Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival 2023

Cycling UK Louth’s Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival Ride

Saturday 10th June 2023:

Having missed out on the warmth and sunshine over the last couple of weeks, the Lincolnshire Wolds was finally set to enjoy a summer’s day with top temperatures of a pleasant 22 Degrees Celsius.

Today’s ride would be a celebration for a number of reasons. Firstly, as part of Cycling UK’s 100th anniversary of Bike Week with one of its aims to stay fit and healthy. We’d surely be able to complete the ‘Burn 100 calories by bike’ challenge. Secondly, we’d be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by taking part in the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival 2023.

As the only cycling activity during the festival, we wondered who’d come along but were delighted to have on board Clif Abbott, Sarah Paris along with Cycling UK Louth members Tim Newbery, John Rickett and Alan Hockham. Cycling UK Lincolnshire’s Andy Townhill had also kindly agreed to act as a Ride Leader.

Departing Louth’s cattle market at 10 am we looked forward to the 44 km route which would take us to South Ormsby for refreshments followed by a route up and over the Wolds via the Bluestone Heath Road.

The chalk ridge of the Wolds was originally formed 90 million years ago, lifted up and tilted under the influence of plate tectonics some 25 million years ago with rivers such as the Humber and Witham carving out their river valleys. More recently, 250,000 years ago, a glacial ice sheet moved over the Wolds altering the landscape once more. We would benefit from all of this today under clear blue skies and pleasant breezes.

Our route would take us initially to Little Cawthorpe, following the ‘Top Road’ through Muckton and past the small but attractive village of Belleau. Glad to see that the chalk stream at Belleau Bridge still flowing freely in spite of the very dry spell of weather. The Lincolnshire chalk streams are a characteristic feature that have helped shape the Lincolnshire Wolds landscape and it’s said that there are more chalk streams in Lincolnshire than in most other counties across the UK.

Onwards to South Thoresby and past the Vine which was once a favourite hostelry of the club. Crossing over the A16 we’d soon pass through Calceby which is Old Scandinavian for ‘Kalfr’s village.

We’d now begin our slow and steady ascent of the Bluestone Heath Road. A prehistoric trackway and droveway running along the chalk ridge from Candlesby to Caistor, it may have been named after the blue/grey glacial erratic boulders left behind after the melting of the glaciers. These stones were once used as focal points for the community, for example functioning as meeting points, or simply acting as boundary markers.

Admiring spectacular views from both sides of the road we’d soon peel off at the Massingberd Arms for a short distance to South Ormsby Estate’s Sheep Dip Paddock and the Walkers’ and Cyclists’ Cabin, where complimentary drinks were available. Lovely to sit awhile and chat in the sunshine. Sarah and Clif had some fascinating tales to tell.

The history of South Ormsby Estate stretches back to Roman times but in the 17th century was bought by the Massingberd family. The Massingberd family is long established in Lincolnshire, tracing its descent to Lambert Massingberd of Sutterton of the Wash who was convicted of grievous bodily harm in Boston in 1288.

Upwards now, and upwards again past Dog Hill, Tetford Hill and Belchford Hill where a stop was made at the viewpoint interpretation board. It would inform us of the geology of the Wolds and the resultant stunning views of the Roach Stone outcrops. Sarah was also able to provide us with more in depth explanation of the glacial drumlins.

Perfect Lincolnshire Wolds views today from the lofty heights of Rowgate Hill and Rosin Hill, strip lynchets just visible to our west towards Scamblesby. Having reached our highest point of the day at about 150 m we’d carry on to Pewlade Hill where eventually an eastward turn would allow us to enjoy the descent to Hallington. A brisk breeze was blowing but was refreshing as temperatures had indeed reached the predicted 22 degrees.

A final stop at Flint Hill afforded us the renowned and stunning view of St James’ Church in Louth. On a clear day, shipping can be seen just off the Lincolnshire coast towards Donna Nook.

Arrived back in Louth about 1.15 pm having covered 44 km.

You’d be more than welcome to join us again Clif and it was good to see Sarah with us again. Thanks too for the support of club members Andy, Alan and John.