Pet Barn to Pyrton - 31 miles

Sunday ride today with John from The Pet Barn, and with the help of his new personalised Christmas map, centred on Christmas Common, it was easy to plan the ride to extend north of where the old map stopped ! Most was very familiar, but the loop from Watlington to Pyrton was new to me.

The weather forecast was for "oooo, ahhh, precious moments" (3 degrees), but as we climbed it got colder of course, and floated around 0.05degrees for a good part of the ride. But we are getting pretty good at layers, and were fine, apart from a cold right hand taking gloves off for photos! Always like to take the chance to take more photos when with John, since he (says) is happy to stop. 

Route

Initially, we headed to Peppard Common then left at The Unicorn, into Wyfold Lane. Neither of us had used this lane for a few weeks, but it turned out not so bad as expected, thanks to a few days now with no rain. It can get flooded at times. Then we headed for Checkendon. 

The woods near Checkendon, which will soon be showing signs of bluebell shoots

The future

From Checkendon to Nuffield, then all the way up to Christmas Common, so the first 12 miles was a gradual uphill. 

A gloomy day. Christmas trees at Christmas Common

The National Trust car park at Christmas common (Watlington Hill car park) was overflowing into the road today, with Sunday walkers making the most of the last of the New Year holiday. Work and Primary Schools due back tomorrow.... although it may be necessary for schools in the South East to close once more to contain the spread of the virus. Terrible times. To go to school or not? Feel very sorry for pupils, and parents of school children.

 

View on our right as we descend Hill Road into Watlington

Hill Road, Watlington

Misty Hilltops

Takeway snack of "Brookie" (brownie and cookie combination)

From Watlington we turned right on the B4009 for less than half a mile, then turned left towards Pyrton. My first visit here, and will certainly return in spring.  We stopped at the Church briefly, since I was a bit chilly have stopped for our snack. There is a photo on the church website taken in March when the graveyard is full with daffodils. ( diary note to go back!)

Next to Pyrton Church

Grass path to the church

12th century St Mary's Church, Pyrton

Once through Pyrton, a gentle climb and good views to the right looking in the direction of the M40.

Knightsbridge Lane  leaving Pyrton

Views from Knightsbridge Lane, Pyrton

Left at a junction and more lovely views over the next stretch as we head towards Brightwell Baldwin.

To our right. Lone Tree.

A bit of soft treatment for this group of trees. 

Towards Watlington Hill

Brightening up over Watlington Hill, to our left

Approaching Brightwell Baldwin

Now back on familiar territory as we pass through Eweleme, where we start our climb again towards Nuffield, up Brixton Hill. 

View looking back from Brixton Hill, nearing Nuffield

All downhill now for the last 5 miles through Stoke Row back to Sonning Common, which always helps the average speed.