Henley via Harpsden - 33 miles

Whilst Daphers is relaxing in Cape Verdi, Linda and I peddled today to Henley. It was another cold morning, so we delayed our start until 10.30. By then the sun was adding some very pleasant heat although still cold in the shadier parts.  (I had thought of going to Greys Court for tea, but it would have added another 5 or so miles, which was probably a bit too long for Linda who rode from home.  Another time, perhaps on a spring day.)

We peddled up Sandford Lane, Woodley, to ride to Tippings Lane to cross the railway bridge, and aim to cross the A4 to Sonning. Not for the first time, instead we got lost, went round in a circle and ended up back at Sandford Lane.😂   So, we used Beggars Hill Road, then eventually joined up with the Tippings Lane Junction with Waingels Road. How ridiculous. 

As we arrived at the bridge in Sonning, the lights were on red, so we decided to just walk over the bridge and a chance for a photo from the bridge.

Mirror like reflections in the Thames at Sonning

The Mill House, Sonning

Our climb to Dunsden Green certainly warmed us up, and after a brief stop, continued further up the hill. I loved this long shadow in the field on our left.

The shadow of the oak tree filled the field!

We shortly turned left into the lane called Gravel Lane, where there is a good tarmac surface, then right at the end to join Emmer Green Road, which at the next crossroads at Binfield Heath, changes it's name to Harpsden Road. It's a lovely lane, and we eventually come to the junction with the pretty thatch cottage in a hamlet called Mays Green.

We take the right fork called Chalk Hill, passing
the golf course as we drop steeply into Harpsden.

Because I knew from yesterday's ride with John, that there are 3 way temporary lights at the Tesco roundabout, we climbed the hill out of Harpsden, to drop down into Henley a little further along, turning right at the lights, into Station Road.  We walked the last few yards on the one way system to the Chocolate Cafe.

Mid day at The Chocolate Cafe Henley, where we sat outside.

Pea and Ham soup. Delicious.

Rowers lifting their boat out of the water.

Gulls swooping down over the water.

Now crossing back over the river in Henley.

Remenham Lane was mostly in shade, so it felt cold until we got to The Flower Pot and climbed Aston Lane. Not cold any more! Then to Crazies Hill, and eventually across the A4 to Waltham St Lawrence, over Milley Bridge rail crossing.

A brief stop for a drink (from our flasks) at Waltham St Lawrence.

Decisions, decisions at the 5 way crossroads? We opted for Sill Bridge Road to West End, then Hurst for our final leg.

Passing the church at Hurst on Castle Hill.

If only all January days were like this. 😊 A beautiful day to be out, especially with Fog forecast all day tomorrow. Thanks for joining me Linda. I guess you did 40 miles. Well done.