Mablethorpe 23-08-2023

Mablethorpe Wednesday Wander

23rd August 2023:

A request had been made to visit the Seaview Café near to the North Promenade. A day out to the seaside. Suited Tim who had visions of ice cream on the beach.

In the end with apologies from Rob Cook, Steve Croton and John Rickett, it left Tim Newbery and Paul Linder to depart the Leisure Centre in Louth at 10 am.

Against the forecast, skies were overcast and there was even some rain. However, it was quite warm and we were soon pedalling our way eastbound through the Cockeringtons and a right turn would take us to Howdales. We were at this stage delighted to meet up with Alan Hockham who had been upgrading his bike.

Luckily the road surfaces improved as we made our way to Saltfleetby and Three Bridges. There are increasing issues with the state of Saddleback Road. At Theddlethorpe Saint Helen the prescribed route would now take is along a green lane known as Crook Bank. This took us alongside the now de-commissioned Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal. The track certainly kept us away from the traffic but perhaps not best suited to a road e-bike.

To make amends, the cloud cleared away to leave increasingly sunny skies and with temperatures approaching 24 Degrees Celsius it was very warm as we gazed out to sea taking refreshment from The Sea View Café. In the absence of John Ambler, Tim dutifully sampled the bacon bap and assessed that John would have approved.

Alan would depart for home to leave Paul and Tim to continue the journey back along Stain Lane to Withern. It’s always interesting to pass by Stain Hill which lies within the middle of the Lincolnshire ‘Outmarsh’. The ‘hill’ is now only 9 metres high but once stood dry and proud of the boggy marshland and the site of a village in the middle-ages. It even had its own church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

At Gayton Top, Tim had expected Paul to depart but instead he suggested a route to Claythorpe Water mill for a cuppa and a slice of cake. How could Tim refuse. Indeed, the carrot cake was superb. Thanks Paul. With farewell waving of hands and beaming smiles, Tim was left to himself to return at a slow but steady pace (was that the cake?). Plenty to see and admire, indeed plumes of dust would pinpoint where the combine harvesters were working exceptionally hard in an effort to finish the harvest in this window of fine weather.

Ended up at the Leisure Centre by half past two having completed 33 miles. A rather fine summer's day ride and thanks to all.