Tetney 13th March

Cycling UK Louth ride to Tetney, Sunday 13th March 2022.

Mike Gray had kindly agreed to lead today’s ride and meeting up with him in Louth were Alan Hockham, John Rickett, John Ambler, Tim Newbery, Paul Linder who had cycled in from Alford and Chris Owen who had cycled in from Cleethorpes. A great turnout. Apologies had been sent by Reg Bagshaw.

Today’s forecast was for a mild day with the chance of a few showers accompanied by a strong southerly wind gusting to 30 mph. At least we would obtain assistance all the way to Tetney!

Routing through the Covenham’s to Fulstow we were pleased to see several groups and many solo cyclists all taking advantage of the spring like conditions. Those who we met travelling southbound did however look as if they were have to work hard into the brisk wind but we would worry about that later.

Turning off Thoresby Road at Tetney Blow Wells (the Wildlife Reserve where artesian springs rise forcefully through the local chalk strata is well worth a visit) the riders then followed Mike along the short section of Station Road to the entrance to Tetney Golf Club and the Par-Villion Café. We were given a friendly welcome and enjoyed hot drinks and refreshments, but saddened to hear that the owners will be leaving in April. Wishing them well on their next venture.

Chris would depart for home whilst for the remainder, options of a flatter route via Tetney Lock or up into the Wolds for a journey through Wold Newton. The hillier route would take riders through Brigsley and a climb up to Barton Street roundabout, before enjoying the picturesque track through the Peterhills towards Wold Newton.

Abundant clusters of daffodils lined the roadside although they were not yet in full bloom. It shouldn’t be too long before there’ll be a blaze of colour to cheer up a passer-by.

Just before entering Wold Newton Village, a milestone lies half hidden amongst the vegetation. This cast iron post informed us that the distance to Wold Newton was 2 furlongs and to Louth 9 miles. Erected in 1826 by the Great Grimsby Haven to Irby Turnpike Trust, the turnpike act itself dates all the way back to 1765. The Wold Newton turnpike with a toll gate at Brigsley was the only turnpike out of Grimsby and originally passed by All Saints Church.

An undulating route would now take us through Scallows Hall and up to the archaic Salters Lane before a welcome descent to North Ormsby and a stop at the cyclists' bench overlooking the ruins of the deserted medieval village. Great views too of a number of Buzzard.

By now skies were clouding over and a flat route was followed through Utterby and back towards Covenham. A full group tackled a headwind along Brackenborough Road and it wouldn’t be too long before arriving back in Louth at a little after 1.30 pm. 34 miles covered by the Louth contingent, closer to 44 miles for John Rickett and considerably more for Paul.

Thanks to Mike for leading and thanks to all for the magnificent turnout in windy conditions.