Cranbourne Loop - 28 miles

on

 For one reason or another, only 2 of us free to ride today. Lynne had to be back by 1ish, so we stayed local but still managed 28 miles. We were heading for the Lake View Cafe in Cranbourne

We wiggled through Wokingham to the Ski slopes, then enjoyed the big downhill. Before reaching the end, we took a cycle path, not quite knowing where it was going, but hoped that it would emerge near the entrance to Jocks Lane.... which it did. 

Route

Down Jocks Lane, and soon over to climb Cabbage Hill, passing the sculpture on our left.

Cabbage Hill

New Landscaped areas on our route through Cabbage Hill


We did a wee detour into West End Lane to check out West End Farm Cafe, but its not in the best location, so not desperate to use it. More of a van drivers stop.

Straight over and into Watersplash Lane, brimming with Cow Parsley

Now left and then straight over into Osborne Road, past Warfield Church, left into Malt Hill, the round the loop of Nuptown.

Old Gates as we get close to the end of Bishop's Lane, Nuptown.

At the junction, after just a few yards there were some temporary lights today and we stopped at these gates to "The Old Forge". Never noticed this before, but around the corner there is a new wall which has the same Criss Cross brick pattern, with some new gates. We then noticed that most of the properties around here have very intricate metal gates no doubt forged here.


Now to the Lakeside Cafe, and just before we arrived  I remembered I had no cash with me and they are cash only! Lynne to the rescue. I owe you next time.  A chilly day for May, but no inside seating until Monday 17th when Covid restrictions will finally allow indoor dining for the first time in over a year.


A slab of ginger cake which was delicious.



We backtracked to Malt Hill, continued straight on the main road (a bit busy... and uphill) turning next left into Weller's Lane, then Bottle Lane. Ryehurst Lane back to Binfield where we climbed past The Jack o Newbury and into Wicks  Green.  Finally, down Binfield Road. At this point it was 12ish, so rather than head home, we opted for a loop to the south, across Ludgrove.

Nice ride, only  a couple of hills, which is probably why I felt a bit cold today. A drizzly damp morning but always good to be out.