John and I drove to East Meon today, to do a ride "in reverse" which we had done before. Will the hills be any easier in a different direction I wondered?
Here is a screen grab. an interesting profile today.
We saw several groups of "detectorists" out today. We saw some last week too, so we are guessing that now the crops are cut, the farmers allow them into the fields at his time of year, until the preparation for the next crops begin.
We initially headed along the Meon Valley Road to West Meon (pretty much level), but there was a northerly headwind, which made it harder work than it should have been, and a bit cool too for August. We stopped along the valley road, looking back in the direction of East Meon. At the same time, 2 horse riders appeared at the junction.
We continue to West Meon, passing the wee shop, where a few cyclists were gathering. We had used the tea shop before, on a different route, but much too early on today's ride. We planned to stop at Hambledon.
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West Meon junction
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West Meon crossroads. We are going left.
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We left West Meon on Station Road, which then changes its name to Old Winchester Hill Lane. A clue that we are heading uphill. It was on this lane that we saw a hunt last year when the horses and hounds crossed over this lane into an opposite field. None today, but the fields were interesting with that freshly ploughed corderoy look.
And at the top, amazing views from Old Winchester Hill. Several cyclists passed coming from different directions .. all directions to get here are uphill of course!
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Photo by John
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Top of Old Winchester Hill
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Alan's coffee van. Still too early for us to stop for a cuppa.
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I overheard this guy tell his friend that the Isle of Wight is in the far distance. John in his Belgian shirt today.
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Now the next 4 miles are all downhill, with more amazing views. Thankfully an interesting sky today.
A couple of right turns now, and a change of view, and soon we come to a lane I definitely remember from past trips. The line of trees, and the "Little House on the Prairie" aka Stocks Lane Farm.
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| Our second right turn, reveals this view. |
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There is a large tree and a hedge in the way to get this shot, so a bit of crop.
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Little House on the Prairie (1)
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Little House on the Prairie (2)
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| Little House on the Prairie (3) |
Now an easy ride on quiet lanes into Meonstoke, and then avoiding the B2150 at Brockeridge. As we arrive at the junction, man coming the other way shouts to his wife "switch on your power quick". lol, I can relate to that. We turn left and a steep uphill, (power on) eventually crossing over the the B2150 in the direction of Hambledon. At this point we are only 4 miles from where we parked, but have done 13 miles.
We continue and come to a sharp right bend where this gate and leafy lane are straight ahead. At this point on the ride last time (in the opposite direction) our Garmins got confused but today, all good, so far. Whilst I took this photo, John detoured a few yards off the left, then turned around (next photo).
As we cross the B2150 into E. Hoe road, quite a sharp climb, and yet a couple are getting organised with an electric wheelchair. The lady is in the chair. I stop at the top, to take a photo or two and as we move a bit further and stop again, the wheelchair couple arrive, with the lady pushing the man! We exchanged a few words. It seems she cant climb the hill, but once at the top, she can push him. 😅
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Timely arrival of 2 old cars at The Old Forge
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After a steep climb, it flattens out for short time, then a drop down through this leafy canopy, and continuing down for a bit further.
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Photo by John...obviously
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Turning onto Droxford Road, we are now back on the ridgeway near Old Winchester Hill, and looking to the right towards East Meon.
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Views down into East Meon Valley
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We turn right here into a steep narrow lane with potholes, braking hard the whole way and emerging at the bottom next to a farm. (We had missed this turn when doing the ride in the opposite direction, probably because it looked more like a gravel track!) At the bottom, a farmer with his young son were at their tractor at the edge of this freshly ploughed field.
And now up again, and we paused at this gate as we spotted some golden fields beyond. We walked inside to take a look.
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Panoramic stitch
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Almost back now, and we drop down into East Meon. We have brought a picnic, so John nips back to the van whilst I find a bench in the sunshine, which was coming and going a bit now it was more overcast.
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Here comes lunch
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Finally a quick ride around East Meon before we head for home.
