Marlow via Rotten Row - 40 miles

on

With Daphne today, and we were heading for Marlow. We decided to leave a bit later, since the sun was due to come out at 11ish. Daphne drove to park at my house, since a long enough ride from here.

Route

Initially to Crazies Hill, then down to Hambleden Weir to cross the Thames.

Sun trying to break through as we reach Crazies Hill

Bumped into Lucy and Karan, on their way BACK from Marlow.

Hambleden Weir

Gates letting loads of water through today. Wooosh

We take the first right turn signposted Rotten Row, just knowing that we would be walking part of this climb. Its a tough one, even on my ebike, which I was not on today. But it gives the chance for a bit of much needed variety to the route.

Bottom of Rotten Row. Mist still in the distance across the river.


A tractor had dumped whatever these food piles are in a circular shape

Red Kite

This is as far as we made it before getting off to walk!

At the top, it continues to climb but gradual, then eventually a right turn heading towards Marlow. I last came here on a Sunday ride with John and it was heaving with walkers and cyclist, but today.... no one else there! Once through a Hamlet called Bockmer, a very streep drop down, followed by a very steep incline. I actually managed to keep going. Daphne got her gearing wrong, and then it's too steep to get back on. 

top of the climb up to Marlow Common. 

Then as we turn a corner, it flattens out. Phew. 

We dropped into Marlow via Bovingdon Green, emerging just near the Hand and Flowers pub and continued into the High Street, where I had check that Satollo was open on Mondays. ITs in Liston Court, through an arch in the High Street. We both had a hot smoked salmon toasted Panini, with Goats Cheese, Pistachio and Rocket. It was delicious. However I was thirsty all the way home!

Sitting on the wall to eat our takeaway lunch. Can't wait for tables and chairs to be
available soon.
We then did a detour to visit a friend of Daphne's who moved to Marlow at the weekend. Just a quick chat whilst she was on her balcony. Then on our way once more, heading towards Bisham, where we pulled off into Church Lane to see the Church. We met a lady there who comes to "talk to her husband" who is buried there. She was only 60, and he had died 3 years ago, Very sad. She also had clearly suffered a stroke herself.  Made me feel so lucky to be out on my bike, and fit and healthy. 

Bisham Church

Selfie at Bisham church


Interesting.plaque.Husband and wife both died
at 96 years old

Now to Temple, and we pass this field on the right hand bend, which always looks interesting. 
Arriving in Temple, with Crazies Hill in the far distance

Almost at Hurley and more lambs.

In Hurley, we turn left then first right into Shepherds Lane, which joins up eventually with the main road to Henley. A short section, then a left turn and up Rose Lane to Crazies Hill. From here, we opt to come back to Wokingham via Warren Row, White Waltham and Shurlock Row.

Daphnes Strava reports 41.5 miles, but the Garmin says 40. Whichever, a longish ride but nice to go somewhere slightly different. I have not ridden to Marlow from home before!