I wasn't able to get out with the Breeze group this week, so out today with hubby. Most of the route familiar but not necessarily ridden it all from this direction before. The countryside looking so fresh with blossom, bluebells and rape crops.
The Route
We parked at Peppard, and started our gentle climb towards Peppard Common turning into Wyfold Lane. I used to struggle up this incline, but now, no problem. A right turn and our first stop to enjoy the bluebells.
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| White Anemones too along the roadside |
Left at a nasty bit of gravelly road, hoping to find some more bluebells in the woods, but they are not quite out yet. They were stunning here last year, so must go back soon.Then on toward Checkendon, and we detoured for a very short walk in this field , where a very strange piece of sculpture is present.
Next, over the busy A4074, heading to Woodcote, then toward South Stoke, stopping once more to check out the views. Not the best light for photography today, but could have been a lot worse.
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3 shot panorma with a hazey glimpse of Didcot power station towers
to the left. |
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| A closer view of the barn from the same spot |
I have cycled around the Ipsden area many times, but had never actually turned into Ipsden "Centre".
The village store is a modern not very attractive bungalow, but some of the other properties are interesting.
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| Derelict building at Ipsden |
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| Very nice house at Ipsden centre |
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| Also at Ipsden Centre |
Now we crossed over the familiar open, flat areas heading towards Crowmarsh Gifford.
Loved these trees all lined up.
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| Our climb in the distance to get back. |
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| Thatch cottage in Preston Crowmarsh |
Now continuing to Benson, with a detour to Rokemarsh and finally to Ewelme, our tea stop.
Was slightly concerned that they might not be open, being a holiday today. There is no plan B in these parts!
No loos at the village shop, so a another quick stop at the Almeshouses, which have a public loo. The courtyard always looks so nice, and we also chatted for a few minutes with 2 of the residents.
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| Man at work, in the Almehouses garden |
So far today not much climbing, but to get out of Eweleme, there is no avoiding it. Today, we opted for Days Lane, rather then the Swyncombe direction. At the brow of the hill, this Ewe with 2 lambs and Ewelme Village in the distance
Now heading for Nuffield, with another stop for photos at Oakley Court, where this avenue
of trees caught my eye.
And opposite Oakley court we see the climb ahead. Doesn't look too bad in this photo, but its over 300feet over a short distance, so you know all about it! Just stopped once, counted to 10, then set off again.
Phew!The worst is now over.
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| Views approaching Nuffield, and the top |
Now back through Stoke Row, going the scenic route, back through the bluebell woods.
30 miles in total. Very enjoyable.
No loos at the village shop, so a another quick stop at the Almeshouses, which have a public loo. The courtyard always looks so nice, and we also chatted for a few minutes with 2 of the residents.
Now heading for Nuffield, with another stop for photos at Oakley Court, where this avenue
Phew!The worst is now over.
