The last couple of days have been so cold and wet, that it really doesn't feel like the longest day of summer has just past. So finally a chance to get out today, Tuesday, with no rain forecast but still only 11-12 degrees! I rode with John and parked in Upper Wargrave. We needed to be back at the van for 12.30 since he had a lunch date.
Route
We dropped down to Henley via Aston Lane, continuing through Remenham. Then through the town and up to the Stonor Valley. It was all looking very green, thanks to all the recent rain and cooler temperatures.
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| Stonor Valley |
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| The farm at Stonor |
I have only ever gone up this road as far as Stonor House, then either turned left up to Russells Water, or right up to Turville Heath. But today, we continued on the main route all the way through Pishill, and to Christmas Common. In other words, about 10 miles of gradual climbing from The Thames, with a cheeky steeper section just when you don't need it. Not steep, steep, but enough for tired legs. I did it, with just a few seconds rest at the point where John told me it was about to get steeper.
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| Passing the pub at Pishill |
At the point where I stopped for a breather, this view to our left, where the tree line is the road into Russells Water.
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| Views to our left as we are almost at the top of the valley |
Now right at the junction, into Christmas Common, and flat now. Some interesting light in the woods to our left opposite the Christmas Tree place, and we noticed a footpath sign post which went through a closed gate. Had a quick nosey behind the gate.
Now its all downhill for a while. So nice to be freewheeling at times as we dropped to North End, then heading to Turville down the halfpipe. Just as we left North End, views to our right with the cattle...
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| North End Views |
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| Views to the left over the Wormsley Estate, where we had been to visit recently |
Through Turville, and down the Hambleden Valley, where we stopped for a cuppa. The Hollyhocks are budding up nicely, and should be in flower by next week, or two, so will try to get back. They always look amazing flowering where they have landed in cracks in the paving.
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| Hambleden |
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| Hambleden cottage opposite the shop |
We were now a bit pushed for time, and got held up with 3 boats coming though Hambleden Lock. People on holiday boats, and such a shame they needed to be dressed for winter. Up the inevitable hill, and just shortly before arriving at Crazies Hill, I spotted these Llamas or Alpacas. There used to be 3, so the flock has recently increased. I always find their expressions amusing.
We got back to the van at 12.29, a minute ahead of schedule. 😇
