Making the most of the summer days before they are gone. Breeze Leader Hazel Adams made a request to assist on one of my rides during August, and today was the only Wednesday I had free, so we had inked it in the diary. I thought a new route would be good, although know most of it myself. I had also pre ridden it on Friday, with friend Jeanette. (when we had gone wrong once.)
We parked at Mattingley Church, where Tracey had already arrived, cycling from home in Basingstoke. Well done.... and of course she had to get back home at the end.
Route link (photo of route at end)
A coolish start to the morning, and suddenly an Autumnal feel to the days. So quite a few had jackets on to start with.
 |
| Cool but sunny start at Mattingley church. |
The first couple of miles were under shady tree canopies, as we crossed to Rotherwick and through Tilney Hall grounds, to drop down to Newnham X Roads. We split into 2 groups here, and met again as we turned left into Pot Lane.
 |
| time for jackets off as we pull up in Pot Lane. |
 |
Saddlecam selfie of the group.
Sandra, Hazel, Gill, Tracey, Amanda T, Louise, Kim, Me, Jeanette |
 |
| Behind the log was this lovely field of Haybales. |
A short climb, then a left turn to drop down under the railway and then to cross the A30 into Andwell. Right turn on Greywell Road and very soon left into Frog Lane, continuing to Mapledurwell. It's all slightly uphill now, but gradual, and eventually we drop down to this junction, to turn left on Tunworth Road.
 |
| Junction at Tunworth Road |
 |
A brief drink stop on Tunworth Road Junction.
|
And it continues up hill, and then annoyingly drops down to a X Roads, where we turn sharp right into a narrow lane, and then its all uphill again, to the gate with the view at the top in Weston Corbett.
 |
| A great view and well worth the climb. It peaks at 11% but mostly around 7%. |
 |
Look! They are still smiling!!😂 And now a big downhill.
|
At the bottom the hill, a T junction with Weston Road, and I wave them all round the corner to continue downhill into Upton Grey. Arriving with the pond on our left. The shop just passed the pond.
 |
A full house, infact Hazel had to sit on the step.
|
 |
This lone cyclist was confined to the bench, but happy to be photographed,
then offered to take our group shot. |
 |
| Camera in hand, on Ford Lane. |
 |
| Ford Lane |
We came to the Alton Road, a busy road between Odiham and South Warnborough, where we cross straight over, and a gradual climb uphill towards Long Sutton.
 |
| Hayley Lane, as we climb up towards Long Sutton. |
We didn't go quite as far as Long Sutton village, but took a left turn into the quiet Wood Hill Lane. Just a few yards in, through a gap in the hedge, I noticed a field of sun flowers. Too pretty to miss, so a stop to enjoy them for those who wanted to.
All safely into a quieter lane now, to take us under the M3, then the cheeky uphill over the railway, before arriving at the A30 in Murrel Green. A couple of hundred yards on the excuse for a footpath, then into Borough Court Road (back of West Green Gardens).
Someone had said they had never been to see Dipley Mill, so although just off of our route, a quick detour to see it. Always looking lovely whatever the season.
 |
Dipley Mill with Orange Dahlia, Crocosmia, Helenium, and other late season colours.
The huge Gunnera leaves still looking magnificent too. |
With a group this size, I thought best to not carry on, and take 2 right hand turns back to Mattingley on main roads, so we climbed back up the hill and took 2 left turns instead.
 |
| Just as few yards before we got back, I spotted this. 😂 Amused me anyway. |
Thanks to Hazel for joining me today. I know you enjoyed seeing a new area. As did the riders. Lovely to have your company on this glorious "summer " day.
