Windsor via Oakley Green - 40 miles

Piecing together a few bits of rides today with just one missing link from Fifield to Windsor, to the Racecourse Marina Cafe, called Gogo. John and I had eaten there for dinner, and he had also been recently for a coffee, so my turn now to put a route together. I rode today with Linda H, whom I have not seen since for a few weeks now,  so a nice chance to catch up on a 1-1 ride. We both rode gravel bikes today, so made use of a few cut through tracks to vary the route.

Route

We met near Cantley, climbed over Carters Hill, down Billingbear Lane, then straight over into the bridal path. This was new for Linda. We had a bit of rain yesterday, but you could hardly tell. It was no problem.

Looking back to Carters Hill from Hill Farm Lane.

Now we join Ryehurst Lane and then Bottle Lane, and cut through to Buckle Lane, to allow us a straight over at Moss End. We wiggle to Malt Hill, and Garsons Lane, and enjoy this lovely display of Cosmos on the end house at the junction of Winkfield Lane.

Now to Fifield on the Drift Road, but at the junction where I have always turned left, we turn right towards Windsor. This bit is new for me. A bit of a busy road at times, but soon we turn right at a pub on the corner of Dedworth Road in Oakley Green, and wiggle through some housing to arrive almost opposite the entrance to the Marina, next to Windsor Race course. 

They dont serve cake, but the scones were delicious.

We opted to sit at the bar facing the boats. Sun shining, and very pleasant. 

Tiniest Narrow boat I have ever seen. 

Sun fully out as we get ready to leave.

As we leave, we turn left, and opt for the very good cycle path alongside the A308, and in less than half a mile we turn left into Mill Lane. We are soon due to turn right, but stop to for a look at this interesting building on the corner.  A local lady came by, and we got chatting about the building, which was once the church caretakers house. The church is just behind, and she was on her way to lockup, and offered for us to take a look inside. She even insisted that we take our bikes into the church with us. 

The quirky church caretakers house.

Inside St Andrews church, Clewer. The oldest building in Windsor, and 
here long before Windsor Castle

Linda chatting to the lady who kindly allowed us inside.

Soon on familiar ground once more, as the cycle route passes under the A322, and we continue along the riverside, then over Eton Bridge. We keep left once over the bridge, and ride on Meadow Lane, turning right to following the railway arches to the jubilee river. A couple of miles on the river path, and barely see anyone else, before we leave it to head for Dorney, on the B3026 for a short distance. Then on the gravel track just before the gates of Dorney rowing lake, to cross the pedestrian bridge to Monkey Island Lane.

Crossing on the pedestrian bridge to Monkey Island Lane

Now straight across the busy A308 and we soon join Conningsby Lane for a loop on tracks to Holyport. Back via Paley Street, continuing to Beenhams Heath, then through Shurlock Row and Hurst Lanes to arrive back over the two motorways at Cantley.  The pace of average 12.5 was pretty fast for me, considering we did a bit of off road too, so I definitely feel that I have ridden 40 miles.😁. Thank you Linda for your good company and a chance to chat as we peddled and enjoyed the beautiful weather .