Not all of the ladies who joined week 1, were able to come today, but we had the company of experienced rider Louise, and so were a nice group of 6. It was only just 6 degrees when we set off today, with a northerly breeze too. We all had long trousers on, and for me the first time this season. Brrr. A few buffs evident too covering necks and ears, but it was Sunny!
We wiggled from our meeting point to Emmbrook via Mill Close, under the railway line, and then used the cycleways alongside the new northern distribution roads to Diamond Jubilee Way, to climb to Binfield Road.
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| The open views on Binfield Road. Instantly in the countyside. Long may it continue! |
Our planned route was to use the cut through of Monks Path, but after torrential rain last night, decided to scrap that idea, and so we peddled in two groups using the Forrest Road to Binfield, turning left at the first roundabout into the quiet Wicks Green. (We were within striking distance of our cafe stop at this point, but much too soon to stop at this stage. A few more miles first)
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| Cathy and Helen |
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| Andrea, Catherine, and Louise |
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| Lovely autumnal tones on Monks Path |
We then dropped down the hill on Tilehurst Lane, to the Stag and Hounds. Just opposite is a footpath sign, and we joined this to take us on a track to Jocks Lane. A bit muddy in places, but on the whole not too bad. (Better than using Binfield Road to Jock's Lane), especially with new riders.
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| The path to link us from Forest Road to Jock's Lane |
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| The meeting of Bracknell Model Railway group at Jock's Lane. |
Now we enjoyed the very peaceful Jocks Lane, and at the top, wiggled around the roundabout to join Popeswood Road back into Binfield, passing Newbold School, and then into Foxley Lane. Through the housing estate next, to the Fox's Den Cafe. Although a cold day, we enjoyed sitting the sunshine outside.
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| Like a summer's day at Fox's Den cafe |
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| Cardboard or china cups they asked? No comparison. Tea is just not the same in a cardboard cup. |
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| Enjoying the sunshine |
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| Sorry Louise! Didn't realise I was blocking you. Me, Louise, Catherine, Helen, Andrea, Cathy |
Retracing a short distance, we turned right to Murrell Hill Lane. Another of these lovely country lanes, with great views, and you wonder for how much longer? Near the top end of the lane the sun was lighting up the Georgian property on our left. It's called Popes Manor.
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| Pope's Manor Binfield. Once home to poet Alexander Pope, was converted to offices many years ago. |
Using cycle paths to pass under the A329M, and to connect to William Heelas way, we emerged near the "closed" Waterloo rail crossing, shortly saying goodbye to Cathy. The rest of us crossed the next level crossing on Easthampstead Road, and then soon right into to enjoy the peaceful road passing Ludgrove School. However, not so peaceful today! Endless traffic with huge 4X4's picking up their little darlings for half term . It was chaos!!
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| After recent rain, a puddle is back near Ludgrove School, and today just one Heron is spotted. |
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| Ludgrove, and finally passed the school entrance, traffic free. |
We turned left at Finchampstead Road, and across to Evendons Lane, then into Blagrove Lane. We stopped to allow a van to pass, and it kicks up some dust.
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| Dust from the passing van lit up by sunbeams |
Louise left us at the bottom of Blagrove, and Catherine shot past me up the hill...... until she slowed down😉. Good effort, but it goes on a bit too long to set off at a fast pace. Well done to Andrea too, who was just behind. An easy drop downhill now on Barkham Road, to join Woosehill Lane.
Lovely to have your company ladies, and well done to all on our 15 miler today. Great result, and only week 2 of our challenge. Will aim for 18 miles next time, when we are out again after half term week.