With just 3 of the WLCG free today, we invited Gill's neighbour Lizzie to join us, and Andrea too to join us at our tea stop in Holyport. (Gill and Jeanette both still on hols.)
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| New haircuts and a blonde Martina! |
As I was leaving the garage, I realised that I had a puncture, and no time to fix it. So I used my ebike which was very frustrating since today's route had quite a few tracks, and would much preferred to have been on my gravel bike, which is a lot more forgiving on the bumps.
Also forgot to press record for the first 10 miles, so only starts on Drift Road
Route after 10 miles
We met with Lizzie as we joined the Forest Road, and headed for Carters Hill, turning left at the top into Billingbear Road. We paused here for a moment as Lizzie explained that she used to live in the little cottage in the grounds of the big walled garden.
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Turning into Billingbear to drop downhill.
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At the bottom, straight over into our first track connecting to Hill Farm Lane, and joining Ryehurst Lane. Towards the end of Bottle Lane, a left into Hazlewood Lane until the first right turn, and straight across into Bowyers Lane at Moss End. Left today at the top of the hill at the green triangle of grass onto Wellers Lane, then a good way along a left turn into another track called Penfurzen Lane. This emerges directly opposite the lane into Ferneygrove Farm Shop, avoiding the main Ascot Road.
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| Turning left off of Weller's Lane |
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| Martina and Lizzie catching up as we turn off into Penfurzen Lane |
The next stretch passes Ferneygrove on Hawthorne Lane to Nuptown, where I noticed these gates and impressive garden beyond.
Through the pretty Coningsby Lane and at the A4 we wait for ages for a gap to cross straight over heading to Monkey Island Lane. A quick detour to the riverside at The Waterside Inn, only to see a sign saying "do not enter - Swan nesting", so no river view photo today.
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| Swan nesting at The Waterside Inn |
I send Andrea a "20 mins away" message, so that we can liaise at The Cuppa in Holyport.
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| Pretty Bray properties |
A lovely tea and cake stop and catch up with Andrea, then we are off again,returning via Money Row Green, and into Long Lane, to avoid the main road to Holyport. Mostly very dry underfoot today, although horse hoof marks have hardened making some of these bridle paths quite bumpy now.
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| Open views part way along Long Lane |
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| Looking back on Long Lane |
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| bit muddy in parts on Long Lane |
At the end, a right turn, then soon left and through the back of Paley Street, before joining Howe Lane as far as Westley Mill Road. Then over the ford, and right into the other end of Hazlewood Lane back to Bottle Lane.
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| crossing the ford at Wesley Mill |
Back into Binfield on our favourite climb on Tilehurst Lane, then around Wicks Green to join the Forest Road. We wave goodbye to Lizzie as 3 of us return on Binfield Road, whilst she continues to the end of Forest Road to return to Sandford Lane.
Very nice to have your company Lizzie and am sure will see you again soon.
