Horncastle 20-11-2022

Horncastle Hilly

Sunday 20th November 2022.

For once the weather gods were on our side with the morning rain having cleared away on schedule and by 10 am skies were brightening. Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were John Rickett and John Weeks who had cycled across from near Horncastle to meet up with us.

A chilly start to the day with temperatures hovering near 6 Degrees Celsius but we would soon warm up on the steady climbs along the Goulceby Road to the Bluestone Heath drovers trail at Pewlade Hill (151 m altitude). Great views as always at Red Hill nature reserve which overlooks the River Bain Valley. Not a cyclist in sight, the beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds was for us to enjoy all by ourselves. Such a privilege.

A fast descent now to Manor Farm Goulceby, before continuing to the former Church of St. Peters in Asterby. True Danelaw settlements; ‘Colchesbi’ or Goulceby derives its name from ‘Kolkr the Dane’ and as the settlement expanded, his ‘Eystri’ or eastern lands became known as Asterby.

Arriving in Horncastle a little ahead of schedule, plenty of time for refreshments and a chat at ‘Just One More Bike’ where John Weeks had purchased his bike in the summer. Fine fayre too from owners Paul and Amanda and it was interesting to hear of John’s previous adventures cycling around France and his numerous Alpine climbs. Quite the accomplished rider. Tim was happy just to manage the Wolds. Whilst John Rickett was enjoying a coffee and rather fine piece of cake in the increasingly sunny conditions outside, owner Paul took a picture of John’s bike to aid his campaign of getting the local council to provide secure cycle parking in the town (sadly lacking). Best of luck.

John Weeks would now depart for home and we hope to see him again soon. That would leave Tim and John Rickett to head back up the hills, initially to Fulletby. By now skies were clear blue and there was a perfect panoramic view from Castcliffe Hill to Hoe Hill and across to Lymndale. Hoe Hill stands slightly apart and as its name suggests, the cap of weather resistant Roach Stone looks like a large long barrow. This Roach Stone hill is one of several that stand proud of the main chalk escarpment and which club members often admire from the Bluestone Heath Road.

Our route along Furlongs Lane to Nab Hill and Stained Hill does indeed follow the Roach Stone escarpment. A favourite haunt of Alfred Lord Tennyson, it is fringed by gorse, known more commonly then as furze.

‘Calm and deep peace on this High Wold,

And on the dews that drench the furze.

And all the silvery gossamers

That twinkle into green and gold.’

With a further steep climb to Belchford Hill accomplished, time for a respite and a very pleasant ride along the undulating Oslear’s Lane to Maidenwell. Interesting to note that what in more recent times was a ‘bunkhouse’ and now a very fine holiday cottage was originally the Old School House. As John correctly pointed out.

The last leg now back to Louth and largely downhill. Arrived back at the Meridian Leisure Centre at 2.00 pm having climbed 1600 FT and covered 35 miles. Many thanks to all for the company.