Bank Holiday Monday. Bradfield to Hampstead Norreys 25 miles

A chilly start this May bank holiday which never really warmed up. John and I drove to Bradfield and did a mostly familiar route backwards. Very confusing!

Route

Initially we left Bradfield in the direction of Upper Basildon, going underneath the M4 and a bit of a climb. We were soon cycling through lanes passing lovely Beech Woods.  Then we followed several lanes in the direction of Aldsworth. Again a couple of steep climbs so I hit the power button.... as did John.



Think this was just west of Basildon, and a few yards further on we took a very sharp left hand turn,
and climbed a steep section.
 Things soon levelled out again, and a good few miles of flattish lanes, through lovely countryside, enroute to Aldsworth. Mostly turning right at junctions.

Many bluebells were fading, but this little patch still looking nice

Great clouds today

Dropping down as we approach Hampstead Norreys

Yum. 
Now a gradual climb (no power) over to Yattendon. We had check and knew that The Pantry was closed today otherwise we may have stopped there for tea.

Yattendon village center

White Wisteria in Yattendon
Now we head over the M4 and shortly turn right up a bit of nasty climb towards Frilsham (power assisted!). We shortly rode through some more beautiful Beechwoods.





Next through Wellhouse, then a nice down to Marlston. Then left off the main road, and across a familiar Ford turning right towards Buckleberry.



Arriving in Stanford Dingley, we could have gone straight over into Back Lane which a straight road back to the start, but instead turned right and passed the pretty church, then UP a steep section to Tutt's Clump, which is an extra loop which joins back to Back Lane.

Stanford Dingley Church. Sun now gone unforotunetly
so a bit dull.