The autumn colours were there but some stubborn grey clouds meant the colours did not sing as we had hoped. None the less a lovley ride and quite mild too... especially after that first climb of 682 feet up to Fawley from the Stonor Valley!
The
Route (takes a few seconds to open)
As it flattened out at the top, we met 2 horses on the way down.
One on the ridge at Fawley, some lovley views to the left, but disappointing skies. Grrr.
We continued to Turville Heath, a quick detour to the Barn tea stop (to check it was still open). It was but we decided not done enough work yet to warrant any tea /cake.....so on we go passing through Northend, and that lovley long avenue.
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| Ravinder a bit too close before the camera focused unfotunatley |
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| Off go Linda, Carole, Elise, Sally and Ravinder |
Just as you enter Northend, always tempting to stop at a gate to admire this view to the right. Such potential. Damn sky!!
Now I have to catch them up, but one more stop first to photograph this lovely hedge and tree.
Now along Holloway Lane, before the big downhill into Turville. I suggested stopping part way down to see the views to the left.
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| The flat start to Holloway Lane |
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| We got off our bikes and climbed over a ridge to see this view to the left. Again, such potential. |
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| Hug a tree time! |
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| cyclist on his way UP Holloway Lane..... a brave or stupid man |
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| Sally on her way down Holloway Lane |
One more stop for me approaching Turville, before I catch up with the others.
Now having enjoyed the big down, we start to rise again, passing through Fingest and up to Frieth. Then into Chisbridge Lane, and a lovely open downhill with that nasty little steep bit before our right turn into Rockwell End Lane.
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| turn right Ravinder! |
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| Catching our breath and time to photograph this "tartan" field at the juntion. |
Another BIG downhill now Pheasant Hill , this taken half way down, looking toward Hambleden.
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| Hambleden approach. Is that a tiny bit of light in those trees? |
We enjoyed toasted tea cakes, and drinks knowing that last bit is flat now, as we crossed The Thames at Hambleden Wier.
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| The boathouse at Hambleden Weir |
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| Linda, Carole, Ravinder, Sally and Elise........ and bits of blue sky at last. |
Back via Remenham Lane, across Henley Bridge and back along the towpath.
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| The towpath approaching Marsh Lock, and definitely looking brighter.... but all too late. |
Thanks all for your company.
