Wickenby 05-07-2023

A Wednesday Wander to Wickenby Aerodrome, a venue the club hasn’t visited for at least three years so high time for a return.

Weather-wise, it was set to be a blustery day with winds gusting 25-30 mph and temperatures a degree or two below average at 18 Degrees Celsius, never the less Tim Newbery was joined in Louth by Paul Linder, Rob Cook and John Rickett with Chris Owen set to meet up at Wickenby.

Leaving on schedule at 10 am we set off on a route this time up to the Bluestone Heath Road via Withcall (it’s often our route back home). Pleasant enough but conditions would remain stubbornly cloudy.

Passing Stenigot Mast at an altitude of about 155 m, we would have splendid views right across the Bain Valley and with the decent of Knob Hill along Manor Hill Road it wasn’t long before we arrived at Jenny’s Village shop. Many thanks to John for the drinks. ‘Post and Pantry’ is also open on a Wednesday and perhaps we’ll take refreshments here next time. So many choices!

Next, an ascent up to another prehistoric trackway, Caistor High Street. Donnigton Road is always attractive at this time of year with wild flowers adorning the verges and we were also afforded a superb view of Belmont transmitting station. With a mast height of 352 m, it remains one of the highest in the country. Originally at 388 m, it was considered to be the tallest structure of its kind in the world!

Leaving the Lincolnshire Wolds behind, we’d enjoy the marsh roads of the Barkwiths and Torringtons. Heavily populated in the Middle Ages, the clearly visible deserted medieval hamlet of Hardwick is one such clue to the area’s rich history.

We’d given Chris an ETA of 12.15 pm for our arrival at the former RAF station at Wickenby but we were a little ahead of schedule and met up near Holton cum Beckering. It would in the end prove a little blustery for light aircraft but we did see some activity on the runway. Dining indoors we enjoyed hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches. No chef on duty today and some of the staff were undergoing training so service was a little slower than usual but it did give us time for a chat with a couple of cyclists who were on holiday from Canterbury. One had arrived on a vintage ‘Flying Gate’. Truly a unique design and Paul informed the group that Fletch used to own one.

On return, as Tim had promised, winds would aid our journey and we sailed along the lanes to Wickenby village. Recorded as Wichingebi in Doomesday, the name originated from the corruption of the Danish word ‘Vichen’ or Viking.

Flat as a pancake through Lissington, Legsby and Little London, Chris in particular looked forward to the climb at Sixhills (or perhaps Tim had misheard). Not sure if there are really six hills, but certainly quite a push back up to Caistor High Street. A decision was made to stop at The Viking Way Garden Café, where we would again enjoy a cuppa.

Waving cheerio to Chris from here, the remaining group would continue to Great Tows and Kelstern before a fast descent at North Elkington took us the Barton Street, yet another Roman Road and ancient drove-way.

Arrived back in Louth at 3.35 pm, well ahead of Tim’s ETA. Thanks to John for treating everyone to a final coffee and slice of cake. Today’s distance, 77 km. Many thanks to all for the company.