A Windy Wiggle round the Walthams - 31.5 miles

on

Since 2 rides had been cancelled this week due to rain and/or high winds, from storm Ellen, I asked Cathy if she was free to join me today to check out the Pondwood Fisheries cafe near White Waltham.  She had wanted to check it out anyway.   It is Saturday, so I expected there would be a good few fishermen there, but we were just after tea and cake... with a nice place to sit outside. We could have ridden directly there, but that was a short ride, so instead I planned a route which would take us there after about 20 miles, with just 10 more to get back home.

route

I arranged to meet Cathy on the edge of Wokingham next to the new Diamond Jubilee Way and found myself waiting a few minutes listening to the clanking noise of these flagpoles and thinking "I'm glad I don't live next to these!" The noise was like the sound of masts in a boatyard, and with the wind today, they were flapping non stop. It got to 9.20, and I thought it strange that Cathy was "late" then decided to check for any missed messages incase she was running late. Turned out I was 15 mins early.  So I did a bit of exploring, which is why my Garmin route at the start is a bit confusing. 😕


We initially climbed up Carters Hill then dropped down again to Binfield passing the football club into the pretty Ryehurst Lane. I always find something to photograph in this lane, and today it was horses. 
The rider asked us to pass very slowly, since the horse was quite young and bit edgy.  I took this picture after we had passed, and then she caught up with us, and passed us again, but she was quite happy that the horse was getting some practice of passing people and bikes. 



As we passed her again, she mentioned there were 3 young horses in the end field, so worth stopping to say hello to them.  They all looked up as we arrived, but unfortunately 2 had put their heads down again by the time I got my camera out.


Now into Bottle Lane and Howe Lane, then dropping down passing Waltham Place into White Waltham.
Approaching White Waltham after crossing the motorway bridge.

Shortly before White Waltham airport, we turned right into a concrete track called Heywood Farm Barns, which is a good track and connects to Strawberry Hill. (this avoids the bit which can be pretty messy coming via Paley Street).

Cathy ahead on Heywood Farm Barns track

Looking back on Heywood Farm Barn track. Would be nicer when the
crops are growing, but a pleasant track.

Next we connect to Breadcroft Lane, and then turn right into Cherry Garden Lane, which connects to the busy A4. This pretty pink house is at the end of Cherry Garden Lane.


We opt to use the footpath on the A4, although we turn off very soon into Burchetts Green Lane. This is just a detour to add some mileage. It's a pleasant lane, with a gentle rise, and at the top we double back on ourselves and use Green Lane to come back down once more to cross over the A4. Just before we do, we stop at this little gem.

ahhh. Cute.

The open views opposite the teddies.

Straight over here, and into the pretty Littlewick Green. 

Littlewick Green


Cathy waiting for the photographer. And now straight on through the village.

Crossing the Knowl hill Bridal circuit, the sky was looking rather threatening. oh dear!

Will it or won't it rain?

We continue along our second Bottle Lane of the day, and once back at White Waltham, we continue right towards Waltham St Lawrence, (passing Smewins Road on our left,) and turning into Halls Lane for a wee loop around the back of the Village before heading to Beenham Heath and left into the other end of Smewins Road, where the fisheries are.  What a lovely surprise. Looked amazing.




An alarm bell told him he has caught something..... it was a branch!

All very covid secure here, and after a few raindrops as we arrived, the sun came out again. 2 happy ladies enjoying their cuppa and cakes.  


The wind seemed to have picked up even more by now, and we battled home, heads down, via Hungerford Lane, then Hurst Lanes. Up over the motorway coming into Wokingham, we both overtook a man cycling here up the hill, so were feeling quite chuffed about that. 😁 Thanks for your company Cathy.