Blooming hot again today!
Lynne and I were the only ones of the WLCG who were free today, and Lynne led on a ride to Hurley. Much of the earlier and later parts familiar of course, but nice to investigate some new lanes beyond Burchetts Green and over to Hurley. We stopped for short breaks under some shade for a drink, but whilst moving the heat didn't feel too bad (30ish degrees). Plenty of leafy lanes on much of the route was the best place to be on a hot day like this.
Route
We set off towards Winnersh, and through Hurst to Shurlock Row on a familiar route. From here towards between the duck pond and Smewins road, I spotted this Avenue of trees which I hadn't spotted before. (they lead to a farm)
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| The "Corgi" house on Smewins Road looking lovely with the Lavender peaking |
From here down Butchers Lane, and into The Knowl Hill bridal circuit. (no shade here)
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| On the left of the Bridal circuit path |
Rather than go through Littlewick Green, and cross the A4 into Green Lane, Lynne's route took us left where the bridal circuit meets Westacott Way, then right at the roundabout and first left into Burchetts Green Lane, which passes the pretty Little Stubbings House, before emerging at Burchetts Green Road. (next to The Crown). (The route through Green Lane, emerges at this same house).
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| Daylilies looking amazing at Little Stubbings House |
At the junction, I normally would turn right here if going to Stubbings Garden Centre, but we turned left and then shortly right into Honey Lane, towards The Dew Drop Inn. A bit of a steady climb at this point, and as we reach this road sign, we turned right (still Honey Lane), which drops downhill but then reveals a view towards Hurley.
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| Highest point of Honey Lane |
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| Lynne setting off after our stop to look at the view on Honey Lane |
At the bottom of the hill, we need to join the main Henley/Marlow road for just a couple of hundred yards, but it's a fast road, and I think next time, I would get on the footpath here.
Now passing through the pretty village of Hurley, where we turned left along a narrow track, which then opens up to a proper concrete road to a mobile home park, then a right turn down to the riverside.
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| Hurley Village. We turned left just before this drive. |
At the Thames, views to Daneshill House in the distance.
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| Daneshill House in the distance, which is across the river. |
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| We opted to sit not on the benches in the sun, but on the grass in the shade! |
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Helmet hair!
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| We need to walk out bikes a short distance passed the homes along the riverbank, |
Now we turn right onto the main Marlow Road once more, again just for a short distance, climbing a little before turning into Rose Lane. Its uphill all the way from here to Holly Cross, at Crazies Hill.
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| Lynne starting the climb up Rose Lane. Turned out not as bad as she had remembered. |
From Crazies Hill, a familiar route back cutting through Tag Lane, to Ruscombe, and then back to Hurst. A lovely ride, but we both ran out of water before the end, and now a lazy afternoon.
