Gunby Hall

Cycling UK Louth ride to Gunby Hall.

Sunday 1st August 2021.

Unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain courtesy of summer ‘Storm Evert’ had cleared away on the Saturday but would leave us in a cool and rather showery northerly airflow. Never the less there was almost a full contingent waiting at the Leisure Centre for the scheduled ride to Gunby Hall. Special permission had been granted by Astrid Gatenby, National Trust Gunby Hall Senior Visitor Experience Officer, for us to visit the tea rooms to take lunch.

Joining Tim Newbery were John Rickett, John Ambler, Rob Cook, Alan Hockham along with Peter Seago who was on holiday in the area and had asked to join us (less hilly for Peter than his home town of Hexham). Chris Owen had planned to meet up en-route to Claythorpe Mill.

The steady rain that had affected Louth early on in the morning had cleared and with a northerly breeze, it made for good cycling conditions to Little Cawthorpe where, as planned, we met up with Chris. Continuing along the ‘top road’ through Muckton there was even a little brightness, in between the odd spot of rain. Good progress was made to Claythrope Mill (avoiding the numerous potholes) and we arrived a little ahead of schedule. Coffee, tea and for some a slice of cake was ordered and subsequently enjoyed over amiable chat. It wouldn’t be too long before we were also joined by Lloyd and Paul. The group now numbered nine, the biggest turnout for months.

Our next leg of today’s ride would take us along the attractive, undulating ‘C4’ cycle route through South Thoresby, Haugh and Rigsby. Always a joy to hear birdsong along this route. Taking care in approaching the busy Alford Road we would make sure no one was missing before continuing to Well and Willoughby where we would say farewell to Chris. Hanby lane luckily was relatively quiet and it was a swift ride all the way to Welton le Marsh. Tim would be reminded of lunches taken at ‘The Wheel’ public house in the early days of the club. A descent now past Redlands Holt and the Roman salt road of antiquity that runs nearby (linking Skegness with Lincoln). Just the tricky roundabout to negotiate and then a regrouping at the National Trust Car Park. Paul Linder and Peter Seago would depart for home at this point whilst the remainder checked in with the Gunby staff who had been expecting us and gave us all a warm welcome.

A very peasant time was had sitting out by the front of the house, or at least by the clocktower. Engaging conversation with one of the volunteers (an ‘East Ender’ from Upton Park and former schoolboy friend of Bobby Moore) we learned that the Massingberd Family once owned the land from Gunby ('Gunnebi') all the way to Skegness and Gibraltar Point. It would be Algernon Langton-Massingberd Junior (also known a ‘Naughty’ Algernon) who, through gambling and murky horse dealing, had lost the family fortune by 1855 when still in his 20’s. Such was the family debt, the land around Skegness was sold to the Earl of Scarborough who would go on to develop the town into a flourishing sea side resort.

The spells of sunshine had now dissapeared and having turned cooler, it was time to make the trek back towards Louth. This time a right hand turn at Welton le Marsh and a splendid rural route through Sloothby, Bonthorpe and Farlesthorpe, the latter having connections with the mediaeval chapel of St.Leonard. Passing through Alford it was interesting to note that the ‘Deli’ was still open’ but we would wait until Woodthorpe to indulge in one final coffee break, although John Rickett would politely decline and get back home. With an increasingly fresh headwind, it was good to arrive back into Louth ahead of schedule having covered close to 47 miles (75 km). An enjoyable day out in good company. Special thanks to Peter for joining us and super to see Lloyd and Paul again.