Henley Harpsden Bix Turville

Out with John today in glorious spring sunshine. The first 11 miles uphill.....then it was easy.

Route

We started at Mill Lane Henley, and were heading for Bix. So, at Harpsden up the first hill towards Greys Court. I've only done this once before, so a change from Devil's Hill. A little bit of main road is necessary to link across to Grey's Court, but soon back on country lanes. Just around the corner from Greys Court, a cockerel was rather vocal. It jumped onto the gate post, to pose.

We continued eventually coming out next to Bix Manor. The planting was looking lovely.

Bix Manor

Amelanchiers and Stipa Gigantea at Bix Manor Entrance

Crossing straight over the main Henley road, we turned first right next to St James Church, Bix

St James Church, Bix

I had not ridden this particular lane before, so enjoyed the views it offers across the Stonor Valley

Views from Old Bix Road

Old Bix Road

Old Bix Road.

Emerging at Orchard Dene Nurseries, we turned left now and the gradual climb up the Stonor Valley

Glorious day in the Stonor Valley

Heading up the Stonor Valley

Once past Stonor House, a right turn up a fairly steep hill towards Turville Heath. I stopped for a breather twice, but cycled the whole way.

Balham's Lane which connects the Stonor Valley to Turville Heath and Northend.

Pretty cottage just as we are about to turn down the road out of Northend, towards Turville

A nice surprise on the downhill to discover that most of Holloway Lane has been resurfaced! It was in a pretty bad state, so is now much safer to ride, but it has lost it character.

New tarmac on Holloway Lane

heading downhill towards Turville

First signs of bluebells in Turville . There will soon be a blue carpet here.

John was keen to do another climb to Frieth (he is on his electric bike), but I was not quite so keen, so headed back along the Hambleden Valley, which is a lot easier! My e-bike is hopefully arriving from Spain next week!