Wokingham to Knowl Hill - 24 miles (hot, hot, hot)

A heatwave arrived this morning, only due to last 24 hours thank goodness, so we aimed to set off a bit early at 08.45. Just Martina, me and Lynne today. Then a message from Lynne whose gear cable died on route to the start, so she dashed back home and arrived on her e-bike. Lynne led us today and we used plenty of leafy lanes much of the time, but just occasionally a blast of hot air from any exposed tarmac.

We used a little path at Waltham St Lawrence which I thought I had not ridden before, but according to hubby I did use it about 25 years ago. Fancy me forgetting that.

Route

We left Wokingham towards Winnersh and cut through the Hurst Lanes, then up the straight mile, where you could sense the intensity of the heat in the crop fields.

We worked our way to West End, passing Waltham St Lawrence School. Then a drink stop outside the Old Bell.

From here we took the lane between the pub and the church, but then branched off to the left on the track which is part of the Knowl Hill bridal circuit. It was a good hard path and this is the one which according to my hubby I cycled with my son many, many years ago. The next photo is a glimpse through the hedge to the left of the pathway. We met a couple of walkers, and a group of 3 cyclists, but otherwise empty.

We emerged on lane called Knowl Hill Common next to this cottage and a graveyard just short of the A4.

A quick dash across the A4, and back on familiar ground on the road up to Velolife. Our first visit to Velolife since they reopened after lock down, and we managed to get a seat under the shade of the vine. They have added some nice new timber tables and now offer no seating indoors, with areas sectioned off with rope for toilets and bike maintenance.