Huttoft 09-08-2023

A Wednesday Wander to Huttoft Beach

Wednesday 9th August 2023:

Our last visit to Huttoft as a club was back in February. Luckily today’s weather was forecast to be very different with plenty of sunshine and a warm 22 Degrees Celsius.

Meeting up with today’s Ride Leader Tim Newbery at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Rob Cook, Paul Linder, Steve Croton and John Rickett. We were also pleased to have along John Weeks, Andy Townhill, Fletch Bradley and David Franks. A total of 9, our biggest attendance of the year so far.

Departing at 10 am we were anticipating arriving at the seaside about 11.30 am, returning to Louth by 3.00 pm.

Skies were brilliant blue and a brisk westerly wind would make for a very pleasant ride through Stewton, Legbourne Furze and the Carltons.

On reaching Woodthorpe, we turned down the opportunity of hot drinks and instead continued through Beesby and Hagnaby with brief sightings of deserted medieval villages, ancient Priories and Abbeys. Hagnaby Abbey founded in 1175 was finally supressed in 1536 with its last Abbot being Edmond Toft.

Approaching Sutton Le Marsh, Steve had commented that he had ridden the Promenade Cycleway only last Sunday and it was rideable with care (due to windblown sand). Onwards then along by the sea front with time for a few photos. The sea was ‘lively, with waves crashing onto the beach having been given strength from ‘Storm Hans’ which had caused so much damage to Norway and Sweden earlier in the week.

Plenty of room at ‘The Vista at the Boatshed’ for refreshments, although we were on the cusp between breakfast and lunch. Some sat inside, some on the ‘top deck’ admiring the views out to sea.

Fletch and Dave would depart home from here whilst the remainder would follow the prescribed route back inland, first through the village of Huttoft.

Huttoft was anciently spelled Holtoft, its name derives from Hōh (Old English) A heel; a sharply projecting piece of ground and Toft (Old English) The plot of ground in which a dwelling stands (hence tofts and crofts).

We’d now follow Lincolnshire County Council’s cycle route C7 which would take us through the out and middle marsh villages of Cumberworth, Bonthorpe and Farlesthorpe, noting just how many farm vehicles were on the roads. Busy taking advantage of the fine weather window to bring in the harvest.

Near Alford, we’d say farewell to Steve and John Weeks whilst the remainder would carry on to Claythorpe Watermill for a final cuppa and piece of cake (a Dennett's ice cream for Tim!). Great to sit in some warm sunshine, the temperature now at the forecast 22 degrees.

Following the ‘Top Road’ we enjoyed great views of the Geat Eau Valley before returning to the Leisure Centre at 15.15 pm.

Thanks to all who travelled across the county to join us today.