WLCG day again, and I suggested Lynne might like to take the lead as we once more set off in 2x2 formation. Lynne came up with a route which was a little longer than usual, but we were all happy to ride it. She shared her GPX route incase we drifted too far apart. She had ridden it last summer, and I had done most bits, but only once before on some sections, so it made a nice change.
Route
We met at Bearwood Rec Ground at Sindlesham, and with Gill at Lower Earley. (Sandford Lane is not far off flooding, so Gill came "the high road" incase she couldn't get through.)
The weather today was chilly but sunny, in fact some frost on the cars this morning, so we were very careful watching for any ice on the roads. What we had not expected after just few miles was fog! This must have been coming from all the little rivulets off of the River Loddon as we climbed over the pedestrian bridge over the M4 at Lower Earley.
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| crossing the M4 pedestrian bridge at Lower Earley |
Following Cutbush Lane, we left it at Oatlands Road, to then cross over and follow Church Lane, Shinfield which continues into the new housing estate on a road called Bolton Drive. (ie do not turn to L'ortolan) This section includes a road for a bus link (one way). I rode yesterday a little further east (the wrong way on the one-way system!)
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still foggy as we ride through the new development off
of Hyde End Road Shinfield |
Next across to Beech Hill Road, and familiar ground, today following the road all the way through to Beech Hill church, which was looking lovely today with sun and tree shadows.
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| Beech Hill Church |
Soon we turn left into Trowes Lane, and skirt the edges of Stratfield Saye on Great Dover Street, arriving at the "Active Tots" crossroads. Quick drink and snack here in the sunshine. Great Dover Street had been a bit slushy in places with melted ice.
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| Snack stop nr Stratfield Saye at Fair Oak cross roads |
Left now, and into Bramley, arriving opposite the bakery, and the inevitable wait at the level crossing. I have NEVER been through Bramley and not had to wait for a train to pass through. A little way through Bramley and left into Cufaude Lane (just before the turn to NT The Vyne). A pretty lane, which takes us into Chinor, where we join a system of cycle paths through the housing, but mostly leafy lanes (or would be in summer). The cycle paths also link to cross the A33.
Now following a pleasant lane called Pyotts Hill, (downhill!)
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| on Pyotts Lane, we turn right at this house |
Lynne's original route turned left at the end of Pyotts Lane which would have missed the village, so I suggested a little detour to see the sites of Old Basing. Pretty village, but with everyone working from home atm, too many cars parked to do any decent photography. A bakery was spotted, which we must return to another time. I have just been on a call with a friend who lives in Odiham, who highly recommends the cakes here.
Bakery Old Basing |
| Thatch in Old Basing |
Passing a pretty church on The Street, we climb and are soon back on our planned route, passing the end of Pyotts Lane on our left, joining Newnam Lane. Open countryside to both sides on this road and even some fast downhill sections, before we come to a climb into Newnam village.
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| View to our left just before we climb into Newnam village |
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| Gill and Martina bringing up the rear at this point |
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| And there they go into Newnam |
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| Newnam common |
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| drink stop after climbing to Newnam |
A downhill and then up again as we pass Tilney Hall on our left, then take a right turn passing through Rotherwick. At the B3349, across to Mattingly and then climb to the Shoulder of Mutton, then home on a familiar route on Plough Lane and over Eversley ford.
Well done Lynne on a lovely route.
