Today's Breeze ride was all about visiting the amazing snowdrop display at a tiny Church in the Hamlet of Swyncombe. Most people have never heard of it.
I planned the route of about 30 miles, which started at Sonning Common. I took 3 other riders in my van, and others made their own way for a 9.45 start. We were all there in perfect time. It was a mild start today, for February, and of course we had some climbing to do, so no one ever felt cold.😉
Route
We started with a very gradual climb, passing though Kidmore End, then made our way to Checkendon. A lot of trees have been felled along Wyfold Road, and a quick stop as we passed. This clearing has just appeared recently, and I had wondered what it was for!
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Gill, Louise, Daphne, Sue P, Angela, Rose, Barbara, and Cathy.
This is not a forest track! We had just pulled off the road for a moment. |
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| Our first cheeky climb towards Checkendon. |
In Checkendon we took the very potholed lane, which passes the Equestrian Centre, then turned right and continued straight, all a gradual uphill, all the way to Nuffield, where we regrouped.
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| Regrouping at our first high point in Nuffield, where it now levels out |
Passing Huntercombe golf course, a dog leg across the main road, and we split in to 3 groups for the narrow lanes of Huntercombe End, joining the B481 (Nuffield /Watlington Road), for a mile or so, and regrouped once more at the green triangle at Cookley Green. We are definitely now at the top, almost at Christmas Common.
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| Church Lane, Cookley Green. |
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| photo by Angela. |
We had a little climb back up of course from the church, and the sun had come out! It was gorgeous.
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| Top of Swyncombe Hill, where the Ridgeway crosses. |
A fabulous downhill now to Ewelme, where the crop fields were looking so verdant as we shot down the lane, with Kestrel and Red Kites gleaming in the sunshine. We had a brief stop to see the School and Almshouses in Ewelme. (and use the loo).
I have been here so many times, but lots of ladies today had never been. Everyone just as charmed as everyone always is on their first trip here. Its quite a special village. A couple of ladies got chatting to an Almshouse resident too. We didn't have time to also have a good look around today inside the church, as it was already almost mid day, and we were in need of food and drink.
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| The cloisters at the Almshouses, Ewelme |
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| Entry to the Alsehouses. It's 11.40! |
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| Making their way back to the bikes. |
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| The house opposite the school. Always so pretty. |
We continued through the village and downhill all the way to Benson, where we stopped at the Waterfront Cafe. We sat indoors today, as did everyone else, but even though it was busy, the service was as good as always. We opted for a mix of soups, toasties, and scones, which all arrived pretty much at the same time, with the usual endless variety of coffees and teas. Brilliant service, and all within 10 mins tops of our arrival.
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| The river is behind all those boats ! |
So, we know what's coming soon. But not yet. All easy going through the pretty Crowmarsh Gifford and then through Preston Crowmarsh to cross the A4074, and the start of our first climb back up. We all took the hills at our own pace, and then waited until everyone had caught their breath before enjoying the next bit which was the open slightly undulating landscapes across Hayley, passing the King William pub road, and through Ipsden.
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| Top of our first climb, and the open fields of Ipsden. |
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| photo by Angela, as we cross the lanes of Ipsden. |
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| Not far behind me, go Sue and Louise. Well done ladies. |
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| Gill up next... |
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| Then Angela. Fantastic. |
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| The view looking back from part way up Bottom Lane. |
Just passed this view point, you think the top is just over the rise, but it keeps on going. I think I am right in saying that two ladies made it all the way to the top, whilst most others took a breather. But, what an achievement, and smiles all round.
We then passed the equestrian centre in the opposite direction from this morning of course, and headed to Stoke Row, to then enjoy the big long downhill through Kingwood. 25 mph! Wheee. I normally park at The Pet Barn, so had to remember to turn off a little sooner today, to avoid the climb back up to where we had parked. So, we turned right into Gallowstree Road, which I had never done before, and low and behold.... a climb... but not a big one. Finally, left into Reade's Lane, where at the end, it joins Kennylands Road, where we had parked.
I know that some of the ladies were challenged today, but they did it, and loved it. Infact at least two independently commented to me that it felt like they were on holiday. What a lovely compliment, and I am so glad you enjoyed it. Lots more to discover in the coming weeks and months. Thank you all for your company, and also for my lovely lunch.
