Horncastle

Horncastle, Sunday 15th August 2021.

Atlantic weather fronts had already given some rain early in the morning and threatened showers at lunchtime but upon arrival at Louth Meridian Leisure Centre the sun was shining. Meeting up with Tim Newbery were John Rickett, Neil Parnham (our newest Cycling UK Member) and Rob Cook. John Ambler arrived only to apologise and return home with severe neck ache. Hope you are feeling better John. Apologies had been sent by Alan Hockham and Chris Owen.

Our route today would take us to Hallington and then up and over the Bluestone Heath Road at an altitude of about 145 m. There are several theories to this ancient long-distance prehistoric routeway’s name but one derives from the blue flora found along its route. Today however, the most conspicuous colour was purple from the abundant tall Fireweed (Rosebay Willowherb) which we noted along much of today’s ride.

A descent initially to Welsdale Bottom (taking great care to avoid the loose gravel) followed by a bit of a push to regain altitude before heading towards the Bain Valley and the delights of Jenny Wards’ shop in Donnington on Bain village. We were delighted to meet up with Mike Leverton who joined us all for a cuppa and a chat. Many thanks to John for supplying the drinks and chocolate biscuits!

Mike continued with us for a mile or two more before deciding to tackle Red Hill (brave man!) for his return journey. We hope to see Mike again before too long. The rest of the contingent would now continue through Asterby before turning onto Ranyard Lane at Witch-hole Plantation. Time for a quick drink of water and then the pleasant descent along Greenlane into Hemingby. Skies were still bright and the spells of sunshine had pushed the temperature up to 20 degrees Celsius. Ideal cycling conditions if it wasn’t for a brisk headwind.

Not too long and we breezed our way into Horncastle where Rob would make his way to Fulletby and wait for John, Neil and Tim who would take additional refreshment at Costa Coffee in the town centre. This time many thanks go to Neil who provided coffee and cake (a bacon bun for Tim in order to pass on his marks out of 10 to John Ambler who’s our bacon bap connoisseur). Plenty of activity in this busting town and we enjoyed a pleasant conversation with visiting motorcyclists.

Following lunch, time now to head back into the hills and a steady climb up past the Waddles to Fulletby. At 137 m above sea level, it’s one of the highest villages in Lincolnshire. Fairly quiet now, it was once self-sufficient with its own church, school, bakery, post office, brewery and beer house. No pint of finest ale today and we re-joined Rob who was waiting at the top of the High Street.

Having climbed up to Top Holt and Castcliffe Hill we were rewarded with fine views over the Wolds, a patchwork of golden hues with the fields in various stages of harvest. Great too to admire sightings of Buzzard and a pair soared above us in a hunt for their prey. Along Furlong Lane and past Brogdale we couldn’t fail to admire the properties views all the way to Tetford and it was near here that we bade farewell to Neil who turned for home, having previously ridden into Louth.

Another sweeping descent to Belchford where we would ‘enjoy’ the challenge of an ascent back up to the Bluestone Heath Road. More photo opportunities and fine views from Rosin Hill, this time to Oxcombe where a herd of cattle were enjoying the delights of the rich pastures. John would occasionally wait patiently or retrace the route to check up on the wellbeing of Tim and Rob who were taking in the views.

At Rowgate, with the tell-tale signs of the mediaeval cultivation terraces on the escarpment to our west, we would turn east along Oslear’s Lane to Maidenwell and Burwell. A short section along the A16 would take us past the former butter cross, dovecote, chapel and village hall which was up for sale in 2017. What is visible today is a much-altered remodelling of the original open-sided mediaeval butter cross, originally dating to the 13th century.

Winding down a little and just past Dark Lane Plantation we were delighted to meet up with Reg Bagshaw who hasn’t been able to join us on our rides for a few months. Great to see him on the bike again and he joined us as we headed through Muckton showing a spirited turn of speed to the turn off to Legbourne.

A final mile or two and a return to Louth a little after 2 pm having covered 38 miles (rather more as usual for John). Many thanks to all for the company and is was good to have met up with Mike and Reg.