I met with Linda and Daphne today, starting at Linda's house. I had noted that the cafe at the Church in HW was open on Mondays again, so seemed like as good a destination as any.
A coolish day of around 15 degrees, as we headed along the "closed" Nine Mile ride. Park Lane also still closed which would be our normal route to Eversley. (The option to ride along the "snicket" along the back of 9MR didn't appeal after recent rain). We opted instead to cut through on the cycle path through Hogwood to Bowhunt School. It is ALSO closed part way along! And apparently will be for several months... who co-ordinates all these closures!?!
Route
Following some detour signs we finally emerged at the end of Sheerlands Road, and then joined the busy (and very potholed) A327. Not keen to do that again. It's a horrible section of road with fast impatient traffic. Right into New Mill Road, to head over the ford bridge. Ahead, at this point, we spotted a group of cyclists ahead, whom we recognised as a U3A group, led by S. Following a very hurtful fall out several weeks ago now, but which still feels very raw, I wanted to avoid a conversation, but unfortunately we finally did catch them up. I kept quiet, and soon we passed them. Thankfully they were not heading to the same tea stop as us.
Our usual route towards to HW, but we continued straight on Hazeley Bottom road, up the hill, then a short section of main road, turning next right into the fast downhill of Arrow Lane.
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| Poppies and weeds at the bottom of Arrow Lane, where we turn right |
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| A colourful border of Crocosmia at the church |
We decided to loop around the back of HW on Church Lane, passing the older church, and since the ladies had only ever ridden passed it on the road, I suggested a detour to see the graveyard and views beyond (having done this once on a walk). We struggled a bit to get our bikes through the footpath gates, but were rewarded by this lovely field of Barley.
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| The of the road section leading to Dipley Common |
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| Lane to Dipley Common, which becomes a footpath. |
Pretty much retrace our route now, apart from cutting through California Park at the end, before we go our separate ways.
Thanks for your company ladies. Complications with babysitting for some of us the next week or two, but look forward to seeing you again soon.
