The Woosehill Ladies group today was just two of us (half term) so Jeanette drove and led us around a ride she has done 3 times before, but previously started in Alton. Today we parked in South Warnborough. (Halfway up the nasty hill which looks back over the Village). There was some fog around at the start, which thankfully cleared not long after our ride started.
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| foggy as we approach South Warnborough |
I had loaded the ride onto my Garmin which was not happy all day since I had thought we would start in Upton Grey. (technology!) It complained all day that I was off course despite the fact that 95% was the same course just a different starting point. Grrr. Here is the recorded route.
The route
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| Just a couple of minutes from the start and straight up our first climb over the day looking back to South Warnborough |
Next some lovely lanes as we headed towards Upton Grey, where we turned left and continued straight for a while. I think our next climb was up a steep rise in Moundsmere, where the road was officially closed, but we went anyway. I took the next photo at the top of the hill.
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| Jeanette approaching the top of the hill |
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| As I waited for Jeanette I spotted a little patch up sunshine lighting up the scene. |
We continued to Moundsmere a sharp left uphill. This was also officially closed for roadworks but we walked passed the roadworks. The next 4 photos taken at the top of the hill.
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| There was a dew on the grass across this field |
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| Waiting for the photographer |
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| Same field |
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| Just with my camera phone, but you can just about see the dew drops like jewels on the bare hedges. Still a little misty in the distance here. |
Now after our climb, a nice big long downhill heading to a crossroads over to Bradley. I took this 5 shot panorama just before we dropped down.
A bit further on and a few bit of sunshine at last.
Heading towards Alton, cycle route 23 then goes into a Forested Area. The first section was good paths, but towards the end, a very muddy path, not entirely ideal for road bikes!
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| Good pathways initially |
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| A lovely ride... all downhill... through the forest |
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| A look back at where we just came from as we emerged at a farm, and rather muddy |
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| Lambs in the field at the farm as we got to the end of the muddy part |
We were now almost in Alton. We decided to stop here for a cuppa, since it is now 1o'clock. We had planned to stop at a farm shop, but it was still another 5 miles to go. We found this little Cafe with seats outside. It was pleasantly warm by this time.
Now we leave the town behind and head towards Isington, where there is the pretty Millhouse, which belonged at one time to
Viscount Montgomery (Monty).
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| Isington Mill |
Just beyond the mill house, yet another road block with pot holes being filled, so another walk around. Shortly after, a dogleg under the A31 before another climb to Lower Froyle (how is that possible!) with a nasty steeper bit at the end as we turn right on the brow of the hill signposted to Long Sutton.
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| Jeanette appearing at the top of that nasty climb to Lower Froyle |
As a reminder to me, this is where I previously photographed a horse in the field a the top of this hill, which was not here today. Almost there, the worst is over! And a few gentle miles through some pleasant woodlands.
A big downhill at the end into South Warnborough. Nice to end on a big downhill, except the car was parked up a hill on the other side, so we worked until the bitter end. Phew.
Thanks Jeanette for your company and guidance. Hope you enjoy the photos.
