I had made a diary note weeks ago as a reminder that Kidmore End House has an open garden this afternoon. We pass through Kidmore End so often on our bikes, but had never really noticed anywhere called Kidmore End House! It would have been easy to just cycle there directly, 10 miles each way, but with lovely weather forecast, seemed like a good idea to make it more of a day trip.😎
Martina and Lynne had school meetings until 10 anyway, so we set out at 10.30. (Louise at Chelsea Flower show, but Gill planning to meet us there with her Mum and Dad who arrived yesterday for a few days.) They always read the blogs which I share with Gill, and tell me they love to read them. So a special "HELLO" John and Pat who will be making their blog debut later.😂
A coolish start with N/E winds so an extra layer to start us off, but which we all discarded by the time we got to Twyford. We set off through Hurst, passing the pond, then up Broad Hinton, and I led them on a new cut through I discovered recently. Still up hill, but shortens the climb, taking out some of the curve at the top of Broad Hinton. From New Road, a change of plan to my route, since the fields I call "Gill's field" looked too tempting today not to ride through.
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"Gill's field" opposite New Road, Ruscombe.
Pretty Hawthorne Entrance |
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| Path nice and dry |
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| Today's route via Wargrave and Henley to Kidmore End |
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The cow parsley lined the second section of pathway.
Another week and they might have peaked. |
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| The soft green of the Barley Crop is so tactile. |
Down Mumberry Hill and across Dark Lane, Wargrave to cross to Crazies Hill Road. A couple of the ladies said they had only ever done this in the opposite direction. Really? Then for a change we also rode up Highfield Road, passing the barn. It's uphill this way!
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| Andrea and Martina reaching the highpoint on Highfield Road. |
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| Lynne continues on Highfield Road, heading to Crazies Hill. |
We had a quick stop at The Horns pub to see if any filming action today. It's currently rebranded as a Tandoori Restaurant for a Mid Sommer Murders. No action, but one guy we spoke to thought today was the last filming day. We soon dropped down Aston Hill to the Flower Pot, at which point it was 11.50. Almost lunch time, so we thought rather than find somewhere in Henley to eat, we would have a snack here instead. We couldn't get in the garden, (gate padlocked) and were told "We dont open till 12". Lots of very expensive looking new garden furniture and aparently it's only just reopened after a big refurbishment.
We decided to press on into Henley....except that after a few yards Jeanette realised her tyre was flat. 😟. We pulled off the road, and parked our bikes against the gate which leads down to Hambleden Lock. The tyre very easy to get off, so this would be quick!
I went ahead and mostly sorted it out, but wasnt happy that the tyre was sitting correctly at the valve. Took it off, started again. Blew it up, then a bulge around the valve. Andrea and Jeanette also got involved then, as we replaced with a second spare tube. Eventually sorted, we were on our way.
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| Trying a second spare inner tube after the first one wasnt right. Value was off centre. |
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We pulled over just before Rememham Church to allow a car to pass.
"It's flat again" called Jeanette. |
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Jeanette determine this time to do it herself., with a little coaching.
I gave a final 25 pumps of air, then as I pulled off the pump
the valve came off with it!!😡😡😡 |
We had now used all Jeanette's spare tubes, and she was ready to call Martin to collect her, but I offered one of my spares, and thankfully it was fixed. It's now 12.30ish. What a faff! The Chocolate Cafe was heaving, so we continued to the cafe on the riverside. It was actually a good call.
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| Greasy spoon cafe on the riverside. Bacon rolls, Egg on roast, sausage onions and chips for some! |
The loos in the building behind were ALL "out of order". Ridiculous, so a detour next to the Station to use the loos. (the ones that play The Blue Danube" while you wee. 😂.) Are we ever going to get to the garden?! I messaged Gill and John to warn of our late ETA.
Lynne suggested using the little pathway to Sonning Eye, but I dont like the right turn you have to make to come out with poor visibility shortly before the river. But interestingly John DID go that way but also found a little extra path which takes you through to the car park at the hotel. So one to use another time if it's busy.
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| Close up of John's little extra track to emerge at the French Horn Car park. |
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| Busy busy! We are not usually out at this time of day. |
Quickest route back now, via Woodley, to Sandford Lane etc.
Home at 16.58! But a grand day out, which everyone seemed to enjoy. Martina was dashing off to a scout camp very soon after getting home. Whereas I relaxed with a cuppa. followed by a bit of blogging and a nice glass of wine. Thanks all for joining me for a great day out.... apart from the "P" word. Enjoy the half term Lynne and Martina. See the others soon.
