Christmas Common to Benson via Turville - 33 miles 1900feet

Last spring/summer, fellow Breeze Champ Fiona Dennis, from Wycombe area, set out to complete the whole of the Chilterns Cycling Route, but broken down into several sections, all circular routes of around 30miles. She asked Breeze champs to assist her on their own "patch" to use their local knowledge to include the official routes but making them circular. I did that with her last year on 17th May.  But the bluebells had peaked by then last year, so this time we rode 2 weeks earlier, but I planned a completely different route. I think we timed it just right.  It was cold when we started at Cowleaze car park last year..... and it was again today! Only 6 degrees, at 9am but with a "feels like" 3 degrees. 

One of the riders and fellow Champ Cinzia, is just back from riding in Italy, and had arrived in fingerless gloves, and light top, whereas I had on my winter gloves and liners too.  (A few ladies had cancelled in the last 48 hours, no doubt down to the forecast, but it was fine! The rain stopped before we started, and although a bit cold, it turned out perfect for the hillclimbs.)

Route link (Screeshot at end)

Starting high, our first few miles were of course flat into Christmas Common, passing some lovely bluebell patches on our right (which I photographed at the end of the ride.). We branched off left in Christmas Common, to begin our gradual downhill to Northend, where we continued straight on into the narrow Holloway Lane (aka the half pipe), and a steep descent into Turville. Stunning bluebells on our approach to Turville on both sides of the road. 

A brief stop in  Turville, opposite the Chitty Chitty Windmill.
The cottage behind is where Goodnight Mr Tom was filmed. 

We were all pretty cold at this stage, but that was about to change 😉, as we turned into Dolesden Lane to climb to Turville Heath.  It's a gradual slog, that kicks up at the end.  We were all pretty quiet just concentrating on getting it done. Just one car I think came down the hill today, so we were lucky since it's very narrow with just a handful of places where cars can pass without us having to stop. 

Recovery time at the top of Dolesden Lane.

A easy couple of miles now as we rode on the flat followed by a lovely downhill on Balhams Lane to drop into Stonor Valley.  (I usually go up that one). With Stonor House behind us, we turned into the narrow Park Lane for our next slog up to Maidensgrove and Russel's Water

The light was flat today, but the canopy of Beech trees overhead was gorgeous. Not sure others noticed it, with heads down concentrating on the climb, but I did.   There are no bluebells in this beechwood. The scenery completely changes as we reach the top, and the open expanse of the Common. 

Recovery after our climb to Maidensgrove. 

A  very quick stop at Russel's Water pond, another Chitty Chitty
filming location, where Truly Scrumptious drove into the pond. 

photo by Cinzia

At the end of this road, a short section of the busier B481, with the slightly awkward right turn on a bend,  to head down to Swyncombe. (we pass this point again on our return route). A lovely ride down to Swycombe, with more bluebells alongside, and I had suggested a "view point stop" to Fiona, where the ridgeway crosses. A chance for a whole group shot, thanks to a handy walker who appeared to cross the road at the right time. 

Gill, Anne P, Sara, Fiona, Anne M, Catherine, Cinzia.
The Ridgeway crossing at Swyncombe. 

We arrived into Ewelme, with a short stop to point out the lovely school (the oldest in the country), and those who had not been here before, had a look inside the courtyard at the Almeshouses (and public loo). A quick summary of my historic knowledge of Ewelme, including the Watercress beds, and Henry V111 visiting, and we were off, following the stream alongside the road, all the way into Benson. The stream is running pretty high and fast atm. We turned off to skirt the edge of RAF Benson airfield, and crossed using the newly installed pedestrian traffic lights to the Waterfront Cafe. 

A glimpse of the Thames if you stand on a chair!
(lots of boats moored up for the winter. )

Waterfront Cafe, Benson.
(no one sitting out today! Brr) 

There has been a lot of money spent since my last visit improving the cafe layout, with more seating indoors, with lots of sliding doors added. All very efficient service as usual.

ready to leave, and our next climb not far away,
as we ride through Crowmarsh Gifford, to climb to Ipsden. 

The view after our cheeky climb to Ipsden.
Looks like more hills ahead. 😏

The most direct route back to Christmas Common from here is to climb Nuffield Hill, so thats what we did. I was way too hot by this time!  We all  made it up the hill, with a final quick information stop at Nuffield Church. But not about the Church, but Nuffield Place. I had been there just recently so shared a few snippets of the history of Lord Nuffield (William Morris of Morris cars), who took his title after the village of Nuffield, where he played golf. 

A wiggle over to Huntercombe End, and for the last section on main road, we split into 2 groups, passing the top of Swyncombe Hill and a right turn towards Christmas Common. I was pretty tired by this time.  Phew.  With 2.5 miles to go, Sarah got a puncture.  We were making good time, but decided that rather than repair it, best that someone comes back to pick her up. Once into Christmas Common, I said goodbye to the others to have the chance to stop to photograph the Bluebells along the roadside. This was meant to be a "bluebell ride", and we had no photos of bluebells! 

just beyond Christmas Common

Fiona had wanted to get back to the carpark by 2pm, and it was not long after 1, so we had done well. 

As I left the carpark to return past these bluebell woods, I had to brake hard for a large deer, who hesitated, then 2 more followed and dashed across infront of me and bounded off across the bluebells. Fanstastic way to the end the morning. 

Many thanks to Fiona, for all her organisation, and glad I was able to add a few personal touches to the ride. 

Riders.....