When we ride from home we get stuck in a loop as to how far we can go, so I suggested that the ladies who live
south of Wokingham drive to the start, and therefore making this ride from Cantley to Stoke Row doable as a 33 miler. The first 9 miles are mostly flat, as far as the Thames at Sonning. The next 10 are uphill, and the return trip is downhill! (apart from a coupe of uphills!) Sorted.
Route
Daphne, Susie and Linda joined me at Cantley. It was a busy morning there, as two U3A groups also met up, and also another couple of Breeze ladies who were heading as far as Sonning. The U3A group were heading to Crazies Hill.
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| Other groups who were setting also off from Cantley car park |
We set off initially towards Hurst and up Sandford Lane to Charvil, then crossed the river at Sonning.
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| Fisherman and canoeists at Sonning |
Climbing through Playhatch to Dunsden Green, after a short breather, we turned left into Church Lane. A winding lane, so caution needed at times, but we split into two groups, and it was fine. Then straight across Emmer Green road at a X roads, and continue on the pleasant straighter lane. Daphne spotted a gap in the hedge, and this was the view. Stomy looking skies today at times with some gusting winds, but it never did rain.
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| Looking back in the direction of Dunsden Green, we had followed this hedgeline (on the road over the hedge) |
We shortly pass a pretty thatch cottage which Daphne says, after we passed, had a Blue circular sign. I have only driven this lane before, and never had time to look closely. Must check next time. (this is google street view), and can't zoom in enough to read it.
Crossing now at the Bird in Hand Pub, Sonning Common, a very short link road, then a right turn into Kennylands Road. This is where the climb to Stoke Row starts again, although very gradual, up to the cross roads where we turn sharp left to Kidmore End. An undulating lane, where I am always much relieved to see a church straight ahead, and where we turn right into Wood Lane. (I went wrong here once and ended up in Caversham.... I was not popular, as we had to come back up the hill and added 10 miles to our ride. lol)
Straight over at the end of Wood Lane into the pretty Wyfold Road, which passes through horse country and pretty Beech Woods, passing the pigs, all the way to Stoke Row.
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| Wyfold Road |
The climbing over, we are rewarded with a cuppa and a cake at Stoke Row Store, where we sit outside. (First bought cake for months! Exciting)
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| Yum |
A quick stop at Maharajas Well, 's cos that's what you do in Stoke Row!
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| Selfie at The Maharajah's Well. I'm in focus at least! Susie, Daphne and Linda |
Through the village and a right turn into Stoke Row Road, and a fabulous run down hill through the almost Cathedral like Kingswood, passing through Peppard Common. Diagonally across at The Pet Barn where after a couple of hundred yards we spot two old guys on bikes heading up. John and his friend Dave almost finished their ride which started here.
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| chatting with John and Dave, as we cross paths. |
A bit more downhill on Blounts Court Road, passing the top of Devil's Hill on oru left, with just one more climb to do up to Binfield Heath. It turned out not so bad. I had only ever come downhill here once on the 3 counties ride years ago. Straight over at the top (Emmer Green Road), then shortly, a right turn back towards Dunsden. This pretty cottage on the cross roads.
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| Binfield Heath Cottage, opposite the village store |
A lovely fast downhill now, back through Dunsden Green and Playhatch. Wheeee.
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| Sonning, whilst waiting at the traffic light on the bridge |
From Sonning, we return through Charvil, this time crossing the field of horses to take us into Whistley Mill Lane. (beyond the ford). At least 3 of us are a bit nervous about the horses, but we made it!
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| our route to avoid the ford. Very scary!! |
We voted to return the "easier" route via Hurst to Dinton and Reading Road, since it was still a bit blowy. Susie and Daphne headed to Cantley whilst Linda and I crossed to Woosehill. ( she had got a lift to the start, but cycled home. Well done, another 3 or 4 miles).
I never thought I would cycle from home to Stoke Row, but breaking it down in to chunks, it's actually not a difficult ride. And an average speed of 12.1mph is not too shoddy.
Where to next I wonder?
