Wargrave loop with Stacey - 20.6 miles

Day 2 of Stacey's child free visit from NY, and after a horrible wet and windy day yesterday stuck indoors slugging champagne, a chance to get some fresh air today on our bikes. (Petrol stations around us are out of fuel due again, 10 days since the panic buying started due to Driver shortages , so we need to really think about travelling anyway by car.😔)

Route

Stacey borrowed my ebike, but since she is pretty fit anyway, would barely need to use the power. But it is a few years since she has been on a bike, so the power assist may be handy just on the odd hill. I offered her some of my paddy pants to help with saddle sore. They were a tiny bit big lol..... and to stop them falling down, she went for the "tucked in look".😂

It was only 13 degrees when we set off, so a bit chilly and grey skies. We left Wokingham via Toutley Road, and over the two motorways, turning left into the Hurst Lanes on Lines Road. Its amazing how within about 15 mins we can be in the countryside. 

Hurst Lanes (silly pose)

Much improved pose

Now through Hurst Village, passing the Castle Pub, and through to Hogmoor Lane. Next a left turn, to climb the hill passing the Vineyard approaching Twyford.

Blue sky now as we arrive in Twyford, to cross the railway line to Ruscombe

Ruscombe Church

Castle End Road, Ruscombe

Neck in neck!

Soon we cross the A4 at Hare Hatch, and into Tag Lane. I have often noticed the impressive driveway on the way passed so stopped for a closer look.

Tag Lane, Hare Hatch

We drop through Wargrave from Blakes Road down Wargrave Hill, heading for the Cwych cafe.

Crossing over the little backwater to the cafe

That's not blown highlights btw. Stacey currently has purple hair. 

I opted for the Welsh Cakes.... as usual

The wind got up whilst we were there, infact one of the parasols at a table came crashing down, taking the table with it. We opted to take ours down before the wind took it down.   Now through Wargrave, passing by the church and onto Loddon Drive. 

Loddon Drive, Wargrave

Loddon Drive 

Crossing the River Loddon, along Loddon Drive

sheep seeking shade from the sun along Loddon Drive

We joined the footpath now for a couple of hundred yards alongside the A4 into Charvil, and then spotted a "Road Closed" sign.  Ooops! They were tarmacking, but allowed us through on the path which was coned off. It was ok, but a bit too narrow at times, so we had to scoot along with one foot on the ground.

Park Lane, Charvil closed for tarmacking

Next, along Beggars Hill Road to Woodley, and where a short distance down Sandford Lane, opposite the Mill House, we turned right on the bend into Colemansmoor Road (the old part), which emerges at The Woodley Aviation Museum. (John learned this new bit today). We dropped down to Dinton Pastures, riding the pathways, and across the bridge, once more crossing the river Loddon.

 

crossing the Loddon in Dinton Pastures

The bridge within Dinton Pastures

Not too busy with dogs and walkers today, but we turn off the pathways around White Swan Lake, before it gets to the section that does get busier. We cut through instead to the alternative car park, following the perimeter of the park. Its a bit  noisy with traffic alongside on the A329, but a good road surface, emerging at the main entrance to the park.

Almost back now, just  back of the motorway and we stayed on the path/cycleway back to Wokingham noticing the two garages still with no fuel😕.  Well done Stacey! 20 miles today. We'll have  you doing 30 by the end of the week.😇