Horncastle 26-11-2023

The coldest day of the Autumn so far with top temperatures predicted at just 4 Degrees Celsius (the late November average is closer to 9 degrees). Never the less winds were slight and the sun was dimly shining through the cloud and luckily too, the roads were dry with no sign of any frost or ice.

 

3 pm for our ETA back into Louth with time for a final cuppa at the Meridian Centre.

Paul Linder having pedalled in from home met up with today’s Ride leader Tim Newbery at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth. A number of apologies from club members had previously been received.

 

With the road at Goulceby shut to carriages we’d head towards Meagram Top passing through Muckton with its fine annual display of wild cyclamen. For a change we’d now head to Swaby and Whitepit before taking a short drink stop at the Sheep Dip Paddock at South Ormsby. The cabin was open and complimentary hot drinks took off the chill of the morning.

 

The rather fine Lymn Valley route through Tetford would pass by the aptly named Bella Vista before in the distance we saw the narrow, metalled road rising seemingly vertically up to the heavens. This would be a tough climb to Beacon Hill, Castcliffe Hill and the Bluestone Heath Road at an altitude of 139 m (456 ft).

 

Our reward was a long sweeping descent into Horncastle from Fulletby and we hoped to meet up with Les and Di Brill at ‘Just One More Bike’.

Arriving on schedule at 12 noon we (and our bikes) were ushered into the café and orders of Latte’s and hot panini’s were placed with the staff. Great to see all the bikes on display, some literally on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.

 

No sign of Les and Di so Paul indicated that he’d pop in to see them on his return to Alford (Tim and Paul would make their own separate way home from the bike shop).

 

Tim looked forward (or so he said) to the route back up to Fulletby and then Belchford Hill. It must be said that there are some magnificent views of the Lincolnshire Wolds from Furlong’s Lane leading to Belchford and then Lowfield Lane to the Bluestone Heath Road and today was no exception.

 

By Rosin Hill, Tim spotted wooden markers directing the unsuspecting passer by to the Christmas Market at Oxcombe Pottery. Chris Owen had previously informed Tim of the availability of ‘Seasonal Refreshments’ and so it would have been churlish to have passed up on such a fine opportunity.

 

Oxcombe, literally meaning valley of the ox, is mentioned in Domesday and the original All Saint’s Church dates to the 13th Century, although re-modelled in the 1840’s by Louth architect W.A. Nicholson. Today’s inaugural Christmas Market at the pottery was set in the peaceful grounds of the hall, almost a tranquil retreat and perfect for the creativity taking place in the workshops.

 

Tim turned down the opportunity of making a felt Christmas decoration but instead opted to sample a rather fine mug of ‘Festive Spiced Hot Apple Drink' (non-alcoholic – honestly!) and many thanks to Susanna and Jess who were serving from the Oxcombe horsebox.

Last leg now back through Maidenwell, Haugham and Little Cawthorpe. Arrived back in to Louth a few minutes behind schedule at 5 past 3 having covered close to 40 miles, 1800 ft of climbing and the thermometer registering 4 degrees as predicted.

 

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day out. Thanks to Paul for the company.