A Breeze ride today, and unfortunately with 2 late cancellations, just 4 of us on this ride. That said we had a lovely ride, swapping and chatting to each other. The forecast was good until about mid day, so we were on a mission to hopefully not get wet.
route
The ladies asked if I could describe the route in detail, in the hope that they can repeat it with hubbies. Its easy! (so a bit more detail today)
I met up with Louise and Linda at Blagrove Lane, and we picked up Rachael at FBC. Poor Rachael having just come down from Finch Church, immediately had to climb back again, since we started today heading up Church Lane, and down White Horse Lane.
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The little copse of trees on White Horse Lane looking lovely in the sunshine this morning
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White Horse Lane, waiting for the photographer
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From Nine Mile Ride, we swung round and cut through Hogwood Industrial Estate, then crossed the A327 and into Church Road, taking the right turn into Church LANE over Farley Hill. We continued today on Church Lane, since I hoped the trees at the top would be looking good. This brings us out to Castle Hill then a right followed by a left at the crossroads down Priest Hill .
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Castle Road Farley Hill
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Castle Road Farley Hill, looking back
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At the bottom, a right turn along another stretch also called Church Road, all the way into Swallowfield. We ignore Part Lane and take the left into The Street, before a left turn into Trowes Lane. Part way along, we turn right into Charlton Lane, crossing the road into Barge Lane. We keep right on Barge Lane which becomes Kingsbridge Hill, crossing the green bridge, and climb up to Beech Hill. At the junction with Beech Hill Road, we stop for a breather and I noticed the sky to our left was looking interesting.
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| Beech Hill Road |
We all enjoyed the run downhill over the A33, and turned right into Cross Lane, followed by the Postman, whom we would see several times in the next 10 minutes! A loop around the back lanes, finally back to Beech Hill at the church. Rather than go down a second Trowes Lane, we pushed on taking the next left into Park Lane, which I think gives better views...
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Park Lane, Beech Hill
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There seem to be a plethora of Park Lane and Trowes Lanes around here, so it can get a bit confusing! At the end of this Park Lane, we cross straight over to Chequers Lane, then take a left into Barge Lane BUT don't continue on Barge Lane. It changes name on the
bend to Bull Lane, which we follow all the way to the end, with a steady climb, where just a few yards on the left at the end, is Wellington Farm Shop.
We sat outside which was a bit coolish since the wind had picked up. Its half term and I was a bit worried about slow service, but it was fine today. (no one else outside at all).
We retrace our steps on Bull Lane, and take the right turn taking us under the A33, before crossing straight over to Part Lane, Risley. After short of a mile, we turn right into School Lane continuing past Thatchers Ford, which was very full today. After the ford, the road changes its name to Ford Lane, all the way to the Bramshill Road.
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| Ford Lane, Riseley looking lovely with autumnal tones |
As we arrive at the Bramshill Road junction, 6 cyclists heading to turn left into the junction. Steph and other friends on their way back from their ride. Not a good place to stop, so we just wave and continue. We only stay on the mainroad for a short distance, before turning into the main Forest Path.
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| Linda, Louise and Rachael. Still smiling! |
Almost back, just cross Eversley Ford then Park Lane and back through California Park. Rachael waves goodbye as she heads up White Horse Lane. (much more fun coming down it!)
And no rain! Lovely to see you all ladies. Until next time.
