Elise is one my Breeze cycling buddies, and today we went out with our hubbies starting at The King William pub at Ipsden. Had planned to have lunch on our return, but fully booked several days ago, so tea and cake enroute and a drink at the end.
John's route from his
Garmin says 25 miles, my bike computer said 26 and Elise's mapper thing said 27. Anyway, lets settle for 26. Long enough!
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| Shorty after our start at Ipsden |
We headed over to Wallingford turning right before reaching the river, and on to Benson. A quick detour to show Elise and Hywel the weir and lock.
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| At Benson Lock |
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| Benson Weir |
John thought time for tea at the Riverside cafe, but we had only done 4 miles, so used the facilies and pushed on through Benson Village into Ewelme. Just passed the Watercress beds then left at the Shepherd's Hut pub intro Eyres Lane. Hywel is a Mid Sommer Murders fan, so a tour of some of the villages where they film. Brightell Uperton, Brightwell Baldwin and Cuxham.
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| The Church Hall at Cuxham |
We now partially retraced our route, heading down Firebrass Hill into Ewelme.
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| The hill is where we will head on our climb out of Eweleme up to Cookley Green |
We just made it in time to Ewelme since the shop shuts at 1pm on Sundays. The other group of cyclists had come from Ealing! They were going back on the train at Didcot.
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| Tea Stop at Eweleme Post Office where it was a suntrap |
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| Pond at Eweleme |
Now for the big climb of the day, out of Ewelme , to Swyncombe and on to Cookley Green
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| Views just before the big climb to Swyncombe |
We all made it, then a breather to admire the bluebells.
So now we are up, level across to Nuffield, then a right turn, passed the Church and a massive decent down Brixton Hill. There is a great view right at the top (which I missed), so this next one is well down the hill, at a gap in the hedge.
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| Partway down Brixton Hill |
Just before we return, John got down in the road for a couple of dymanic shots.
And back to The King William, where food was going to be a long wait, so we settled on a packet and crisps and a beer. Great views though!
A later start than normal, so finally home at 4o'clock. The day gone, and very enjoyable.
