Since Friday's forecast is not good, I opted to ride today, and asked Gill if she would like to join me in the Chilterns. She has never been before, so jumped at the chance. We met at The Pet Barn, Sonning Common. John and Dave also set off from there on a different and slightly longer route, so we hoped to finish at around the same time, since John and I shared the van.
Route Screen grab of route also at end of blog.
We set off initially to Kidmore End, then over to Wyfold Road, turning left at the intersection with Wyfold Lane toward Hook End. Then the horrible little climb up to Checkendon (Deer's Lane), by which time we were nicely warmed up. There was a strong northerly wind today, so a very different feel to the day.
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| Deer's Lane coming into Checkendon Now we were aiming to go down Berin's Hill, a nasty 1in 10, which is why I never come up Berin's Hill! But it's always fun going down it, before the incline to Ipsden, where we stopped for a photo looking back. |
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| Looking back after descending Berins Hill |
Now a right turn, and across the open expanse of crops fields in Ipsden, and with todays gusts it was hard work at times keeping the bikes upright.
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| Views to the right as we cross Ipsden |
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| Looking back. Nice and flat (ish) but gusty winds as we cross The Ridgeway path |
Next we are following a bit of cycle route 5 crossing the main A4074, at Crowmarsh Gifford, and use a little cut through avoiding the roundabout, and heading in the direction of Wallingford. We turn right for Preston Crowmarsh and then stop for a few minutes on the Thames Footpath on the weir at Benson.
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| Gill on the bridge at Benson |
We decide to stop at Benson Waterfront Cafe (primarily to use the loo!), but then decide to have a cuppa while we are there. (Lots of cafes atm do not let you use the loo, but no problem there..phew)
No tables available of course atm due to lockdown, but we took our takeaway to the little park right next to the cafe and found a bench by the river. Could be worse!
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| Benson Riverfront |
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| Gill taking in the views... and keeping and eye on that sky. |
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| The sky had been looking a bit threatening for a while, and it chose this time to start raining.😟 |
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| Turning sharp right in Berrick Salome. |
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| Miserable conditions now as we head towards Eweleme |
Gill was quite charmed with Ewelme, as everyone always is, especially on their first visit. I stopped to point out the School, Almshouses and Church before we turned right near the school and up Days Lane, stopping at the top to look back over the village.
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| Ewelme School Build 1437 and still in use. |
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| Views back to Ewelme |
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| Views to Swyncombe Hill from Ewelme |
Now we head up Brixton Hill (or as I call it Nuffield Hill). It's a bit of slog but one of the easier ways out of here. Gill did really well with just one stop to catch her breath. I was on my ebike, so was fine on green but still working hard. (New gravel bike delayed by 3 weeks😔) I have done all these hill before I got my ebike btw, so I completely understand they are hard work!!
The boys were back just a minute before us, so all working out perfectly. They had also got soaked.
Thanks for joining me Gill and look forward to showing you around some more of the area in better conditions and when the tea stops might be open again. A Screengrab of the route....
