Paul's Ride to Walesby

Paul’s Ride to Walesby - Sunday 26th June 2022

Firstly, a shout-out to some of our regular readers: Fletch, Melanie, Andrew, Karen and David!

Paul Linder had very kindly volunteered to be our Ride Leader and organised a ride to the Rambler’s and Cyclists' Church at Walesby. The weather forecast was set to remain fine and dry with some warm sunshine, albeit in a strong and gusty south west wind. The Meteorological Office predicted gusts of 32 mph.

Meeting up with Paul were John Ambler and Tim Newbery with Chris Owen joining us at Binbrook. Apologies had been received from John Rickett, Reg Bagshaw, Rob Cook, Alan Hockham and Neil Parnham.

Leading purposefully, Paul would take members along North Elkington Lane. A steep gradient and brisk headwind made for a steady climb to the ‘Silver Lincs Way’ at an altitude of nearly 130 m. The reward was a fantastic view across the Wolds, the haze of the last few days having cleared and the contrast turned up a few notches.

An undulating route followed to Binbrook where we were greeted warmly by Chris. A brief stop to catch our breath in the village square was welcomed whilst admiring the Manor House which dates from around 1700.

With tracking devices enabled, John would make his own way home from Binbrook whilst the remainder continued to Kirmond Le Mire (originally Chevremont-le-myrr) before climbing once again to Bully Hill (145 m). A sharp descent followed to Tealby, brakes working overtime.

Paul had arranged for refreshments to be taken at The Vintage Tearooms, which we would discover were due to close ‘for the duration’ from tomorrow. Plenty of other cyclists too were enjoying the hospitality including members of Woodhall Wheelers.

Onwards to Walesby, passing through Rigsby Grange and the flock of Lincolnshire Longwool. The final climb to All Saints Church became increasingly steep, wet and rocky but well worth the effort as we sat and rested whilst looking over the escarpment.

John Betjeman wrote “All Saints is an exceptionally attractive church worth bicycling miles against the wind to see”.

Perched up high, Lincoln Cathedral was spotted on the horizon by Paul and Chris and we were treated to a guided tour by Paul who would go on to describe the history of the village (Walesby = settlement of Valr) and The Ramblers Church (All Saints) which dates to the 12th Century.

Of note in the church is a fine stained glass window depicting ramblers and cyclists dedicated in 1950 and donated by the Grimsby and District Wayfarers Association. There’s now an annual service for ramblers and cyclists, this year held on 19th June.

Before departing Paul would point out the signal beacon, a replica of a chain across the country that were lit in 1588 to alert the local militia to the arrival of the Spanish invasion fleet.

A bit of a challenge would follow with the climb up Walesby Hill to today’s highest altitude of 161 m. Even more hills to follow as we traversed through the quintessential and quite charming Wolds village of Stainton le Vale and a return to Binbrook and the end of the ride for Chris.

Just Paul and Tim to head to our final refreshment stop at the Foxglove Farm Coffee Box at North Elkington. Perfect to sit in the shelter of the trees enjoying cups of tea and sampling cake and flapjack supplied by Michelle Lenton. Lovely.

Arriving back in Louth at a little before 4 pm having covered 38 miles.

Thanks go to Paul for the route and leading. Next week it’s our annual ‘Summer Picnic’ to be held this year at Snipedales Country Park.