A few people had hoped to come out cycling today, but one by one for a variety of reasons, our group dwindled to 2! So, John came along and made 3.
The route from John's
Garmin
Linda had not done this area before, so I deliberately came up with a route which had it's tough challenges early on, but then levelled out and the BIG downhill after our lunch stop. We set off later than normal, planning to arrive at Russell's Water for 12oclock just in time for the pub!Lottie was hoping to meet us and cycle back with us.
Leaving Henley we turned right towards Stonor and took the first right turn... UP Dawdons Lane towards Fawley. Its a tough hill and we all got off at some point but got back on again.
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| Part way up Dawsons Lane |
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| And at the top as it levels out |
WE continued through Southend, Turville Heath and to Northend with the landscape looking gorgoeous today with the fresh foliage and cloudy skies.
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I insisted that Linda should stop and see this view from Northend, even it if does mean starting again uphill
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Rather than turn right down to Turville, we continued to the highest point at Christmas Common.
Then at last the start of the downhill section. Heading towards Cookley Green, then a turn off towards Russell's Water where we stopped for 5 mins next to the pond, at 11.55 waiting for the pub to open.
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| Passing through Russell's Water |
Pub now open, and sadly message from Lottie to say she would not make it after all.
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| Checking Lottie's message to say she would not make it after all. |
Now a few views from the garden at the 5 Horseshoes. It was coolish , but as the sun came and went, the landscaped kept changing.
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| An 8 shot panaorama. Didn't quite work, but you get the idea. |
After a light lunch, the big downhill to the Stonor Valley and heading back to Henley
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| Park Lane, down to Stonor |
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| There they go ........down Park Lane to Stonor |
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| Down in the Stonor Valley approaching Middle Assendon |
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| LOVED the light on these hedges |
And a few from John as Linda and I continue down the Stonor Valley......
Finally back through Henley and towards Marsh Lock, where this brave lady appeared!
Really must do some work now, but the next two days are supposed to be wet, so need to get out making the most of the weather while we can.
