South Ormsby Estate 30-10-2022

Cycling UK Louth Ride South Ormsby Estate and Donnington on Bain - Sunday 30th October 2022

This All Saints’ Sunday (the tridium of ‘All-Hallow-Tide’ not actually starting until tomorrow) would see an alteration to the originally planned ride with a route to take us to the newly installed Walkers' and Cyclists’ Cabin on the South Ormsby Estate.

With a number of hills to climb, Tim wondered who might turn up at the Leisure Centre but was delighted to have almost a full house. Joining today’s ride leader Tim Newbery were Keith Roberts, John Ambler, John Rickett, Reg Bagshaw, Alan Hockham, Rob Cook and Paul Linder. Paul had already been cycling for nearly 2 hours due a miscalculation with the changing of the clocks.

With a waving weather front a few miles to the east we were lucky to have a dry, if cloudy ride through Little Cawthorpe and Muckton, the headwind manageable so far. Climbing steadily to Meagram Top, Reg would return back home with the remainder making their way to Calceby.

Originally 'Kalfr's farm/settlement' from Old Norse, the tofts and crofts of the deserted medieval village are now just a few lumps and bumps in neighbouring fields, whilst the Norman 11th Century St. Andrew’s Church, or what’s left of it, lies in ruins. Not many years ago the arch still remained, but this too has now collapsed.

Before long the team would be rolling through the gates of the Sheepdip Paddock and to the delights of the Walkers’ and Cyclists’ Cabin, complimentary hot drinks kindly provided by South Ormsby Estate.

The history of the Estate stretches back thousands of years, the land eventually being bought by Sir Drayner Massingberd in 1638. Today, the estate is under the custodianship of the Thornes family with Mark Vines and his team creating the new Cabin only a couple of weeks ago.

After a pleasant rest and chat sitting on the benches provided, Paul and Keith would head for their respective homes and it wouldn’t be too long before Alan would leave us as he too wouldn’t be able to take lunch at Donnington on Bain.

A steady climb now along the Bluestone Heath Road to the viewing point at Ferrals Plantation, John Rickett explaining to those who were interested on the exposure of various strata including the outcrops of resistant iron rich Roach Stone.

Continuing past Cadwell Park and today’s highest altitude of about 150 m, we would eventually take a turning off this ancient drover’s road to descend to Steningot and along to Donnington on Bain, the Autumnal colours of plantations looking resplendent as by now the sun was beginning to break through the cloud.

Not much persuasion was required for Tim to plump for the option of lunch and a pint at the Black Horse Inn. We were advised of a wait for food but in the end the staff rallied around with ciabattas and sausage rolls proving popular. Indeed, John Ambler was quoted as saying “one of the best sausage rolls I’ve tasted”. The pint of Rev. James also went down well.

Sustained, now for the push on the pedals to ascend to the Bluestone Heath Road once more. A splendid and enjoyable ride through Welsdale and Hallington with increasingly blue skies, arriving back in Louth at a little before 2.30 pm.

We had been very fortunate with the weather as within 20 minutes of getting back an active squall line gave rise to heavy rain, thunder and lightning and gusts of wind up to 35 mph tearing small branches of the trees. Phew.

Many thanks to all for their company.