Silchester to Ibworth - 27 miles

Today we were meant to be 5 ladies, then with Linda B and Linda R cancelling, turned out to be just 3. I was also due to be entertaining all 6 of the WLCG this evening, and at the 11th hour, we are now 4. It's a nightmare trying to organise anything atm. Covid and positive tests keep getting in the way of everyday life. 😔

I got a lift with John and Dave and met with Daphne and Cathy at Silchester Church. A new route today, taking in the cafe I found recently at Pamber End. 

Route

John and Dave cycled ahead of us, as we set off round Wall Lane, then left and first right heading to Aldermaston Soke. We missed our angled right turn but quickly realised "off course", and doubled back to Soke Road. 

At a sizable roundabout at the end of that road we went wrong again! Was half way round the roundabout before it was clear, but not a problem, since the next left was the 3rd side of a triangle.  Back on track, turning right into Raghill.

Next a left turn into Spring Lane, where a nose blow stop (that kind of day), was also a chance for a leg stretch for Daphne at Aldermaston Church. 

St Mary The Virgin, Aldermaston

Views opposite the church. A gloomy day, but nice views.

A big drop down hill now into Aldermaston, turning left in the centre into Wasing Road, all the way to the end, where the gatehouse was on our left. 

Wasing Road junction, where we turned left. Cathy's got some tinsel stuck in her hat😁

A bit of a slog followed uphill to Brimpton, before we took Inhurst Road. Over the next few miles some pretty houses, including this thatch, called Snowdrop cottage. This was at 10 miles on Wolverton Road heading to Axmanford. Is that where the mad axeman lived?

Snowdrop Cottage

Ham Farm House, Ham Lane

Keeper's Cottage, Baughurst Road on our right.

We arrive at this junction with the church on our left.
I had been here once before approaching from a different direction, 
from Monk Sherbourne Road.

Into Ewhurst Road now, which I had ridden before, and knew about the hill coming up soon, to get up to Ibworth. Towards the top end of Ewehurst Road, we saw a line of people in the field, and turned out they were shooting. 

Ewehurst Road, where shooting was taking place

We are heading to climb the hill beyond. 

We had to  pull over for a van at this point, which was a pain.

Some square cows Daphne?!

At the top. Phew. It's quite a challenge.

Views to our left from the top at  Ibworth

The pay off, was a lovely downhill now for a good stretch now, through Wooton St Lawrence, and continuing downhill as we cross the A339 for a second time, dropping down into Monk Sherbourne, and continuing to Pamber End to Rose's Tea Room.  The boys ahead of us, but they hadn't stopped for any photos. 

Ding Dong Dave.😂

The tea stop was at 21 miles so not far to go now. The wind had picked up and it felt chilly after sitting indoors, but by the time we climbed through Little London, we felt warmer. Frog Lane took us to Clapper Farm Ford, and the final climb to Silchester.

Lovely ride, and one to be repeated in a different season of course. Glad you both enjoyed the new route ladies. Well done. See you again tomorrow Cathy for our final Breeze before Christmas.