Doddington Hall Ride September 2022

Cycling UK Louth ride from Doddington Hall

Sunday 4th September 2022

The weather forecast for today’s ride had 'evolved' over the week from torrential thundery downpours to just a few spots of rain. Luckily too, it would be a pleasantly warm day with an expected top temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.

Meeting up at the Giant Shop Cafe were John Ambler, Alan Hockham, Rob Cook, Tim Newbery, John Rickett and Reg Bagshaw. We were delighted to have Paul Linder join us for 'elevenses' (Paul having ridden in from Alford) and he was pleased to see a Roberts bike prominently displayed above our heads whilst enjoying refreshments.

Apologies had been sent by Chris Owen.

After wishing Paul a safe homeward journey, members departed on schedule at 11.00 am. Skies were at this time overcast and there were indeed a few spots of slight rain but the Georgie Twigg Way and the NCN 64(647) were fine and dry, if rather dusty.

This Sustrans Multi User Path follows the trackbed of the Lancashire, Derbyshire and East Coast Railway. Further along It crosses the River Trent on the Fledborough Viaduct. The line was built to connect coalfields in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire with Warrington and a new port on the Lincolnshire coast.

Just after passing Carr Lane, a Sustrans Millennium Marker would inform us that we had crossed the county boundary and had now entered Nottinghamshire. A ‘two counties’ ride! Continuing we arrived at the former station and platform at Clifton on Trent. Resting awhile and admiring the scenery, it would be fruitless to wait for the next train as services were discontinued on 17th September 1955.

Exiting the railway route a hundred metres or so short of the river Trent and turning into a brisk headwind, quiet rural roads would take us through the flood plain village of South Clifton (now minus its pub), and onto North Scarle. Tim had planned a route that would take in the views of the attractive All Saints Church.

Headwinds would persist all the way to Swinderby so it was time for a break at the Plough Public House where refreshments were taken, Tim enjoying a half pint of the ‘White Witch’ (Moorehouse’s Brewery) whilst listening to tales of Rob’s time at RAF Swinderby.

A discussion on whether to take an additional stop at Whisby Nature Park proved inconclusive as on our way back to the Hall, we would make a short visit anyway. Never the less it was turning increasingly bright and warm and it was a pleasant ride crossing over (several times) the live Newark to Lincoln railway line.

Returning to Doddington Hall a little ahead of schedule there would be plenty of time to take luncheon. However, with a shortage of staff, we were informed that there would a wait of about 40 minutes for hot food. Instead, a selection of cakes and scones proved just as good.

23 miles covered for most (Paul would end up few miles shy of a century).

A great day out and many thanks to all for the company.