Lunch at Withernsea

The sea wall at Stone Creek

Taking a break by the Docks

A good turn-out of 10 riders set out from Cottingham Green for what turned out to be a tour of Holderness. Fortunately the weather was kind for the time of year - sunny with light winds. Our leader for the day, Dave Wilke, had programmed the route into his GPS so there would be no wrong turns. Following the usual route across Wawne Common to Long Riston we headed to Sigglesthorne for morning coffee.

After coffee we followed the network of narrow lanes through Great Hatfield and Withernwick to Aldbrough. Joining the coast road we headed south before another detour to Hilston. Approaching the village we were able to catch a glimpse of Admiral Storr's Tower. This unusual 50ft high octagonal tower was built in 1750 as a watch tower. With the current rate of erosion along this stretch of coast how long will it be before this landmark disappears into the sea!

Passing through Tunstall and Roos we soon arrived at Withernsea for lunch. While some hardy members enjoyed a picnic lunch on the promenade the rest of us retired to the café for something warmer.

For once, the unseasonal light winds gave us an easy ride back across the Holderness plains. After continuing south to Holmpton we then turned east to Patrington. Just outside the village we stopped at an unusual wooden arch by the roadside. This originally had been a whale bone arch erected by a local sea captain, but the original bones had been stolen and replaced by the present arch.

The next section took us across the featureless roads of Sunk Island to Stone Creek. Stopping briefly we were dazzled by the low autumn sun reflecting off the glass like surface of the River Humber. Onwards through Cheery Cobb Sands to Paul where another halt was taken to admire the Blackburn Beverley at Fort Paul.

After passing Saltend refinery we followed the cycle track along Hedon Road before turning left to head down to the river by King Georges Dock. From here we were able to ride along the new riverside path, past Alexandra Dock and the new Victoria Dock development to the Deep, before crossing the River Hull on the new footbridge to Victoria Pier where we stopped for a break.

Here we were joined by some youths on stunt bikes who entertained us with their tricks. We could only admire, rather than emulate their skills as they hopped from a standstill onto the back of a park bench, balancing briefly on one wheel before dropping down the other side!

After riding round the Marina we then headed across town to join the cycle tracks along the old railway lines before heading back to Cottingham.

It was just getting dark as I arrived back home with 80m on the clock. Another excellent day out with an unusual but interesting route back across Hull.

Roger England, pictures by Keith Cadwallader