I have been wondering about the possibility of cycling to Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire, where you can use the cafe without paying to go in the gardens. Also wanted to check out the possibility of storing bikes safely, if we were to go into the gardens.
Route
I planned a route to start at Ewelme, and built some new roads onto some familiar ones around that area. Being Sunday, we used ebikes, but didnt use the power very much, other than a couple of more challenging hills on our return trip. It was forecast to be hot today (at last) but a misty start kept the temperature low to start with.
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| Mist over Swyncombe as we park at Ewelme at 10ish. |
As we passed through Ewelme, there was a large red marquee with food, portaloos, and a few cyclists hanging around. This turned out to be the Marlow Red Kite challenge, of between 50 and 100 miles. We would pass LOADS of cyclist in the opposite direction for most of the journey to Waterperry! Some bikes had 600+ numbers, so assume they had over 600 riders taking part. That's a lot of "hellos" 😉
and looked it up on Google!
Not far passed the Manor house, we turned left at this junction, heading now to Great Milton.
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| left turn here |
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| Great Haseley Windmill |
A tower mill with a fantail and four common sails. One of the largest stone-built tower mills, it is thought to have been built in 1760 and came to the end of its working life in the early 1900s. Fully restored to working order in 2013 after a comprehensive programme of repairs.
We join the A329 for 100 yards, then a right turn and soon pass Raymon Blanc's "Le Manoir".
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| Great Milton |
Busier A roads now, towards Wheatley, then over the A40 and the M40 to Waterperry. A quieter road as we approach the gardens. The mist all burned off now, and a very pleasant 25 degrees.
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| Waterperry cafe |
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| Great location on a warm day |
We checked out the possibility of safe bike parking for a future ride I am planning with friends, and were told that they could be stored away from the main car park, so hoping to return on 30th to have a walk around the gardens and have lunch.
We retrace our route back to Wheatley, where the biggest climb of the day faces us, up Station Road. We used power of course, and I know I will struggle when I come next time on my gravel bike. But it's soon over, and some wonderful views from the top.
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| Views after our climb out of Wheatley, arriving in Cuddesdon |
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| Cuddesdon University of Theology |
A steep down, partly 10%, as we leave Cuddesdon behind, then climb again on a right hand bend, where we stop for some photos on a ridge.
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| Views back to Cuddesdon |
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Views the other side of the ridge
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Now to Chisselhampton on a nice downhill, coming into Stadhampton on the bend, where the Crazy Bear is, and we continue on this road. It had occasional traffic, but not too bad. This road continues to Newington, then straight through to Berrick Prior. Back on familiar territory for me now. We continue to Brook Street, Benson, turning left to Ewelme.
Some of the Red Kite riders still just arriving in Ewelme (now about 4 hours since we left), and low and behold Breeze champ Sarah from Cookham is there. I was taking this photo, when John spotted her.😀
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John realising this is Sarah from Cookham. She is tired, at the 75 mile
mark, and heading up Swyncombe Hill next. She hasnt done it before. |
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| Spot of Sunday cricket at Ewelme where we parked. |
A lovely ride, helped by the weather of course. Nice to discover a few more new miles.
