In Horncastle: Back in the Wolds

August 14, 2024

Today’s loop surprised me. I was expecting to enjoy yesterday’s loop more, which is why I took it first - there was at least the chance that we’d get rain today and I’d only get one loop in. We did get a bit of precipitation first thing this morning but it moved on by around nine and left a partly overcast but perfectly rideable day behind. And to my surprise, today’s ride was the more interesting of the two overall.

About half of the ride was in the AONB, and as expected it was moderately hilly with views from the top that rewarded the work getting there. The surprise though was with the first twelve miles spent on a loop southeast of town outside the scenic area. I picked this route to have a look at the ruins of Bolingbroke Castle, the only site that warrants a mention on Google’s map. The castle is interesting enough - what’s left of it anyway, which is very little - but other unexpected discoveries along the way really enriched the ride.

Rachael walked part of the Lindsey Trail yesterday too. She might well have stood in this spot.

I’m seeing this plant everywhere today and finally stopped for a closer look. It’s hairy willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum).

It’s interesting to see the way it gets split ends when it goes to seed.

There was about a mile of this loose gravel, which I think may have been a resurfacing project in progress. The surface was easy enough to ride on though.

Except for this short -13% descent that I slowed way down for.

I don’t remember seeing this before. It’s a Buddleja (butterfly bush), but a hybrid. Interestingly, it was developed in England - down in Dorset just after WWI.

What’s left of Bolingbroke Castle, built in 1220. Its big claim to fame is that King Henry IV was born here in 1367. Matters went steadily downhill in the centuries since. We’re looking here at the main entrance to the castle, with the two low mounds being the location of the towers that rose on either side of the gate.

The base of the easternmost of the two gate towers.

In what’s turning into a good day for plant life, here’s another new one. It’s growing at the edge of this small pond, at a low spot in what was originally the castle moat.

It’s pickerel weed., Pontederia cordata.

Just above the ruined castle is St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church. Here we’re looking angain across the old moat, which you’ll see is lined with willowherb.

There are so many villages and named places set close together here, most of them probably very old based on their names anyway. They likely date back to Viking or Saxon times where the village name has the suffix “by”, meaning a village or settlement.

Another misleading ridgetop vista that looks broad but is only about a quarter mile across.

I mostly just biked through these small villages, typically filled with fairly modern structures. The public fountain in Lusby caught my attention though.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the fountain (dated 1866, I think) is older than most of the houses in town.

Well, the church looks older, and like it needs a visit. Note the sign to the right of the gate.

St. Peter’s is an ancient place alright. A Grade I listed property, it was built in the 11the century and is listed in the Domesday Book from 1086.

No ponies in the churchyard today, but there were a few sheep.

I didn’t want to disturb the sheep and wasn’t even sure that door was the actual entrance to the church, so after walking around the grounds I headed back to the bike. I’m stopped though by the man living across the street, who said the church is normally unlocked and encouraged me to go inside. He helpfully went first, dislodging the sheep and closing the door after me to keep it out.

The interior. The church has suffered some significant modification, with both original doors being replaced by the tacked on entryway I came in through.

Another church nearby, the Holy Trinity Church in Hagworthingham.

And one more, Saint Phillip’s in Brinkhill.

Finally we come to the high point of the ride and the views we were hoping for. They’re worth it.

The last four miles back to town are all downhill except for this stretch of barricaded road that Rachel tried to warn me about because she got stopped coming in from the other direction. There’s a road closure sign a way back and up, but I had to see for myself.

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Today's ride: 28 miles (45 km)
Total: 3,268 miles (5,259 km)

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Graham FinchYou made me think of Larkin's poem.

This old video is of him with Sir John Betjamin, who reads after a minute or so...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7sDXBLBrvY
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4 months ago

Scott AndersonTo Graham FinchReally? I wonder why. There were no sheep in it.
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4 months ago

Graham FinchIt's the general sentiment of looking in these old places without any real purpose or expert knowledge... no offence :)
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4 months ago

Scott AndersonTo Graham FinchSo not the sheep then. Sorry, it’s my warped sense of humor.

It’s a lovely poem, one I haven’t read before - and the B&W video gives it the perfect tone. Thanks for passing it on. I found it very easy to relate to.
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4 months ago