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.
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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.
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Many bluebells were fading, but this little patch still looking nice |
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Great clouds today |
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Dropping down as we approach Hampstead Norreys |
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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.
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Yattendon village center |
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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.
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Stanford Dingley Church. Sun now gone unforotunetly so a bit dull. |