It's Bank Holiday Monday, but with nothing doing, Daphne, and Linda were free to ride. We met at Crazies Hill for a ride to Marlow. Linda has not done this loop before and it's some time since I did it with Daphne. (and we went via Rotten Row last time).
It was another cool... no actually, COLD day, with a pesky northerly wind. Doesn't feel at all like August! We were all in shorts, with goosebumps, but with long sleeve tops. No one wants to be the first wear long trousers, since that's a bit depressing.
We had not long left Crazies Hill when two Red Kites were flying low to the ground, and it turned out that they were after a poor Badger. First wildlife of the day. We dropped down Aston Lane, where at a gap in the hedge, I liked these hay bales, with the group of trees behind.
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| Aston Lane |
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| Waiting for this lot to leave the lock |
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| A nice wooden one, but one waiting to come in from the other direction. Further delay! |
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| lol. Linda trying to keep her hands warm |
Across at last, and up to Hambleden where we ride through the village. I actually take one layer of long sleeves off now, since more climbing to come.
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| 10.20 as we pass Hambleden Church. |
We climb to Bottom Lane, which is always a good way to warm up. Just as we turned into the lane, a Muntjac Deer dashed across the road infront of us. It stopped in the woods to keep an eye on us as we passed. Then back to the valley road, all the way through Skirmett and turn right at the end of the valley road. First right now, up to Frieth. We stopped part way up to see the young cattle.
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| heading up the hill to Frieth |
At the top, straight through the Xroads and soon it flattens out onto the ridge. Views to the right....
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| A little further along, view to the right |
We cut through Bovington Green down the steep descent emerging near The Hand and Flowers, and into the High Street. Burgers Coffee shop was closed, and there was quite a long Q at the takeaway at the park. We found this place called The Old Brewery, back along the High Street. Bikes chained to the railings incase some opportunist helped themselves, and were had our drinks at this funny bench with a seat only at one side.
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| Daphne is the only one whose legs reach the ground 😂 |
Next, over the bridge, and turn right further along the main road, to Temple. Daphne spotted a field of Donkeys on or right. Not seem those before. This is turning into quite a wildlife trip today. 😉
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| Between Temple and Hurley, looking to Crazies Hill |