WLCG Fritillaria Field via Grazeley - 24 miles

After our pathetic turn out of just 2 last week, with poor excuses such as "holidays" and "birthdays", we were a team of 6 again today. (no sick notes😉). The schools broke up at 2pm today for Easter holidays, so Lynne and Martina needed to be back in good time. So, a shorter route than of late, but still a respectable 24 miles. 

I visited a garden this week whose Snake Head Fritillaria were in full flower, so I asked if anyone fancied a ride to see the "wild flower meadow" that I had visited before near Stratfield Saye?  Enough said yes, so we were off.

Route

Meeting at our usual spot and all complaining how cold it was again, apart from Martina, we crossed through the woods at Simons Lane.  A few muddy patches under the trees, but perfectly dry across the field to Saddlers Lane. Bearwood Road and Mill Lane next, where we met with Gill. 

Our usual route along Cutbush Lane taking us over the M4, then a fast downhill on Brookers Hill to Three Mile Cross where we cut through the new housing development to avoid the Basingstoke Road. It's a bit of a faff to cross at 3 sets of pedestrian lights, but safer than dashing across the A33. Soon we were in the quiet Kybes Lane, with no traffic.

End of Kybes Lane, Grazeley where we join now join Goring Lane.

Some nonsense going on behind me at the end of Kybes Lane.

Goring Lane was annoyingly busy this morning and with several bends in the roads, it's difficult for the cars to pass. (Note to self to use Fullers Lane next time ie straight on rather than left. ) But not far along, we turned into quieter Goodboys Lane, which emerges at the junction of Wokefield Park.

Daff display the entrance of Wokefield Park, where we now turn left then 
right into Cross Lane, then right into Grazeley Road, heading to Beech Hill.

We stopped for a car to pass us on Grazeley Road.
Lynne spotted a Duck in the hedge.

Same spot, and in the middle of nowhere, Louise meets a lady from her past life 
as a school teacher. 

We turned left in Beech Hill village centre, and whizzed downhill, then up a little to turn left onto Chequers Lane. I was on the look out for a gate to a field, which is normally locked. But the farmer often opens the gate at this particular time, to allow photographers access to the Fritillaria Field, which is the one beyond the far edge of the field. It was locked. No problem, I know another way in, alongside the stream, which I can confirm ladies, is indeed the River Loddon. 

We pushed our bikes off of the road, and once out of site, locked them up against a fence.

This way ladies..... trust me.

It was a bit wet underfoot, and Lynne was complaining of wet feet. I was feeling smug in my waterproof socks. We followed the  Loddon, crossing one bridge and I think they thought "Where on earth are we going!"😊 Martina thought I knew of a secret coffee shop. When we got to the second field, we still saw nothing, until closer inspection.... when I spotted ONE Fritillaria.  Not exactly what I had hoped. Sorry ladies. 

A lone flower. How disappointing. And you can see how wet the grass is. 
These are the conditions they need to thrive. 

How exciting! A second one. 

The ladies looking confused. WHERE are the promised flowers Anne? !!

So, here are a few photos I prepared earlier, and to prove that this field has in the past been filled with flowers. 

This one is a bit special, with a Fairy balancing on top How lucky was that!.

So, maybe in about 2-3 weeks time if anyone is passing that way, have another look. 

heading back out, and to Welly Farm Shop for tea.
(photo taken by Louise since nowhere to balance my camera)

Standing down. 

The highland cattle are back at the farm shop. 

The views at the farm shop. 

Our return leg was down Bull Lane, under the A33, to Riseley and straight over into Park Lane, then Church Lane Swallowfield to Farley Hill. We climbed Priest Hill to the top of Farley Hill, and since we were going to go back down the other side a different way today, we took a left fork at the top, which come out opposite Farley Castle. 

Farley Castle. Now a mixed housing developement.

We whizzed down Castle Hill. I hit 27.5 mph. That's a bit too fast, but it's a good road surface. Right into Swallowfield Road, and  dog leg over the new Observer Way into Greensward Road. Everyone knows this road as the one with free horse manure. A massive pile at the side of the road as we passed. 

A right turn onto Reading Road, but almost immediately left into Church Lane to sneak through into the Reading University Farm area.  We had to pull over as this enormous piece of machinery headed to towards us.

Pulled over for him to pass.

Arborfield Church to our right now. 

Good path straight ahead for a good distance. 

Think they have added an extra metal post here. A bit of a faff
to get through, but we managed. 

The path deteriorates after this point, a bit messy after rain this past few days, but with a fair bit of swerving, we negotiated the worse of it, to emerge onto Mole Road, Sindlesham. We said goodbye to Gill here, as we retraced our routes home. 

Enjoy the Easter Break ladies. I am busy with grandchildren next Friday, so have my sick note at the ready. See you soon.