Huttoft 1st September 2024

Cycling UK Louth Sunday ride to Huttoft 1st September 2024

The first day of ‘meteorological’ Autumn and the weather forecast indicated the possibility of thunderstorms. On checking the latest weather radar, there was indeed a band of rain which was set to arrive about 9.45 am, but judging by its speed, not expected to last long. With waterproofs donned or at the ready Tim Newbery, Rob Cook, Martin Wood, John Rickett and Chris Owen (who had pedalled in from home) set off from the Leisure Centre at 09.30 am, anticipating a return by 3 pm. Alan Hockham had messaged that he’d meet up with us at Great Carlton.

Winding our way along the narrow lanes through Stewton and Legbourne Furze, Tim was on the lookout for the public footpath towards Grimoldby and Manby by the side of the disused railway. Previously mentioned by Ty and starting at Manor farm, it was in the end just a short distance from our route. This section of the Louth and East Coast Railway, later to become Great Northern Railway Mablethorpe Loop, closed in 1960.

Reaching Little Carlton, Chris would turn northbound to take refreshment at Alvingham’s Tea’stro, before heading home. He would go on to clock up a very respectable 45 miles. Continuing to Great Carlton we’d soon meet up with Alan as planned.

We cycled through about 10-15 minutes worth of rain but by the time we had reached Woodthorpe skies were brightening, with increasing amounts of warm sunshine. Time to disrobe! No stop at Wood’s Restaurant today and we’d head into a freshening easterly breeze passing by Mill Hill at Hannah cum Hagnaby. Yes, there was indeed a post mill situated on the mill mound at the dizzy altitude of 5 metres above sea level in medieval times.

With the prospect of the King Charles III promenade cycle route being sand bound, the ancient Huttoft Sea Bank would lead us all the way to The Vista at the Boatshed café. Looking busy from the outside, we were all soon served with hot drinks, sandwiches and slices of cake which were eagerly consumed at the picnic benches. Tim opted to take walk to the beach and all looked resplendent. A pretty stiff breeze however, winds gusting 25-30 mph.

The settlement of Huttoft originated in the early Anglo-Saxon period. The name derives from ‘hoh’ from the Old English meaning ‘a heel, a spur of land’, and Old Danish, meaning ‘a house and outbuildings.

Approaching noon and hoping to meet up with Paul and Wendy at Claythorpe Waret Mill around 1.15 pm, time for our wind assisted ride along Lincolnshire County Council’s cycle route C7 taking us through Huttoft (Tim almost taking the shortcut via Thurlby), Cumberworth, Bonthorpe and Farlesthorpe. All very pleasant and perfect for a group photo.

John, Martin and Alan would make a dash for the Mill café, Tim and Rob preferring a more relaxed spin. Within a few minutes, Paul and Wendy would join us for drinks, Paul looking very dapper. Great to catch up with all the latest news. 

Returning to Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre at a little before 2.45 pm we were a little ahead of schedule having covered 73 km (45 miles). Temperatures by now a warm 21 Degrees Celsius and a fine first ride of Autumn.