Out with Cathy today since the first time since she recovered from Covid 19. I asked how many miles she was up for, and she said she had managed 28, so I suggested Henley. It would be 30plus with a few climbs, but she said she was up for the challenge. Well done Cathy.
We did the route I rode with John recently returning via Woodlands Road Harpsden then, up and down via Lower Shiplake.
route
We started with a familiar route through Hurst Lanes, then up past the vineyard at Twyford, through Ruscombe to Tag Lane, Warren Row. Then up to Crazies Hill. That's the first 13 miles, all gradually uphill. Some lovely crop fields on the way.
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| Rowan Cottage, Crazies Hill |
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| Interesting Weather vein, Crazies Hill |
Between Crazies Hill and Remenham Hill, the road was closed to traffic, which was a bonus. Nice crops to the right.
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| Near Crazies Hill |
Next the lovely long downhill to the Thames at Aston, loosing all the height we gained, continuing into Henley. We stopped for a rest along the riverbank for a drink and a snack.
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| Not too busy along the towpath towards Marsh Lock |
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| Shame we noticed this "cafe open" after we had our snack. |
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| Views along the towpath to Marsh lock |
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| Lovely planting at The Old House just before we leave the towpath. |
Now the only way is up. We cross towards Harpsden, and took the first left fork up Woodlands Road.This is the steepest climb of the day. I had only done this once before (on my ebike), so was pleased that I made it today on my road bike. The foliage was still looking good today, even if the spring freshness has now gone.
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| Cathy on the climb up Woodlands Road (looks nothing here! But it continues round the corner.) |
We continued on this road, eventually dropping down to cross the A4155 and drop further down to Lower Shiplake. Interesting to have a nose at some lovely properties, and just as we were about to turn back up the hill, I spotted a field of pale pink poppies. We detoured left instead and spent a few minutes photographing.
We climbed out of Lower Shiplake, and as we crossed the main road once more, we spotted another two fields of Poppies.
Now we continue on a gradual climb to Binfield Heath, turning left and enjoying the flat section to Dunsden, before the wheeee down to Sonning, back across the Thames once more. Which of course means the only way then is up again. But not for long. At the top of the climb, we stopped for a moment opposite this pretty cottage with Foxgloves in flower and Hollyhocks about the join them.
Now into Charvil where we crossed over at the ford at Whistley Green.through the field with the horses, and then back through Hurst and past Dinton Pastures.
A good workout, at the end of which I had to quickly get changes, and turn out some scones for some friends due for afternoon tea very shortly! and Relax.
