borrow’, formed when the spoil was used to construct the railway line embankment.

 

Spirits buoyed with fine views of the Cathedral in the far distance, we’d sail through the ‘Lady of Shallot’ steel sculpture by Anwick Forge. Designed to resemble sheaves of barley, the arch reaches up to four and a half metres.

 

Bowling along we’d soon reach Five Mile Bridge before viewing more tangible evidence that this route was a former railway at Washingborough, where the former railway station is currently being converted into accommodation.

A little further on from Stamp End, Tim would lead members through the city centre and onto the continuation of the cycle route from the Brayford Pool. Having faced significant decline since its heyday as a waterfront in the 13th Century (Daniel Defoe described Lincoln in 1720 as ‘old, dying and decayed’), it’s been heavily restored and rejuvenated.

 

Onwards past Carholme Golf Club and over the Foss Dyke at The Pyewipe Inn, it was a pleasant journey along NCN 64, departing at Ash Lound to follow the Georgie Twigg Track all the way to Doddington. Arrived at midday and just in time to find a number tables still free in the café.

Great service and a large selection on offer with Paul particularly enjoying the ‘Doddington Nourish Bowl’. Tim would opt for the seasonal pumpkin Caffè Latte but resisted a slice of cake - as perhaps the lashings of whipped cream sufficed.

 

On departure, weather was still on our side as both sun and wind were on our backs and the tree lined route back to Skellingthorpe was a delight as russet coloured leaves shimmered in the late November light.

John would this time lead members through the city before joining up with the Water Rail Way. We would go onto meet a number of dog walkers, joggers and even a few cyclists as we made our way back to Bardney.

 

Arrived at 2.30 pm having covered 32 miles (Paul would complete close to 45 with about 60 for John). Many thanks to all for the company. Tim would confirm that the heated socks worked a dream.