Pet Barn to Christmas Common - 28 miles

Daphne is away walking atm, and so just Linda and I today, with John joining us at times. We drove to Sonning Common and started to climb towards Christmas Common, initially via Wyfold Lane and Emmens Lane to Checkendon, enjoying the bluebell woods.  We lost John part way along Wyfold as he stopped with his camera.

Route

I had done the Wyfold Woods just a few days ago, so didn't stop this time, but did stop again in Emmens Lane. Linda carried on to the top of the hill.

Emmens Lane Checkenden. The little bursts of lime shoots were not there a few days ago,
and add to the scene.

Emmens Lane, Checkenden

Catching up with Linda at the top of the climb into Checkenden

Then we rode around past the Equestrian Centre, where a couple of weeks ago, on a walk, I had seen 2 foals. There were 4 today! So cute. 

Checkenden. 4 tiny foals with their Mums. 

The middle horse was rolling around on her back.

John caught up with us again as we enjoyed watching the foals, then we all set off together again towards Nuffield, where the woodlands on both sides were also full of bluebells. John stopped as we continued through Nuffield, and across to Christmas Common. It was cold! There were a north/east breeze again today, for the umpteenth time, and even through the sun broke through at times, my fingers turned numb at the tips. (finger less gloves). Linda was freezing too. 

Then we dropped down from Northend on Holloway Lane to Turville. Part way down, the bluebells were at head height, so I stopped for an easy photo. (no bending!)

Holloway Lane, with bluebells at head height.

Holloway Lane. Down, down, down, not ideal for warming us up!

Finally, as the road flattened out, some more lovely bluebell woods just before Turville village, and I spotted John once more catching us up.  His first words were "It's freezing".😂

I  loved the vibrant grass amongs the bluebells in Turville woods, and the Beech Tree new foliage.

A sprinkling of white bluebells

And one more for luck. So pretty, and the green in the far distance helps the vibrancy too. 

Spotted in Turville. Not exactly what you'd expect to see in this timeless village. 

More appropriate. Wisteria budding up on The Old School House.
A nest in the corner of the bedroom window. Probably Swifts. 

As we turned right onto the Hambleden Valley Road into Skirmett, there was a whole field of wild Cowslips, but I couldn't get a clean shot with the camera through the dense hedge. Also loads of tiny lambs bleating in the opposite field, well hidden behind a hedge. John shot ahead of us as we climbed the short rise away from Skirmett and we never did see him again. (turned out he went the "high road" into Hambleden... to warm up)

Approaching Hambleden, and the sun came out, lighting up the trees in the distance. 

Looking slightly further left of the last shot. 

And a few yards further along on the verge.

Hambleden Village. Always a shame about the cars, but some old fashioned
transport turned up. 

A rare chance to photograph the village without cars, is when you walk to the loo!

On my way back to the shop, Linda and John in the distance. 
Lady Hambleden's house to my right here. We saw her today out walking with her sticks.

Across the weir, and I suggested since the ground is bone dry, that we ride along the riverside as far as Remenham Church for a change.

John obviously took this one.

And now getting my camera back in my bag. Busy isn't it!

Spotted on Remenham Lane. Summer Snowflake, or  Loddon Lily.
Latin name Leucojum aestivum

The other white plant in evidence in loads of places today, was a very common one, but none of us knew it's name. I googled it, and it's called Garlic Mustard. 

Google photo. Garlic Mustard.

Through Henley and we climbed to Harpsden, and I suggested we climb Woodlands Avenue then through Harpsden Woods to Binfield Heath. (alternative to climbing Devil's Hill)

John tried to photograph us coming up under the lovely tree canopy, but Linda was hiding behind me

So, bottom shots instead. Trees were beautiful today.
The top is just around the corner. Phew, 

Now through the woods to Binfield Heath, and a few more bluebells enroute. The path was nice and dry, so making the most of it, since can be messy after rain.

The path through Harpsden Woods to emerge at The Bottle and Glass pub.

I questioned John if he was going to ride home, or get a lift? He decided to ride home, since it's pretty much downhill from here anyway. Linda and I did our final climb to Sonning Common to drive home, and I dropped her off at Doles Lane.

She reported that she wasn't even tired, so need to push her more next time. 😉