A misty start this morning, so I took my Fuji camera with my new 23mm prime lens hoping for some atmospheric shots. We drove to park at Mill Lane Henley, but the mist was already clearing as we started our ride. Quite a few rowing boats out on the river today, starting a race, as we cycled along the toe path into Henley. No particular route in mind, at least not for the second part of the ride.
Up the Fairmile, and into the Stonor Valley, where, as we approached Stonor Village, I spotted a bit of mist on the hillside. It only lasted a few seconds, and then it was gone.
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| View on the left as we pass through Russell's Water |
Once through Russell's Water, we turned left, and then a right turn to Swyncombe. All downhill now for a while!
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| The Ridgeway track at Swyncombe. |
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| The road now drops down between the hedgeline, towards Ewelme. |
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| John enjoying being on his bike. |
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| The field on the left at the bottom of the hill. |
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| The edge of the same field. Trees looking nice in their winter state. |
Through Ewelme, and Benson, and we went to Crowmarsh Gifford to the Cart Shed, for a drink. It was busy, infact we almost didn't stay. But we got a table after a few minutes. I had the amazing Ginger Cake and Ginger Tea, which I also had last time. 😋
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| Once up the hill, we pass through Hayley, then turn right passing Ipsden Church. |
Straight over the main A4074, and on Whitehouse Road to North Stoke. I hadn't cycled on this bit before. A left turn, and soon right to Little Stoke, also new for me.
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| Views as we pass through Little Stoke |
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| Little Stoke |
There was a short climb to take us back to turn right and rejoin the main road, and after less than half a mile, we turned left on familiar road now (where John lost his sunglasses). So from here, we have always gone left a the Xroads, passing the little airfield. But because we were on ebikes, we decided to go straight on at the Xroads, up the long hill to Woodcote. (South Stoke Road).
Actually, it wasn't too bad and the gradient only between 4 and 7 percent, but it is a long hill. So my friends will love this if I decide to come this way in future. 😊 I've come down it many times, and always thought that I don't fancy going up!
Through Woodcote, then across the main road once more to Checkendon, turning right into Deer Lane, and then left through the woodland lane to Wyfold XRoads. Back via Sonning Common, and down Devil's Hill to Harpsden. The temperature dropped on that road, since no sun gets to it this time of year.
We got back home at 2.45... lunch seems to be getting later and later!