The best traffic-free bike rides around Witham St. Hughs

Description of gravel not accurate, at on point you have to cycle around the side of a wheat field, very rutted, also nettles about 3 feet high in places. When you turn of the road on the byway it is blocked across the field with electric fences for the horses. Not a very nice ride.

The settlement of Thorpe on the Hill is first mentioned in the Domesday Book. There was a small area of sokeland belonging to the King's manor in Bassingham. A berewic and sokeland belonging to St Peter of Westminster's manor in Doddington is also mentioned. The minimum population was 31. There is also a mention of a further landholding and a church in a dispute. 'Thorpe' is Old Danish, and probably means dependant farm belonging to a settlement, which in this case may be Doddington. There were 25 households in Thorpe on the Hill in 1563, and by the early eighteenth century there were around 33 families. In 1801 the population in Thorpe on the Hill was 190, and by 1901 it had grown to 293. A medieval hollow way, tofts, crewyards and ridge and furrow have been noted on aerial photographs as surviving as earthworks. Further ridge and furrow earthwork remains have been noted north of Holme Farm and north of the school in the eastern part of the village.

The stone dovecote to the north of the moats date from around 1420 or later. It has nesting boxes for 500 birds and would originally have been roofed. Doves were a popular source of food in the middle ages and dovecotes are often found near manor houses.

The Clock Tower, at it is now known, is a Grade II listed building and continues to serve the villages of Aubourn and Haddington as it is surrounded by the graveyard with the village war memorial, which is still being used. The church was part demolished in the 1970’s and the remaining standing structure was saved from total demolition by the weight of public opinion with local residents raising funds to retain the building within the parish. It is at the heart of the two villages and is widely recognised as a local landmark introducing a welcome verticality into an essentially flat landscape and offers an added local interest in there being a magnificent working clock dedicated to the community.

Aubourn Hall itself is a rare 17th century manor house and something of an ‘architectural riddle’ set in 12 acres of secluded gardens, in the heart of the village of Aubourn. Surrounded by the wider Aubourn Estate which is made up of approximately 2,500 acres of farmland and woodland. The estate had 500 years of continuous ownership by the Nevile family.

Both these buildings are old the Church dates from the 14th century and the pub from the early 16th century, though some parts are thought to be older. We had a lovely night there, joining in with the Publican's family for a birthday. Just be aware the pub is only open Monday to Thursday from 1600hrs to close and they do, do meals. The room was very comfortable with a small ensuite. Love it all.

Awesome little stop to fuel up on coffee and a cake - also a full cafe menu for more options. Don't forget to visit the giant bike shop next door for bikes and repairs

Great place to grab a coffee and look for a new bike.