Wednesday 4th February 2026

Short Ride 1

Report by Graham

An uneventful ride on a damp and dismal day, but I'm posting a report to highlight the forthcoming closure of Ellis Tearoom at Rothley train station.

Myself, Vic, Stuart, Robert (Stephens) and Keith H followed the old A6 through Quorn and Mountsorrel almost as far as Brooklea Nursery before turning right onto Bier Way, then Walton Way, West Cross Lane, The Ridings and The Ridgeway to the train station and tea stop.

Stuart, Keith H., Robert S., Vic and Graham at Ellis's Tea Room

Vic headed home from there, we remaining 4 returned via Cropston and Swithland.

The tea rooms, owned and operated by Great Central Railway, are sadly to close permanently from 15 Feb. Also to close will be the adjoining (and nice warm) toilets. We asked the tea room staff as to the future of the building, but they were as in the dark as we were.

Whilst there we were asked to sign a petition against the closure, which we all did. Not sure if it will make any difference but I would encourage as many as possible to visit and sign over the next few days.

GCR point out that there will still be the platform tea rooms, but I think these will only open when trains are running, and will be difficult to access by bike, down a flight of steep steps. According to Vic, the platform toilets are of the basic, al fresco variety; at least the gents are, he couldn't speak for the ladies.

If not saved, the Tea Rooms' passing will be a sad loss to the LWC repertoire of short ride refreshment stops..

Short Ride 2

Report by John

David offered a figure of eight ride to Millie's Cafe and was joined by Margaret, John N., Keith, Dennis, John C. and Marcus.

The group set out through Shelthorpe and climbed Laurel Road to Magnolia Avenue where they took a short cut through to Knox Road,  crossed to the cycle track on the south east side to the estate from where they headed north to join the main track to Quorn.

Exiting Quorn, the group climbed Wood Lane, past Granites and descended to the Ridings, where they turned right for Swithland, where an abundance of snow drops could be seen.

David, followed by Margaret, John, Keith, Dennis and Marcus.

Here Margaret, who was still recovering from a broken wrist, decided it would be easier to return to Loughborough at her own pace, and departed back towards Rothley. The remaining riders continued up Brand Lane and on through Woodhouse to Quorn, where Marcus decided to depart for home.

The remaining riders crossed the Soar to Barrow and took Melton Road up to Millie's Cafe where the riders they were pleased to get into the warm and sample some of the excellent fare.

Post refreshments, and without John N. (who had opted to return to home via the direct route to Quorn) the residual group headed east along the Salt Way to Big Lane, where they turned north to Walton. From there they wended their way to the A60 to cross the marshes past the Brush and back into Loughborough.